craftslesson5p2 solomon

In one box I used a length of wire for a pin and placed it in a scarab bead to go with an Egyptian box. For the smaller of the two that I have built I used a skull bead and a length of wire for the pin.

The next pictures show both big and small boxes opened and closed and one shot shows the slot and loop arrangement, the pins can be seen in the foreground.

Large Egyptian Box (note the scarab pin)

Large Box Closed

Small Egyptian Box

Open Small Egyptian Box

For practical use, the wax arrangement does depend on the temperature of the room and the atmospheric conditions. Timing is everything as the saying goes. By handing a spectator the box and asking them to remove the pin and place the box on the table, there is time to talk about the odd pin or the origin of the box or what ever as you are waiting for the box to spring open.

The smaller of the boxes shown in the pictures required a quantity of flat lead to be secured in the bottom of the box and then covered with the box lining. The spring mechanism is so strong that when the box popped open it would almost flip over. The action is startling enough without the contents being cast out on the table prematurely.

One other addition to my arrangement had to do with the lining. I worked the lining so as to cover the only exposed area of the spring. That portion that covers the hinge arrangement hides it. This is done when planning the lining pieces and that section is done after the top and bottom linings are secure. The inside edges are covered with strips of card stock covered with the lining material. This just dresses the box nicely so that it doesn't look quite so plain. After all, coffins are lined with satin and lace to stay in keeping of the dignity of the service.

These boxes are quit unusual and the automatic action is very disturbing. It is well worth the time and effort it takes to put this to work. There is never a presentation where these are used that doesn't draw that coveted "AWW" sound made by dropping jaws.

In the Craft,
Ed Solomon +++ Collector of the weird and maker of messes.