"Hello Marilyn and Al, Your box arrived today, a present for my wife. I've looked for a jewelry box for her for many years, window-shopping on every trip I took, occasionally cruising on the internet. I even doodled some designs with hopes of perhaps aquiring the skill myself to work with wood; but I can't make my hands shape the ideas too well. Anyway, I enjoyed the hunt, but nothing ever was quite what I was looking for. And since a jewelery box was not a necessity, I could afford to wait. As soon as I saw your website, however, I was flabbergasted to realize that I had found what I was looking for. The boxes are all extraordinary, and though I wish I could sit down with each one in turn--weighing their various qualities, opening and closing lids, testing drawers, studying them from different angles--the Arts and Crafts box was an easy decision for me. It brings to mind the feel of certain neighborhoods where I like to walk and look at the gardens and architecture--lots of Maybeck and Morgan houses in the East Bay. It reminds me of my grandmother's old house, of furniture that I never thought anything of, as a kid, but which I appreciate in retrospect, when I look at photographs. Your box evokes that strong sense of the past for me, but I also admire your imagination and experimentation, and your devotion to craftsmanship. True enough, it is a somewhat reckless purchase for me at the moment; but I'm not sorry in the least. In fact I am very glad of it. I only note that to emphasize that the box has far greater value to me than the cost. It's a work of art. I salute your skill and your philosophy. Thank you and best wishes, Barry"

Castro Valley, California