Start with a tree. Maple and Cherry trees grow in abundance in North America.
Cherry tree leaves and to the left- maple tree
Thin bands of wood are cut to size with their characteristic swallowtail fastenings and then steamed to make them pliable.
Whilst still hot and flexible the wooden bands are bent around a wooden core, which acts as a template.
Copper tacks are used to hold the bands firmly – no glue is used
Hammering in the copper tacks
The bands are left to dry overnight with shapers inserted in the top and bottom to keep their oval shape
Tops and bottoms are made to fit the bands and wooden pegs are inserted to hold the box together
