Constructing a Vessel: Description

In this project, Constructing a Vessel, we were to design and build a wooden vessel, using the band saw, that would hold something special and meaningful to us.  First we had to pick our object.  This object was supposed to be fairly small, since we would be working with sections of wood that were 8 x 5”.  To determine how we wanted our box to look, we started off by making mind maps.  This helped us connect key words to our object and figure out how they could help influence the structure and shape of our wooden vessel.  We used this information to draw sketches of possible designs.  Out of these sketches, we picked three to pursue, and constructed them out of materials such as cardboard, bristle board, or foam core.  This helped us not only determine the best size, shape, and structure to carry out in our final model, but also details such as how the lid would fit on, the thickness of the walls, what kind of wood we would use, etc.  We then refined one vessel idea for our final product.  Before we created a wooden model of our vessel, we viewed a demonstration in the Common Shop.  During this presentation, we learned about different types of wood, different tools we would come in contact with, and the safety guidelines behind it all.  We then practiced using the band saw with scrap wood to get us familiar with the machine.  When we became comfortable with the material, we bought our own wood to work with.  First, we glued the pieces of wood, holding them together with clamps to dry.  We then drew to scale what we wanted the top and side view of our vessel to look like.  I did this on a piece of paper and glued it on the wood with rubber cement to use as a guide when I cut out the shape on the band saw.  First, we cut out the side view of our vessel, along with the lid and the floor.  We used carpet tape to keep these three pieces together and cut out the top view of our vessel.  The middle section was then used to cut the walls of our box.  With much sanding and gluing, we finally covered our boxes with Polyurethane to give them a finished look.

            My wooden vessel holds a variety of stones.  However, it is based off of three specific stones that I carry with me everywhere; rose quartz, malachite, and hematite.  They were given to me by my mom and godmother to remind me everything was going to be all right whenever I was anxious, worried, or nervous.  I wanted my box to be something that could fit easily and comfortably in someone’s hand, since that is what these stones do and are used for.  Therefore, I made my wooden vessel a rounded, organic shape, like a stone, with indentations where a person’s fingers could rest.