Day 5, Simply Beautiful Boxes at Marc Adams School

Today we finished our last day of box making class with demonstrations making inlay and wooden hinges. There are no limits to the possibilities when it comes to box making, but I think we were worn out. Marc Adams noted that perhaps in the future we should call it "boxes making class" as each student had made several rather than one. Students took home samples of a variety of styles and joinery techniques. My first, second and third grade students at Clear Spring School love having what they call a "creative day" when they get to do whatever woodworking they want. Box making class at Marc Adams is like a "creative week" for adults. And in taking a walk through the benchroom, one sees the results.

This year my class was sold out with a waiting list, so if you are interested in taking this class next year, register as soon as possible in December to assure your place in next summer's class. I want to publicly thank my assistants, Marc Adams School staff members Doug Dale, Zane Powell and Herman Bueno. They are essential to the success of the class, making certain students are safe and that their creative inclinations are fulfilled.

I am on the road for the 4th of July weekend to visit with my sisters in Omaha Nebraska and will meet with an Omaha Woodworker's Club on Tuesday night before returning to Arkansas. My demonstration box for the Scandinavian Box Making Class is shown above, and one of my own demonstration boxes from the weeklong class is shown below.

As you can see from the photos we did not get around to applying finish to our boxes. Students felt confident to do that at home. My recommendation is to use a Danish oil finish but to do so when they have plenty of time to hang out with the boxes to make sure they are rubbed out properly between coats. The worst mistake with a Danish oil finish is to simply apply it and walk away leaving it to dry unattended. A sticky mess can occur.