You might recognize this book box from my most recent post. When I started roughing this book form from a green log, I had no final design in mind at all. But that wonderful “blemish” that was revealed on the cover inspired me to go with this little homage to Whitman. The available space and the title itself led to the design of these letter forms on the front cover.
Not so grass-like on the spine.
I thought a lot about the back cover and decided to go with a representation of Whitman himself, based on a steel engraving by Samuel Hollyer that served as the frontispiece of the 1855 edition of Leaves of Grass. Whitman at 35 years old:
I decided to focus on Whitman’s face. Like the lettering and chip-carved border on the rest of the box, a knife is all that’s needed.
Well, I also used a stamp for some pounced texture on the background.
The lid is a sliding dovetail. Carved and painted with milk paint to suggest pages.
“Open sesame!”
This little book box is 5.25″ x 3.5″ x 2″, but they can be much larger. I’ve got a couple others roughed out in cherry and aspen (above). I’m going to hold on to this one, at least for a little while. I want to have an example of at least one of these to take to my shrink pot class in June. But, I’ve finished a few other shrink pots, and a bowl, too, that I plan to post for sale early next week.
Book boxes, (shrink-style and otherwise) have a long and broad tradition. The design can go in so many different directions. I’ve mentioned it before, but here’s a link to an exhibition at The MET. I’ve written posts with other examples that I’ve made. Those can be found easily by searching “book box” or something on my blog home page.
Above is a wonderful example made by Jögge Sundqvist from his book Karvsnitt. And, in case you missed it, Jögge has started a blog.
David Fisher, Carving Explorations 
Dave, I hesitate to contradict you, but a knife is not all that is needed. The gifts of great artistic ability and lively imagination are also needed…and you have those in abundance! I feel so privileged to be able to take your October class at Pete’s. I so look forward to learning from you!
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Looking forward to carving together in October, Sue! Thank you.
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I agree with Sue. The Whitman box, and your talent, are amazing.
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Your Leaves of Grass book is amazing, Dave, and inspiring. Your artistry, creativity, and technical skill is always a joy to see. Thank your for sharing your work, your thoughts, and your knowledge through this blog.
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Fabulous—-
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Great post Mr. Fisher, that carving of Whitman’s face is truly incredible!
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Beautiful box. I can’t wait to see what the June class creates. You under estimate your creativity and talent. See you in October.
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A stunning piece Dave. I’m so appreciative and grateful for all you are doing to bring a new face to the humble shrink pot. Thank you for all the ways your art is infusing the craft.
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That middle box must be the Mary Poppins’ bag of book boxes if the yardstick resting inside goes down 32”. Neat trick.
There’s much room for playing around in the book box form. And folk love to get them, too.
Dave, if you don’t mind. I’d like to know more about how you make the dovetail groove in the top.
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I love the Mary Poppins reference, Phil! Long story, but I have a bunch of 6″ cut-offs from the end of yardsticks. They come in pretty handy in more ways than I imagined. In this case, I was using that one as a shim to keep the sides of the book from moving inward as it dried.
I form the dovetail groove in the top by scoring the base of the groove with a cutting gauge (or a modified pin gauge), then cutting the angle down to it with a chisel and/or knife. A little back and forth between the two. That’s the basic idea. I’ll try to get together something with more detail soon.
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Hey Dave
Do you use the 2 blade BOKER Tree Brand knife or 3 blade knife for lettering?
I ordered the 2 blade and it seems a bit small in my hand?
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I use the Boker Traditional Series Whittler Pocket Knife for lettering at this scale. The current model available is “2.0” since it is now made with D2 steel blades, three of them (Clip-point, pen, and coping). Of course that’s just my individual preference based on what fits me and what I’ve gotten used to.
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