Tea Boxes (or Whatever-You-Want-In-It Boxes)

I’m not entirely sure what the impetus for making these boxes were. Some things just kind of come to you as an idea and you run with it, knowing exactly where the idea originated. Sometimes, though, something comes to you for no reason and you run with that.

The original box that led to me making these was made with Birch plywood scraps — its size and shape was dictated by what was left and the box was no bigger than what I had on hand. Well, despite being made of scraps, I was pleased enough with how it turned out that I decided to make some more. But this time I wouldn’t use Birch scraps — I didn’t have any more to use. And this is where walnut-veneered plywood came in.

These boxes measure (Note: all sizes are very close to this, but may vary from item to item as they are made by hand, not a computer):

• Exterior — 9.75″ x 9.75″ x 5″
• Interior — 8.75″ x 8.75″ x 3.5″
• Bottom Trays has 9 (nine) 2.75″ squares
• Upper Trays have 9 (nine) 2.5″ squares (Except for the one which has two trays of approx. 2.5″ x 8″

There are four varieties here. All have four have 9 cubbies in the bottom. The , three of them have 9 cubbies up top, one has two small/long trays:

• Nine (9) divided bare wood cubbies in the bottom, with a tray of nine (9) unlined divided cubbies above
• Another Nine (9) divided bare wood cubbies in the bottom, with a tray of nine (9) unlined divided cubbies above
• Nine (9) divided faux-flocking lined cubbies in the bottom, with a tray of nine (9) faux-flocking lined divided cubbies above
• Nine (9) divided faux-flocking lined cubbies in the bottom, with Two elongated sliding/removable upper trays above also lined with faux-flocking

Though these boxes were made of plywood — good plywood — they were all made with love. Each is edge-banded in solid wood, hiding the layers of plywood within, but still retain the stability plywood offers. As always, there are imperfections in the boxes — that’s the beauty of handmade. You can see a slight router accident on the back of one of them one and there are other bits of character that truly give these pieces character.

While I might call them ‘tea boxes’ you can put whatever you want in them — use your imagination.

You can buy them here…