The concept and design began with a simple question: “What do I want this casepiece to encase?” I envisioned the objects inside as a meaningful pair—a journal and a pen, both carrying the traces of one’s thoughts and memories. I challenged myself to craft the piece from a single board, highlighting the natural gradient of colors from the deep, rich tones of the heartwood to the lighter hues of the sapwood. With the exception of the legs, every part of this piece is made from a single 10-foot, 5/4 walnut board. The exposed seam on both cases accommodates the movement of the wood throughout the changing seasons. The angled cuts and tapering of the legs resemble the facets of a jewel, signifying the preciousness of the furniture itself and what it holds within.

Dimension: 10"w x 12"d x 28"h