David W. Crothers ~ Custom Woodcarving Artisan
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David W. Crothers ~ Custom Woodcarving Artisan
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Box
Styles, Sizes and Construction |
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The boxes I generally carve are of three different styles:
Examples of each, both closed and opened, are shown on the left. For the purposes of this
presentation of the varying box styles, please disregard the carving on
any particular box.
Click on any of the photos on the left for more details. |
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Characteristics
of the woods used in the construction of The following three types of wood are used in the construction of the boxes: LINDEN -- This is a light wood (honey blond when finished) that does not have much visible grain and takes minute detail extremely well. It is used to a minor extent for the construction of furniture and is one of the favorite woods of European carvers. Because it doesn't show much grain pattern the wood does not compete with delicate carved detail. It is also know as limewood or basswood. BUTTERNUT -- Also know as "white walnut" and a true member of the walnut species, this is a beautifully grained wood that carves well. When finished, it is almost impossible to tell from walnut. BLACK WALNUT -- A very dark, very hard, rich looking wood. It does not carve well with the method I use (chip carving) since it has a tendency to split out, especially when carving detail. Also, because the carving is incised into the wood, to a degree it depends on light and shadow to show up correctly. This capability is lost because of the dark color of the wood. When this wood is employed, it is not carved, but functions as an rich accent to the linden that is carved. |
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Upon deciding on the carving design, personalization elements, and type of box desired, prices are quoted in U.S. dollars. (A 6% sales tax is applicable to Pennsylvania residents.) A deposit of 30% is required before work on your box begins. A NOTE ABOUT PRICING Price is always a concern when deciding upon an item. Since virtually all of the work I do is custom, there are no "standard" prices for any of the boxes. Rather, price varies considerably in order for me to satisfy each individuals' personal desires and are individually quoted after inquiry. Prices for a Commemorative Heirloom Box are determined by both the type of box chosen and the amount and complexity of the design and carving decided upon. While it is certainly true that custom work is generally more expensive than like items which are mass produced, I try to work with you and your budget to keep my prices as low as possible for truly custom work without sacrificing the quality or uniqueness of the final keepsake. Style 'A' Boxes are normally more expensive than Style 'B' Boxes by virtue of their construction. My aim is to have each uniquely created box simply viewed by the recipient as "priceless", regardless of the money exchanged in the process.
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