The good news is, almost anything passes or becomes a jewelry box. From 
something small enough to fit in the palm of your hand to a full blown 
chest of drawers.

   If she is a kind woman anything you made for her with your hands will 
not draw criticism or "defect inspection" so its a pretty sure hit.

   I would be looking into what space to house it is available. Making 
something that is a pain to fit into your house I would avoid.  A box 
that miraculously "fits right in" keeps the magic going.
  I would try to find out her favorite wood or at least wood color for 
inlays or overlays etc. Everyone has one.
   I would try to access a peek at what she already has and likes in the 
way of jewelry. Almost every girl has her favorites. Lots of necklaces 
that want to tangle is different from lots of rings that want to pile.

    I would use a hard finish of some kind. Its going to be handled 
frequently and probably washed down occasionally. So treat it the same 
as a side table in its finish, so it doesn't prematurely need attention.

You really can't miss when it comes to a jewelry box.
   yours scott


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    Scott Grandstaff
    Box 409 Happy Camp, Ca  96039
    scottg@s...
    http://www.snowcrest.net/kitty/sgrandstaff/
    http://www.snowcrest.net/kitty/hpages/index.html