Introduction: GIFT BOX: EYE OF HORUS

About: In my shop I have a name for hammer, saw, and plier. The saw is Tess, the hammer's Joe, and Glumdalclitch is the plier. Yes, I'm brillig, and my slithy toves still gyre and gimble in the wabe. With that, le…

With Christmas coming, 'tis time to make another present. This one is for my Youngest Son. Since I already had a perfect top for a decorative box, I decided to use it. Below is a link to show how I did the inlay for the Eye Of Horus. This EYE is also a tattoo on my son's wrist. He is also the one who gifted me the box of hardwood cut-offs I used to both make the eye and decorate this box. Kind of apropos that this should be his gift, huh?

THIS IS HOW I DID THE INLAY FOR THE COVER

Step 1: MATERIALS

From the box of hardwood cut-offs, I ripped 3/8" pieces to use for the design. I used 3/4" pine for the base and 1/4" plywood to which I glued the cut-offs.

Step 2: TOOLS & SUPPLIES

The tools and supplies I used are pictured above.

Step 3: THE PLAN

Mostly, I work from an idea in my head, but for this Instructable, I jotted down my idea to give you a visual reference. I wanted to create a faux brick look using the hardwoods which I ripped down to 3/8" thick pieces.

Step 4: THE COVER

I know the top of the cover was made of oak. I'm not sure if the sides are zebra wood or something else. Anyway, I ripped down equally wide pieces, mitered the corners, glued and added bamboo skewers as dowels to secure the sides to the Eye of Horus top. Once the glue dried, I trimmed the skewers flush and sanded.

Step 5: THE CORNERS

I didn't want to miter the corners of the sides. I ripped a piece of purple heart into 1" squares, keeping track of what I was doing by marking the pieces with chalk. Then I routed a rabbet just a skosh deeper than the thickness of the sides which would be about 5/8" thick when completed.

Step 6: THE SIDES

I printed a picture of a brick wall which I cut and glued to each 1/4" side to act as a guide for placing the faux bricks. I used one of the hardwood dowels to add a bit of pizazz to the front and back, capturing the shape of Horus' pupil. Then using a combination of hand saws, scroll saw, and bench sander I cut and fit the pieces in place, trying to vary the woods adjacent to each other as best I could. Where there were tiny gaps I used shims of pine for the bright contrast in an attempt to match the artisanry of the stonemasons who would fill in the chinks as they built.

I really enjoyed this part of fitting everything together and watching the design unfold. It took me several days working a few hours a day. I was very liberal with the glue and gave it plenty of time to dry.

Step 7: TUNG OIL AND STAIN

I used Tung Oil on the sides and corner posts which brought out the beauty of the hardwoods. I stained the base with golden pecan. That's pee KAHN, not pee can, in case you're interested.

Step 8: ASSEMBLY

Before finishing I dry fit everything. Then I did the finishing, then glued and assembled. I will hit it all with spray lacquer, but for now, I'd say it's complete. I think my Youngest will enjoy what I've done with the gift of hardwoods he gave me.

Step 9: CONCLUSION

I hope you enjoyed this build and got something out of it. All comments appreciated, all questions answered. By the way, that's Pixie. She likes to keep me company sometimes when I work. That's her "ready-to-go-in' look on her face.

KJ