Jewellery storage cabinet
Maraika and her finished cabinet
(Click to enlarge)
Maraika Lidgard
Remuera Intermediate School
Year 8 Hard Materials Technology
Teacher: Geoff MacCulloch
Student workbook gallery
When Maraika was given a brief 'to design and make an original gift' she consulted some potential clients and asked about their interests and hobbies. After considering ideas for suitable gifts, she drew concept plans for three – a jewellery closet for her older sister, an ornamental letter 'M' for herself, and a jewellery box for her mother. Maraika decided that the jewellery closet would be a "more challenging and fun" project, and was something unique that would "stand out".
The gift would solve her sister's storage problem, and Maraika decided that providing space for make-up would make it even more useful. Her design included:
- a mirror;
- two shelves (with a barrier to stop make-up falling off); and
- a detachable railing to hang rings on.
Maraika varnishing her cabinet
(Click images to enlarge)
Maraika and her finished cabinet
(Click to enlarge)
Maraika had specified that the two doors must open and close without any trouble, and designed a gap between the doors and shelves to ensure that the necklaces would fit when the cupboard was closed. She modified her design during the construction stage, including adding feet to lift the cupboard higher and to prevent the bottom being damaged. Maraika enjoyed constructing the closet and found the only difficult part was attaching the hinges and screws. She notes that she used glue to hold the pieces together instead of nails because it proved stronger and looked better.
Maraika chose plywood for its aesthetic properties, explaining that she likes seeing the grain of the wood and that the staining enhances this. After sanding, she applied oil to the exterior, interior, and doors.
Maraika is pleased with her outcome, especially with the creative aspect and that the closet looks different to ordinary make-up and jewellery boxes. As part of her evaluation she comments that if she made it again she would incorporate more sophisticated storage ideas inside the closet such as earring holders.
Teacher comment
Maraika put a huge amount of planning and effort into her project. Her attention to detail is impressive, and the technological process she used – from conceptual drawings and sketches through to the completion of her project – reflects her outstanding overall proficiency in all aspects of Technology.
RSS Feed
