Nate’s Objects, Vol. 1

A selection of four items I designed and crafted during this year’s studies.

Cabriole Leg

A chair leg in traditional Cabriole style, with one profile design cut into two sides. I nicknamed it “Hen in Heels.” Constructed with HDU foam, colored white with spray paint.

Bento Box

A bento box, spurred by this tweet and my resulting thoughts about what we expect from the shapes we eat out of. Three boards of poplar wood were stacked and glued, and the walls were cut from this solid block. This process was especially efficient to achieve the rounded shapes required for my design. A circular entrée bowl sits to the left, while a very spoon-like section on the right holds a spoon. Between them is a spot for snacks and such. The lid holds tight and features a soft edge for easy opening. Finished with a yellow shellac.

Paper Box

A box sized to hold the standard letter-sized paper on which I frequently sketch. Constructed with laser-cut MDF board, and some gorilla glue gel. It sports a large living hinge and a clever latch system. Does the pattern on the front look familiar? I chose to cover my box with an excerpt from the essay that launched this blog one year ago. It’s now commemorated forever in a physical object.

Floating Handle Watering Can

A watering can prototype designed to reduce stress on the wrist and body. A floating handle connects to the can with rope at 3 points, keeping it stable regardless of wrist position. The rope attached at the rear can be wound up to tilt the can without modifying its weight distribution. Constructed primarily with PVC pipe. Solid wood handle was spun on a lathe to achieve its pill shape. The concept is best explained in my portfolio.