Distinctive Boxes

Distinctive Boxes Decorative boxes of all sizes made from a variety of woods. Inlays are all made in my shop. Custom boxes can be made. The grain and colour makes each box unique.

Distinctive Boxes

I spent years carving and painting birds and would often use highly figured wood for the bases. The beautiful wood sparked an interest in doing something else with the wood and I eventually switched to making boxes. At the time I had no idea how addictive this would become. I soon realized that I could never make two boxes exactly the same. I search for wood with interesting gra

in and colour to highlight my boxes. Although most of my wood is from local sources, I do get a few exotic pieces from a couple of woodturner friends who look for wood further afield. The edges of my boxes often use contrasting wood as they help to accent the main colours of the wood. A favourite activity is figuring out how to make the various inlays that are used in many of my boxes. All inlays are made in my shop from various coloured woods or veneers. Other boxes are more subtle and use only woods that blend in with the rest of the box. This is especially important with highly figured woods as I don’t want anything to distract from the main wood. Once I decide on the materials used on the outside of the box, I switch to the interior. I usually use a different type of wood to contrast with the outside. Inlays can be used inside as well. I try to have a bit of a “Wow” factor when the lid is lifted. Generally larger boxes have trays added and are lined with suede or leather. I’ve spent considerable time searching for the best hardware available. My recent boxes use hinges from England of solid brass and although they are quite expensive, they add to the overall appearance of the box. Why spend all that time building a box and then use inferior hardware in it? Boxes can be used for almost anything. I’ve made boxes for customers who used them for jewellery, humidors, storing tea, hiding remote controls, storing phones and charging cords, memory boxes for loved ones and even wooden urns. I’ve always enjoyed boxes and am now examining interesting boxes from the past two or three centuries and making replicas of them. Wayne Smith

Some more of the boxes I've made on the lathe. I'm having way too much fun.
04/20/2026

Some more of the boxes I've made on the lathe. I'm having way too much fun.

Experimenting with designs on hollow forms
03/24/2026

Experimenting with designs on hollow forms

4 sets of small boxes. Largest one is only about 15cm long.
03/24/2026

4 sets of small boxes. Largest one is only about 15cm long.

Some small turned boxes
11/10/2025

Some small turned boxes

Box elder hollow forms
11/10/2025

Box elder hollow forms

20 cm diameter beautifully figured walnut box
11/10/2025

20 cm diameter beautifully figured walnut box

38 cm figured maple tray
11/10/2025

38 cm figured maple tray

59 cm cherry, walnut and bloodwood tray
11/10/2025

59 cm cherry, walnut and bloodwood tray

A couple of round walnut boxes turned on the lathe.
11/10/2025

A couple of round walnut boxes turned on the lathe.

Address

London, ON

Telephone

+15198686115

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