I make a flute box or presentation case for my flutes. I call it a presentation case because it is not only a safe home for the flute, but when opened it transforms into a stand on which the flute can be displayed. To do this you take off the top of the flute box and invert it.. Then take out the flute. The flute has been resting on two wooden nests that you remove and fit into groves in the flute boxes top. The top of the flute box is next rested on the bottom and the flute is put on the resulting stand. This is demonstrated in the pictures. I think of opening the flute box and transforming it into a display case as a sort of ritual or presentation. This act consecrates or gives a blessing to the continuing gifts that the flute brings to us.
It took a long time to figure out the design of this flute box. I’d be soaking in the hot tub looking up at the stars and then I’d close my eyes and do design work in my head. It’s kind of fun, like making a puzzle and putting the pieces together in your imagination. I make the box out of 3/8 inch thick cherry with 1/8 inch thick birch ply for the top and bottom. The closed flute box is secured with a buckskin thong and a semi precious stone bead. I finish the box with oil rather than polyurethane. I do this because I find the contrast between the silky smooth flute and the more natural woody finish on the box to be pleasing to both the eye and hand. Also the oil finish is easily repaired as the box gets worn. The oil finish on the flute box imparts a sort of naked wood feel and appearance. It’s surprising how much pleasure you can get from the experience of touching and handling something.
I’m sorry that the price of this box must be so high. I try to keep my work as affordable as possible. But, the box is rather complex and time-consuming to make. There are 22 separate pieces of wood in each box. And, every box must be individually handmade so that the flute rests snugly within the box.
.
