IGMA | Education

36 Hour Class

Instructor:
Carol Hardy, Fellow

Course:
Furniture Construction

Project: Spice Box, 1740-1760

(class is FULL)

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Course Description:
The spice box was a luxury item that was used to store and secure valuables and spices, and was frequently highly decorated. Most spice boxes were made in Chester County, Pennsylvania and conformed in style and construction to English cabinetmaking tradition. Secret drawers, with their special, imaginative locking systems, are the most intriguing features of Pennsylvania spice boxes.

The spice box that students will be constructing measures 19" H x 16" W x 11" D and is based on one from Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. The box includes a Queen Anne raised arched door panel, six interior drawers, arched skirts surmounting three pigeon holes, and a large opening used to contain a spice mortar & pestle. The emphasis on joinery will include dovetail construction, rabbets, dadoes, raised panel construction, drawer and divider construction, foot molding detail, and hinging. Students will use a pin-routing jig to shape the Queen Anne scalloped center drop on the skirt. Of course, the box would not be complete without secret compartments, but I can’t tell you about them, it’s a secret. Detailed drawings and instructions will be provided for the project. Finishing techniques will be discussed and airbrushing techniques will be taught as one option for applying a fine lacquer finish.

Time: 36 hours. Completion is likely.

Power Tools: table saw, scroll saw, lathe, moto tool,
drill press, shaper

Skill Level: This class is suitable for all students from beginner to advanced. Students will use a variety of
both hand and power tools—it is helpful if students
are comfortable with power tools. Accurate measuring
is essential.

Materials Fee: $75. Students will be given the option of purchasing a mortar and pestle created by I.G.M.A. Fellow Lee-Ann Chellis Wessel especially for our spice box.