What do you see

Some may look at this picture and see the large wounds being held together by numerous staples. I see strength, determination,resourcefulness, and resilience.

Finished box

box liner

The desire to care for our dead has existed through out time. The ancient egyptians build massive pyramids that took a lifetime and a hord of slaves to build. I think that it makes sense for families to take a few hours to add personal touches to their final resting box.

I think the installation of the liner and the attention to detail that was shown had a very strong impact on me. I think Owen would be conforted to know how much he was loved, in life ... and at the end as well.

Staining the box

Everyone has a different preference when it comes to the final finishing. Sole like to stick with the raw wood. For Owen's box the family decided on a natural danish oil.

Building a box is fluid process

While I had some suggestions for the finishing details of the box I turned over the design details to Sheryle. For some of the decisions she consulted with her children. It was clear to all however the she knew what she wanted and more important what would make sense for Owen.

It doesn't have to be perfect

Some people think that perfection is what you need to seek when creating a box. I think that like the people my boxes hold, it is the small imperfections that make the project personal.

I had consciously put some of the "character siding" on one side and put the "nicer siding" on the other. This allowed choice and in the end it was the character side that was placed front and centre.



Besides, to think of a tree without branches would be absurd. This is how some of the general public thinks that real would products should appear ... as clear lumber. The reality is if you want a perfect look without costing a fortune you will end up with a plastic laminated panel. This may look nice in the beginning but all it takes is a ding or some moisture and the cheapness starts to show.

Branding the box

thumbs up

Family gathering at Brent's house

I made up a list of the 4 jobs that needed to get accomplished.
1. Fit the log corner posts
2. braid the rope and lash to the handles
3. create the liner
4. final sand and rub in protective oil

Cutting the corner posts

The log railing that came from the ranch was the perfect size for the corner pieces. Dave and I cut the logs to length and then notched them on the table saw. Chubbs had sanded the corners to make sure the logs fit just right.

lid

cutting the tapered corners

Corner detail