Cecil Arnold
03-06-2006, 5:29 PM
I made these boxes about three years ago for Christmas presents for some of our friends. I’m now thinking about making another batch to put in some local craft shows, but wonder if I’ll have to price them beyond what may be supportable at even a “high end” show. The problem is that they just cost a lot to build and cutting the quality doesn’t seem wise. Here’s a description of the boxes to go with the pictures.
<O:p</O:p
They are the same basic box, one is left square and the other is routed for a round effect. The inlays are standard that can be found at Woodcraft and many other outlets. The boxes are constructed from ½” stock, in this case mahogany, basswood, and imbuya (sp?) with through dovetails cut on a D4. The bottom is 1/8” BB, and the inside top, bottom, and tray are covered with brown suede leather. The tray sides are from leftover imbuya. The hinges are Brusso. The top and bottom are separated by a 1/8” rosewood strip miter cut and glued in place. Both boxes are finished with about 6 coats of NC lacquer and rubbed out.
<O:p</O:p
My problem is cost to construct. Wood cost is not too great but in this case represents over $5 per box. Hinges are $18-20 per pair, and leather is $7-10 each. By the time I include contact cement for the leather, lacquer (it took a gallon to do 5 boxes at $20) and the little latch (only $1) I’m looking at $40-50 to build. I have an idea what I would want to ask for these, but I’m looking for input from this wise, diverse group. So here’s the questions:
<O:p</O:p
Do you think there is a good market (or any kind of market) for such boxes?
Would you consider “high end” craft shows a good outlet, or some other venue?
What price would you think is reasonable?
<O:p</O:p
They are the same basic box, one is left square and the other is routed for a round effect. The inlays are standard that can be found at Woodcraft and many other outlets. The boxes are constructed from ½” stock, in this case mahogany, basswood, and imbuya (sp?) with through dovetails cut on a D4. The bottom is 1/8” BB, and the inside top, bottom, and tray are covered with brown suede leather. The tray sides are from leftover imbuya. The hinges are Brusso. The top and bottom are separated by a 1/8” rosewood strip miter cut and glued in place. Both boxes are finished with about 6 coats of NC lacquer and rubbed out.
<O:p</O:p
My problem is cost to construct. Wood cost is not too great but in this case represents over $5 per box. Hinges are $18-20 per pair, and leather is $7-10 each. By the time I include contact cement for the leather, lacquer (it took a gallon to do 5 boxes at $20) and the little latch (only $1) I’m looking at $40-50 to build. I have an idea what I would want to ask for these, but I’m looking for input from this wise, diverse group. So here’s the questions:
<O:p</O:p
Do you think there is a good market (or any kind of market) for such boxes?
Would you consider “high end” craft shows a good outlet, or some other venue?
What price would you think is reasonable?