Ever wonder what magic Rex can create with a pile of “leftover” wood? This stunning box proves that the best treasures often come from the most unexpected places.

What started as cutoffs from Cook Woods and scraps from our own projects has become something that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about “waste.” The main body showcases gorgeous Honduran Mahogany – one of the world’s most renowned woods, prized for furniture and stringed instruments. But here’s where it gets really special: this mahogany has chatoyance.

You might not know the term, but you’ve definitely seen the effect. Chatoyance comes from the French “chatoyer” – to shine like a cat’s eye. Think of tiger’s eye gemstone, but in wood. As you move around this box, the grain literally shifts and dances, with areas of light and dark changing position depending on your viewing angle. It’s like having a piece of living, breathing art that never looks quite the same twice.

The sides tell their own sustainability story – strips of walnut, cherry, and maple scraps that Rex carefully glued up to create these beautiful contrasting bands. What could have been workshop waste became the perfect frame for that stunning mahogany, proving once again that Rex sees beauty where others might see leftovers.

The rich honey-brown tones of the mahogany play beautifully against the varied colors of the domestic hardwoods, and those gold-plated brass hinges and latch aren’t just functional – they’re the perfect finishing touch that says this box means business.

What Makes This Special:

Chatoyance Effect: The mahogany literally shifts and shimmers as you move around it
Sustainable Story: Created entirely from cutoffs and scraps – zero waste, maximum beauty
Premium Hardware: Gold-plated brass hinges and latch for smooth operation and lasting beauty
Versatile Function: Perfect for jewelry, keepsakes, treasures, or whatever needs safekeeping
Expert Craftsmanship: Rex’s 40+ years of experience in every joint and curve

The Details:

Exterior Dimensions: 6⅛” x 3⅟16″ x 2⅞”
Interior Lid: 4¾” x 2½” x ½”
Interior Base: 4¾” x 2½” x 1⅜”
Wood: Honduran Mahogany body with walnut, cherry, and maple sides
Finish: Our signature wood butter (container included)
Hardware: Gold-plated brass hinges and latch

This isn’t just storage – it’s a conversation starter, a daily reminder that beauty can come from the most unexpected places, and proof that sustainable choices don’t mean compromising on elegance. Whether you’re keeping family heirlooms safe, organizing jewelry, or looking for the perfect gift for someone who appreciates both function and beauty, this box delivers on every level.

At $240, you’re investing in the meticulous process of transforming irregular cutoffs into perfectly flat, straight mahogany pieces, plus the precision required to build up those contrasting sides and assemble everything into a box that’ll last generations. Rex’s time and expertise in coaxing beauty from what others might consider waste – that’s what makes this piece worth every penny.

The chatoyance alone makes this piece worth the investment – it’s like having a different treasure box every time the light changes. Add in the sustainability story, the expert craftsmanship, and that gorgeous mix of woods, and you’ve got something that’ll be passed down for generations.

Care Instructions: Apply our included wood butter occasionally to maintain the natural luster and protect the finish. The chatoyance will continue to develop and change over time – it’s one of the joys of owning natural wood.

As always, we’re here if you have questions or just want to chat about wood! Your piece ships with complete care instructions and wood butter to keep it beautiful for years to come.

Handcrafted with pride in Tucson, Arizona by veteran woodworker Rex Cowan. Because the best treasures deserve the most beautiful homes.

handcrafted wood gifts

Bundles & Baskets From the Blog!