A large keepsake box made from domestic Black Cherry (box sides) and Walnut (box top).  The top has inlaid brass and mother-of-pearl in a starfield/night sky effect - inlaid by hand.
 
I build the walls to a thickness of just over 1/4" to keep the box lightweight, and use a 3/4" block of Cherry hardwood for the top - leaving the mass intact to provide a suitable weight for the box.  Refined construction techniques are used, such as the Bloowood miter keys to provide durability to the box; this heirloom will last generations.  Last, the interior bottom is a prized birds-eye maple.
 
The box is finished with hand-rubbed shellac, a non-toxic technique that has been used in fine furniture construction for hundreds of years. Once hardened, the shellac is buffed to a gloss - the photos show this clearly.
 
This will be a treasured gift for some fortunate person and is perfect for house-warmings, birthdays, holidays, or just to surprise and show appreciation for dear friends.