Boxes & Chests: How to Make and Decorate 15 Traditional Country Projects

Boxes and Chests: How to Make and Decorate 15 Traditional Country Projects is a practical woodworking guide by Alan and Gill Bridgewater. This digital edition is provided as a PDF download and gives you instant access to the full text and illustrations after purchase.

The book presents fifteen traditional American country projects, from simple candle boxes to a painted Pennsylvania German dowry chest. Each project includes step-by-step instructions, working drawings, and photographs.

Book Overview

First published by Stackpole Books in 1997, Boxes & Chests belongs to the American folk furniture tradition. The authors set each piece in its historical context, describing the background, original use, and structural details. Projects range from a New England knife tray and salt box to a carved pine chest and barrel-top sea chest.

The book is useful for woodworkers at all levels, from raw beginners to more accomplished makers. It includes gridded working drawings, hand-tool illustrations, and a Woodshop Techniques section for learning or reviewing essential skills.

What You’ll Discover Inside

• Step-by-step instructions for fifteen traditional country boxes, chests, trays, and racks.
• Gridded working drawings and cutting guides for each project.
• Black-and-white photographs and line drawings by the authors.
• A Woodshop Techniques section covering tool use, joints, and construction methods.
• An Inspiration Gallery to help you create original designs based on historical pieces.
• Historical background for each project within the European and American furniture-making tradition.
• A reading list and metric conversion tables.

Why This Book Matters

Boxes and chests are central to the European and American furniture-making tradition. The book explains how these everyday objects became treasured heirlooms and symbols of home and hearth in early America. It preserves the know-how behind painted, carved, and joined wooden boxes.

For woodworkers, traditional box and chest making is a valuable introduction to the craft. The ability to build a well-fitted box demonstrates core skills that make more advanced projects easier.

Book Details

Device Compatibility

This is a digital download, so no physical item will be shipped. After purchase, you can download the PDF and read it on a wide range of devices.

The file works with appropriate Kindle apps, tablets, desktop computers, smartphones, and most PDF reading applications.

FAQ

How soon can I access the book after purchase?
You will receive instant download access after your purchase is complete.

Will a physical copy be shipped?
No. This is a digital PDF download only.

What devices can I use to read it?
The PDF works with Kindle apps, tablets, desktop computers, mobile devices, and most PDF reading apps.

Add this practical guide to your digital library and begin a traditional woodworking project today.