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I now
use a small brad nailer to tack the two shelf supports in place.
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Its time to add the plush red velvet to
the bottom of both the chest and the tray. I have cut 1/8" ply to the dimensions less
1/8"—to allow for the fabric. This is not a usual thickness ply found in most
shops. You can use heavy cardboard just as well.
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I cut the velvet
allowing about an inch over on all sides. The velvet is a great dust collector so be sure
to clean your bench before handling.
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Wrapping the thin ply with
the velvet takes no special skills. I use masking tape to hold the edges taut to the
bottom.
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The velvet covered
ply can now be inserted in the tray. A suggestion: if you insert it in the tray to test
the fit, add a piece of masking tape that can serve as a handle so that you can remove the
tray for the finishing. I didn't do that, and it was tricky trying to get the tight
fitting layer out.
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This gives an idea of the tray and the
bottom of the chest. The red velvet adds quite a nice touch to this walnut chest.
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I started to scribe for the hinge
mortises and then stopped what I was doing. I purchased two small brass hinges at the
local hardware, but after looking at them, I decided to order some nicer brass hinges.
There are some hinges made from heavier brass that will really look elegant—I think
this chest deserves those brasses.
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Well here is the jewelry chest
ready for finishing. I have removed the velvet covered pieces to a clean place and will
start finish sanding the piece.
I probably will use a shellac/ French polish on this jewelry chest. That
takes time, but I think it will be worth it. I did spray the spalted sycamore with
polyurethane before inserting it in the frame. I am hoping that the poly will seal this
porous piece and make it less subject to warping.
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