Hamsa hand box

[handibunny]

I found this description through Google: The Hamsa hand is a prominent Jewish motif that can be found almost everywhere: charms, door entrances, Jewish jewelry, blessings for home and much more. According to the tradition, the Hamsa hand protects the ones who display it in their homes or wear it around their necks. Many believers place the Hamsa hand in their homes and at their work place to ward off the "evil eye".

I've been trying to create Jewish-themed scroll saw projects that are not trite, or tied only to holidays. There is plenty of Hamsa jewelry, but I have not found a box in that shape. I tried out 2 versions, since it was a good excuse to do an inlay project. I'm thinking that I might combine the two boxes and use inlay with inlace for the eye.

And you would not believe the prices for wooden objects in Judaica stores! The menorah that was a inspiration for the one I posted goes for $130 online, and in stores. Seems high to me, but no one forces people to buy stuff.

I am definitely going to do more work with inlay (thanks, Jim and Jim)!

[Wood Dog]

Well done Carole, but I wouldn't expect anything less from you.

[wood-n-things]

Very nice indeed!

[Sally]

Beautiful Carole!

[Forester21]

They look great Carole! I do like the inlay, but like the inace for the eye too. So, I'm looking forward to seeing your third Hamsa box...
T

[Hawaiilad]

Great boxes Carole. I see I'm not the only person that loves trying different items and styles...thanks for sharing

[JimSawyer]

Great looking boxes Carole...!!!
I like the thin band of purpleheart on the lid of the inlaid box. The banding is quite nice on the inlace box as well, but of course I'm partial to the inlay...

I may have to go check out the Judaica stores near me...
Thanks.

[Oges]

Both versions have turned out real well, nice work

[DWSudekum]

Excellent work Carole. Isn't it amazing what folks will buy and for what? Thanks for sharing it with us.

DW

[handibunny]

Thanks, everyone. It's fun going where "no man has gone before" (in a manner of speaking).

Jim, I found that gluing a thin piece of wood to the back side of the inlay gives a finished look, and covers up any unsightly spaces. I also found that using an awl to mark the point where you drill your hole keeps the bit from slipping around.

Expect to see more inlay from me--it's really a great technique. I'm also adding some intarsia to my projects--can't keep on doing the same stuff all the time!

[KtownScroller]

Ooooo that's pretty cool looking Carole! I like the design.

[will8989]

Carole, I can see this being a good seller at shows. I often have people asking for jewish themed items. I will definitely look into this in my "down time".

[susieq4131]

Those turned out great! Excellent job!

SQ

[handibunny]

Betty, if there is enough interest in Jewish-themed objects, I may be able to get a small book published by Fox Chapel. So far, in addition to the hamsa boxes, I have a bread board that I cut as a segmentation to look like a challah (will try an intarsia version soon), a box that looks like a challah on a laminated board, and a large oval bowl (I posted it on the forum without the decoration) that has a shallow (1/4") intarsia challah on the bottom. I am working on a puzzle box with a Star of David theme, and another menorah design. I'm going to look into making a "charity box" (Tzedakah), and some jewelry-type boxes with words like "Shalom" and "Mazel Tov" inlaid on the lid.

And if I can't get a book out of this, I'll get what I can into SSW&C. Around the holiday time, Shannon is always on the lookout for Jewish-themed items. I took her to task one year when there was not a single Jewish-themed item in the holiday issue. I'm not religious, but it just didn't seem fair.

So I'm glad that someone has been asked for Jewish-themed items. If anyone one else has had that experience, please let me know. Thanks.

[will8989]

Are you kidding me? The Star of David Puzzle and Menorah are the first to sell off my table and am always asked "anything else?" I found the info on google and printed the one that I think you used for your pattern. Do you mind if I make my own version of it? Looks like the thumbs are actually birds. I also saw that pomergrante (sp?) are used for candle holders. I see a whole lot of items that would be good sellers! You listening, Shannon & Bob? PHEW! This was alot of typing with only 8 fingers. So at least reward me with one of Carole's patterns in the holiday issue.