Project description
I am commissioning a stone box as a gift, and I would rather describe it properly once than correct it halfway through. The size I have in mind is roughly 15 by 10 centimetres, about 7 centimetres tall. The body should be built up from sawn plates of ornamental stone taken from a single block, so the figure runs around the box and reads as one continuous pattern rather than four unrelated faces. Please pick quiet material: soft grey-green or smoky tones with gentle veining. I am open on the exact rock, as long as the pattern stays restrained.
A few conditions matter to me and I will state them plainly. The stone must be bought through the legal trade with a clear origin — nothing collected in nature reserves or on protected ground. I also want the work described in plain terms: no claims about healing, magical or energetic properties of the stone. This is an object made of mineral, and I want it presented as such. Sawing and grinding are to be done wet and with a respirator, because stone dust is dangerous to the lungs, and I would rather the work be done safely than quickly.
On the build itself: the edges are to be fitted so that no gaps show, and the lid must sit flat along the whole rim. Brass hinges with a smooth travel, no play and no slam. Polish the faces to a deep gloss and leave the end faces matt — that contrast of textures is the point. Soft lining inside for jewellery, felt on the base so the box does not scratch a shelf.
I accept two things in advance. The figure of natural stone is unrepeatable, so an exact copy of a photograph is not possible, and I am not asking for one. And the finished box will be heavy and brittle on impact: a dropped corner chips and repairs badly, so it will not be dropped or parked on the edge of a shelf.
What I would like from you:
— stone options with photographs of the actual plates and a cutting plan;
— a drawing with dimensions, the plate layout and a lid variant;
— engraved initials on the lid or an inlay of a contrasting stone, chosen from the drawing;
— progress photographs at sawing, fitting, polishing and assembly;
— packing that survives shipping;
— a firm price and schedule agreed before work starts.
A few conditions matter to me and I will state them plainly. The stone must be bought through the legal trade with a clear origin — nothing collected in nature reserves or on protected ground. I also want the work described in plain terms: no claims about healing, magical or energetic properties of the stone. This is an object made of mineral, and I want it presented as such. Sawing and grinding are to be done wet and with a respirator, because stone dust is dangerous to the lungs, and I would rather the work be done safely than quickly.
On the build itself: the edges are to be fitted so that no gaps show, and the lid must sit flat along the whole rim. Brass hinges with a smooth travel, no play and no slam. Polish the faces to a deep gloss and leave the end faces matt — that contrast of textures is the point. Soft lining inside for jewellery, felt on the base so the box does not scratch a shelf.
I accept two things in advance. The figure of natural stone is unrepeatable, so an exact copy of a photograph is not possible, and I am not asking for one. And the finished box will be heavy and brittle on impact: a dropped corner chips and repairs badly, so it will not be dropped or parked on the edge of a shelf.
What I would like from you:
— stone options with photographs of the actual plates and a cutting plan;
— a drawing with dimensions, the plate layout and a lid variant;
— engraved initials on the lid or an inlay of a contrasting stone, chosen from the drawing;
— progress photographs at sawing, fitting, polishing and assembly;
— packing that survives shipping;
— a firm price and schedule agreed before work starts.
Other / Miscellaneous Cash, Bank transfer
