I called this 'Map Box' not because it is designed to hold maps, but because it looks like one, or rather, several. The beautiful yew I have chosen gives an effect startlingly like a map ~ yew is the best veneer I have ever come across for this as it seems to encompass so many different figures, grains and colours [beaches, cliffs, mountains, islands... ] in a single piece. I have been keeping an eye out for some really good waney-edged light coloured timber with a similar variety of features [birch, maple etc.?] so that I can do a 'tundra' version of this box, but no luck so far.

The main box is pine - I deliberately chose this as a contrast to the luxurious yew and the blue veneer.

This box features all wooden hinges made from cherry. So, no metal in this box anywhere.

The interior is just - a box. Completely plain, no lining - nothing.

This is included as one of the projects in my second book, 'Fine Decorative Boxes' published by Sterling 1998. [ Click here for more information on my books.]