One of those things on a stick ....Now with new stick

[Curt Fuller]

This is one of those lidded boxes on a pedestal from some Russian Olive burl. The pedestal and finial are dyed dunno wood. It's about 10.5" x 4.25". I struggle with getting the proportions right between the stick, the box, and the finial. The parts aren't glued yet but to me the pedestal seems like it should be smaller or at least thinner, the finial seems too small. What do you folks think?

OK, I took the great advice offered and made a new stick for the pedestal. The last 3 pics are with the new stick. And a couple of the pics are more straight on. It's glued now so it is what it is. But now what do you think?

[William Hutchinson]

The Olive Burl is great looking material. From the photo it appears the lid is lost within the form. I like what you've done sans lid/finial. If anything, I'd suggest to make the pedestal taller and thinner to add an elegance that showcases the beautiful burl. All in all you crafted a nice form and the wood choice is superb.

[John Keeton]

Curt, the box is beautiful! I love the wood and the form, and the lid is perfectly done.

The finial I think fits, and is very well done. On the pedestal, for me, I would prefer a little more height and a little thinner in the body. The flare at the top doesn't work for me. The base seems proportionate.

But, as all have said - many times - so much of this is personal taste. I think you did a beautiful job on this one!

[Dennis Ford]

Very nice work with a lovely burl. I agree with John, if the pedestal was thinner and slightly taller it might improve the proportions. I like the flare near the top of the pedestal but would prefer a different transition to the HF.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Beautiful work Curt!

I agree with the others on the pedestal - if it was slightly taller/thinner, it would add to the piece. As is, the pedestal looks to be the same height as the bottom of the burl to the finial. Having something close to the 1/2 ratio never seems to flow as well as something closer to the 2/3s mark. JMO.

I do like your finial! Nice design - very elegant!

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Curt,

I really like the finial and the body of the thing. Gorgeous wood which you have displayed and finished nicely.

Like the others, I'd prefer to see a taller, thinner pedestal. I like the flare into the bottom of the thing.

[David E Keller]

Wonderful color and great shape on the main form. I think I agree with the taller and thinner suggestions, but I'd love to see a true profile pic... It's really hard for me to assess proportions of a 3D thing with photos. I think it's lovely as is, and any suggestions that I would make would be based on my personal preferences.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Curt the piece is a beauty. I like the form and finial. I agree with the others on the pedestal. That burl is beautiful.

[David DeCristoforo]

Not to be redundant but I have to agree with making the "stick" taller. I have kind of gotten carried away with this, making pedestals that are six to seven inches tall. But I have been using them on "flower" forms where I want the pedestal to emulate a long stem. On yours, I would make the pedestal the same height as the main form or even slightly taller to elevate the form. I like the "nested" look of the lid but it might be a bit too "deep" into the main body. Overall, a very nice piece of work.

[Curt Fuller]

The flare at the top doesn't work for me. I liked the flare but thought it was too big. But I had a 3/8" tenon on the bottom of the box so it needed the larger flare to hold the tenon. I remedied it by removing the tenon on the box and drilling the bottom to receive a tenon on the stick. I like it better now.


As is, the pedestal looks to be the same height as the bottom of the burl to the finial. Having something close to the 1/2 ratio never seems to flow as well as something closer to the 2/3s mark.



On yours, I would make the pedestal the same height as the main form or even slightly taller to elevate the form.

I went for kind of a compromise on these two suggestions.


but I'd love to see a true profile pic... It's really hard for me to assess proportions of a 3D thing with photos.
I agree, I've never seen a photo that looks as good as the real thing, but I took a couple shots that are closer to a true profile.

Thanks to all of you folks for the great advice!

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Curt,

I really like your changes!

You have nailed! Stunning!

[David DeCristoforo]

That's enormously better! Now it really works. Nice one.

[Roger Chandler]

This is one of those lidded boxes on a pedestal from some Russian Olive burl. The pedestal and finial are dyed dunno wood. It's about 10.5" x 4.25". I struggle with getting the proportions right between the stick, the box, and the finial. The parts aren't glued yet but to me the pedestal seems like it should be smaller or at least thinner, the finial seems too small. What do you folks think?

OK, I took the great advice offered and made a new stick for the pedestal. The last 3 pics are with the new stick. And a couple of the pics are more straight on. It's glued now so it is what it is. But now what do you think?


Curt,

Great turning! Great piece of wood! Your second pedestal nailed it! Great redo! I could only agree with one other poster who mentioned the lid being down inside the body just a little too much [my tastes]

A superb work for sure.......you should be proud of this one! Look out Keeton and DeCristoforo! :D;) The artists are starting to come out of the woodwork on this forum!

[Steve Schlumpf]

Wow - what a difference a stick makes!!! Really like how the pedestal and finial share the same elements!

Very nice work Curt! Well worth the effort on the second pedestal!

[David E Keller]

Nicely done on the revision. It always amazes me how changing one component visually changes others... The burl form now looks taller and more slender.

How much of that RO Burl have you got left? That stuff is beautiful.

[Greg Ketell]

I didn't quite see what everyone was talking about for the first one but now I do. That looks really really good!!

[Dennis Ford]

It was good before, now it is GREAT!

[Don Alexander]

+1 for what Dennis said :)

[gary Zimmel]

Nice upgrade Curt.

[John Keeton]

Curt, like Steve, I really like the replication of the finial elements in the pedestal. The balance and overall 'feel' of the piece is vastly improved.

And, I love the straight on shots of that burl!!! WOW! That is some really nice stuff.

[Scott Hackler]

Very nice Curt. I like the revised stem a lot better than the first one. Boy that is some pretty wood.

[Baxter Smith]

Nice revision Curt!

[Michelle Rich]

pictures can be very deceiving..hard to get the proportions..The only thing that I have trouble with is the spire on the lid. It is hard to see in there. But that is pics for you. I think it's very nice & the wood is super