For generations, quilters have used traditional block designs for their heirloom quilts. When Dave Grunenwald was looking for designs to showcase his woodworking and marquetry skills, he found his inspiration in some of these same quilt blocks.
We featured 3 of Dave’s Quiltboxes in Quiltmaker’s November/December ’11 issue. 
We fell in love with them and asked Dave to share a little more with us:
How did you get interested in woodworking/wood marquetry?
I’ve been a hands-on kind of guy for as long as I can remember. I used to make my own toys out of wood–little cars, space ships and such. Now I have a business with a partner restoring antique pool tables. The tables often have lots of wood inlay flowers and vines. To restore them, I taught myself marquetry. I fell in love with the woods, and I’ve been making boxes for the last 15 years or so.
What inspired you to use quilt block designs for your boxes?
My girlfriend Beth told me that I should be using quilt block designs. I said, “What are quilt blocks?” But once I saw all the great designs, I was hooked. As I read more about them, something from my art training (MFA) told me that these are great folk art abstractions. Take the log cabin block, for example. Beth told me the little red square in the center represents the fire in the chimney. That’s a great abstraction!
The woods are stunning. Do you have favorites?
I’ll use any wood that has real character. I like the tropical woods with striking grain as well as the beautiful domestic walnut, maple and cherry. My favorite light colored wood is Tamo, Japanese ash. My favorite dark wood changes a lot. Right now it’s redwood burl. I use no stains. I choose the woods for their color and character. My favorite box is always the one I’m making now.
We see 4″, 6″ and recipe box sizes. Do you have plans for other box sizes?
Right now I’m experimenting on a 5″ cube that will have the quilt block design on all 5 sides with the design running right across the opening. I’ll probably do a 7″ box a little deeper than the 6″ for a good dresser top box that will be ideal for men’s watches, keys, cell phones and such. Boxes for stationary are also on the drawing board.
To see more of Dave’s Quiltboxes, visit his blog at quiltboxes.com where you’ll also find the link to his online shop. While you’re there, sign up for his newsletter, get behind the scenes glimpses into Quiltboxes, and look for coupons and giveaways.
Speaking of giveaways, here’s your opportunity to win a Quiltbox. Leave a comment by 12 noon MST on Monday, December 5, 2011 and tell us what traditional quilt block you think would look great in wood. We’ll draw three winners at random. Each winner will receive one of the featured Quiltboxes shown above.
So many wonderful block suggestions. Congratulations to our winners! The random number generator picked #189 NancyD., #238 Karen O and #127 Jennifer. Quiltboxes are on the way to your homes.
How about Carpenter’s wheel? thanks for the chance.
What better than the carpenter’s wheel/star?
The Dutchman’s Puzzle would be a good one.
These are gorgeous! I can’t imagine doing them in wood…but maybe something simple like a log cabin (at least it’s a simple quilt block, not sure it is so simple in wood!
Moroccan Tile would be wonderful in contrasting woods.
Beautiful, beautiful work.
The Ohio Star block would look great. Thanks for a chance. I’m off to check out Dave’s site.
Oh…….any kind of STAR would be wonderful in wood. What beautiful creations these boxes are.
Thx for the chance to win.
I would LOVE to see a Lonestar
I’ve always liked the Seven Sisters block and think it would look great done in wood. I’ve seen these boxes before and absolutely love them, but the price has kept me from purchasing one. Winning one would be incredible! Thanks so much for a chance.
I think a feathered star block would look fantastic in the different colored woods!
I love a feathered star.
Card trick has always been a favorite.
Since I my first quilt class in 1975 I have always liked the Ohio Star; it’s such a plesant block.
Any of the star patterns in a mix of woods would be stunning!
I love the tumbling block. Thanks for the opportunity to maybe win one of these great pieces of art.
~a
IN “QUILTERS CHACHE” THERE IS A PATTERN CALLED “CARPENTER’S SQUARE”, IT WOULD BE SO ATTRACTIVE!
THANKS TO QUILTY PLEASURES+DAVE G. FOR SHARING!
HAPPY QUILTING+MAKING BOXES!
I think the Weathervane Block would be perfect in wood. I love seeing the boxes that Dave has made. Thanks Quilty Pleasures for the chance.
I would love to see a Mariner’s Compass.
I think a log cabin block would be wonderful!
How great a quilter pointed out the possiblities “out side the box” (pun intended!).
Quilters have so the share with others. One granddaughter probably will be an artist, and I hope to share with her my “fabric art”. Many on the same “rules” or ideas that help one make a quilt also can be helped in other endevours.
Having several BG wood Inlay from Europe, I’m amazed at the beauty of this “art”.
Please-Please-Please- Pick Me!
Dave’s already done most of my favorites, like churn dash and spools. They are all beautiful. I’d like to see card trick next.
I’d love to see a New York Beauty block as a quilt box.
After visiting Dave’s website and seeing the blocks he already makes I’ll try to sugest something different. I love the Interlocking/Interlacing squares blocks in The Quilter’s Album of Patchwork Patterns by Jinny Beyer on page 304. There are a few variations. I have hand pieced and machine pieced this block. The center is open which would also lend itself to monograms, which is something Dave has been working with.
Dresden plate or a basket would look great I think. Such pretty boxes.
Double wedding ring for sure!
How about a pineapple pattern?
The tumbling block pattern or log cabin? Love the boxes.
I think crown of thorns would look great in wood
I love the Prairie Queen block and think it would make a great box! Thanks for sharing your craft with us!
How about a pinwheel?
I just saw Pine Burr at Quilters Cache and think this would be stunning in wood.
Take a peak: http://quilterscache.com/P/PineBurr2Block.html
Ocean waves or double friendship star – These are all amazing!
i’m always smitten withthe simplicity of a sawtooth star, but i think a pineapple block would be fabulous in wood…
thanks!
These are absolutely beatutiful! I imagine that ANY block would be lovely, but I’ve always been fond of the Snail’s Trail.
A double wedding ring would be a beautiful keepsake box.
I agree the double wedding ring would be cool!
How about Flying Geese? or Dresden Plate??
The Mariner’s Compass would look outstanding on a box.
This is like asking which of your children do you love the most! Maybe Sarah’s Choice.
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Bears paw pattern…tried to embed the link but copied the wrong one…
http://www.blockcrazy.com/images/finished_block/Classics/bears_paw_quilt_block_pattern.gif Try this one…
Whow! I’ve got my work cut out for me. I’m looking at each suggestion.
Bear Paws will be in the store tomorrow, good call Jim.
Ooooooooooooooooooooooh, these are gorgeous. I love to pet wood items such as these as much as I love to pet gorgeous fabric. How about something that will take some doing–Mariner’s Compass? My father worked in wood; my mother worked in fabric. I can smell these. My fingers are tingling. Mmmmmmm…. better than breakfast!
I think Flying Swallows or Storm at Sea would look good.
I think a lone star would look great! The suggestion so far are all spectacular.
I think a log cabin block would look terrific for the top of one of the boxes. My grandfather made at least two boxes similar to these. Only his were probably made around 1950 and had simple star patterns. So this post of Dave Grunewald’s boxes brings back great memories of my grandfather.
I vote for the feathered star
I was delighted to see the tumbling blocks in wood and this is my second love after fabric, timber is so rich and tactile. A Rose of Sharon or even a Baltimore style block or would be a challenge for craftsmen or women in either medium.
What beautiful boxes! I think tumbling blocks would be lovely in wood.
Ohio Star.
I think a double or triple irish chain would look spectacular!
Beautiful work! Lone Star would be my favorite.
Dave’s boxes are beautiful! I would love to see the Joseph’s Coat (a.k.a. Orange Peel) and the Yin Yang block.
I like quilt blocks with stars; any and all of them!
How about feathered star.
The lonestar would be nice
I think a Drunkard’s path would be a great block to try.
I think churn dash would be great done in wood. These boxes are beautiful!!!
Would love to see an Apple Core or Drunkards Path.
However any quilt pattern would be appealing.
Churn dash would look great in wood, and would be an easy pattern to do.
Love these boxes, would love to win one, too.
I think the “star of Bethlehem” would look great!
I would love to see a feathered star design on one of the boxes.
The tumbling blocks box is amazing. I’d love to show off one of these boxes in my sewing room.
I think 3 cathedral window blocks would be great! i love quilts and I love wood. What a great combination!!
I think Log Cabin would look good
My favorite block of Grandmother’s fan would look nice, but so would 54/40 or fight or the Louisiana block or….. It is hard to pick just one. All of these are so different and would look so nice on a dresser or coffee table.
I love feathered stars!
I think any traditional block would be beautiful in a Quiltbox, but I’m rather partial to the Mariner’s Compass.
SewCalGal
http://www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
I think a lone star block would be great, but probably an awful lot of work!
How about Jacob’s Ladder? I think you would need to put 4 together to make a nice pattern on a box.
I think Dresden plate, it’s lovly to look at and one of those difficult blocks to make.
Wild Goose log cabin block. It’s such a snazzy looking block!
The Wild Goose log cabin block is a lot like the Pineapple block. I should have added that to my comment.
I think that any star block would be beautiful- LeMoyne Star or the Lone Star block.
I also think that a Churndash block would be pretty because it is a very simple block but very nice visually. Dave sure does make gorgeous boxes.
Regards,
Anna
I think a log cabin design would look nice.
My choice would be Dresden Plate.
A signature block with the recipients name engraved in the wood, would make a wonderful gift.
I think the Lemoyne star would look fabulous!
I would have to say the Mariner’s Star is absolutely spectacular. Wow, what intricate detail!
Crazy Quilt would look great on one of Dave’s boxes!
Your boxes are just fantastic! I would love to see a Spider’s Web block done in the various wood colors!
A simple patchwork would bring emphasize the beauty of the wood.
My favorite would be a Dresden or Crown of thorns
These boxes are amazingly beautiful!
Road to California or a Drunkard’s Path block would be great! Love the boxes.
Love this work; I’ll echo other comments that Carpenter’s Wheel would be very appropriate. Applique blocks like Dresden Plate or Fan would also be nice in wood.
Kansas Troubles or Delectable Mountains would be a great choice. A dahlia would be pretty too. But if it were for me I’d want something with a rose or hearts on it.
I love these, maybe try a Mariner’s Compass.
These are so neat! I think a Star Squared would be neat.
I personally love the 9-patch so that would be my vote
I think a basket quilt block would look awsome.
What about the Nosegay? Love the boxes.
I think that a lonestar would look great. Thanks for the chance to win one of these beautiful boxes.
Mariner’s Compass would be beautiful.
Before I read all the comments, I’d love to see a round box with the Mariner’s Compass
I’m partial to Monkey Wrench!
Oh, without a doubt, either a Mariner’s Compass or a Carpenter’s Star! They would be stunning with all the wonderful woods to choose from!
I would love to see an Irish Chain box to honor my Irish great grandmother.
a churn dash would look simple but lovely, I think!
I’d love to see a Bradford Nine Patch….I love the history in all of these designs.
Trip around the world would be beautiful in the natural shades of the different woods.
I love stars, any kind of star would look beautiful!
Feathered star would look nice. Thanks for the chance.
I think a Winding Ways block would look really good in wood…especially with a high contrast between the two woods used.
Ohio star and bear’s paw are 2 of my favorite.
What a wonderful talent to have.
Beautiful art work.
Chips and Whetstones would translate beautifully in wood.
I like how the woods are like fabrics.
Storm At Sea would be amazing done in wood!
Wood would lend itself perfectly to Log Cabin ~
What I would like to see is a log cabin variation that is a heart. I made a wall hanging for my daughter from a pattern and am now making enough blocks to design my own matching queen size quilt. Her favorite motifs are hearts and butterflies. If I won I would give the box to her as a gift.
I’d love to see a feathered star or a mariner’s compass.
I would love to see you do something larger like trivets and perhaps breadboards or something which you can use as a decorative centerpiece on your kitchen table or island. It would be beautiful to see a breadboard done in a sampler pattern, or a trivet done using four different quilt blocks. You can even add sashing and borders! They would have to be thicker wood, perhaps 1/2″-3/4″ thick . You could also make decorative wall art in assorted sizes in which case the wood can be thinner.
Carol E. in KY
I really admire wooden objects, esp. boxes. If I wasn’t a quilter, I’d have become
a carpenter, like my grandfather. My son is one, but he makes houses, not boxes.
I think a Tumbling blocks design would be cool.
I love the idea of a log cabin block!!
I would love to see a broken star pattern-difficult but a fantastic challenge! The boxes pictured are beautiful!
I would choose a star – any star pattern would be beautiful on one of his boxes!
Thanks for the chance to win your fabulous giveaway
I would choose the Friendship star. Love the boxes.
I think that colorful nine patches using shades of reds, greens, and browns would be nice.
I love anything with pinwheels….so how about a design that incorporates intricate pinwheels.
I think the biggest challenge for a woodworker would be The Drunkard’s Path. Making curves in fabric or wood is work but the visual appeal is great.
I am addicted to stars. I love LeMoyne, and stars–and other blocks–with diamonds (like Laurel Wreath). I think the Missouri Puzzle, also called New Mexico, would look fabulous. How about a New York Beauty (or would the curves be too hard in wood?) ? I love the Elm Creek versions of blocks by Jennifer Chiaverini, especially her original Dogtooth Violet. Or how about some beautiful maple leaves or pine trees?
The New York Beauty Block might be a great way to show different woods.
Thanks for the possiblity of winning one of these beautiful boxes!
I think the LeManye Star would be beautiful
These boxes are gorgeous. The wood looks so warm. I would love to see a Mariner’s Compass if that would be possible.
Alaska Star would be my choice…..
How can you pick just one design? I think no matter which one he would decide to put on the box, it would be beautiful.
My favorite blocks are Card Trick and Weathervane – so, I’d like to see either of these blocks on one of these absolutely beautiful quilt boxes.
I think “Attic Windows” would be beautiful with different woods. Thank you for the consideration.
Anything made with the olive with burl would be beautiful
I’ve always been partial to the Lone Star
We live in Ohio — it has to be Ohio Star!
Jacob’s Coat.
Carpenter’s Wheel would be appropriate!
I think any star pattern would be beautiful on one of these spectacular boxes!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the opportunity to win!
I love the Ohio Star, but then a bears paw would look good in wood!
I was going to say bears paws, but some have already said so, I still like that idea.
Quilt blocks + natural wood = beautiful results- a perfect combination.
The boxes would make nice gifts, especially with the holiday season coming.
Any of the traditional blocks mentioned would look great. I would like to see the Maple Leaf(the various colors of the wood grains would be unique). The Bow Tie Block or the Checkerboard Block would be a nice touch to the 7″ mens box you’re creating. (non-traditional or whimsical touch)
Keep up the beautiful job.
First of all I admire your talent transforming the look of quiltblocks onto wood. I would love to see a wooden box 10×10 showing 4 2×2 inch blocks with a 1 inch border framing the blocks like a 4 patch style quilt. Thanks for the chance to win one of your creations.
These boxes are beautiful!
I would love to see a basket… simple to intricate. But the curved handle a must!
I also like the cake stand block.
Thanks for the opportunity to win.
I would love to see a log cabin !!
I would love to see a kaleidoscope variation on the beautiful woods.
Seeing as i am a Sharon i would love to see a Rose of Sharon block done in wood. The wood choices are endless and it would be spectacular
I think the Log Cabin would be a fitting design for a wood box. In fact any block would be a winner in my mind. Just find my name at the top of the winning list!!! Love
The Mariner’s Compass would be a great design!
I am especially fond of the Mariner’s Compass block. I would love one in any configuration. I would also love to see a box with a traditional pineapple design.
Double wedding ring – great present!!
Wow, these boxes are awesome. The pattern, “Dream Catcher” as featured in the Quiltmaker Magzine, Nov/Dec. ’11 issue on Page 30 would look stunning in wood.
When all else fails, read the directions. I’d love an exquiste star, or a diamond patern, i.e. a diamond with a nice sized border, think argyle style.
Lovely boxes, thanks for sharing your work!
These boxes are absolutely beautiful! I think a pineapple block would make a neat box.
I love the Mariner’s Compass, so I think that one of the many variations would be lovely in wood.
I think the Log Cabin would make an interesting box. Sure hope I win no matter what quilt block is on the box. I Love Quilts.
I love the different colors of wood! It always amazes me the variety of colors you can find with out using stains. I can always use another box to store bits and pieces.
How about Square and Compass?
Jacob’s ladder
The boxes are beautiful.
I would like to see Storm at Sea.
Thanks!
Mmm…my favorite is Sister’s Choice.
I have always loved pretty wood boxes. A box with the Tumbler pattern would be striking.
I think the log cabin block would make a beautiful box. Love your magazine!
Char
How about a Mexican Star?
I would love to see a pineapple block. You so beautiful work! Thank you
Be still my heart!
Dream Catcher would be pretty.
I would love to see Sister’s Choice on the top. It’s one of my favorite patterns.
I would like to see a Pineapple Block. Thank you Dave for the the beautiful boxes that you make.
I can’t imagine creating it, but the Mariner’s compass would be awesome.
I like the Maple Leaf block, but I’m not sure if you’ve done this one already.
I pine tree pattern would be great. I attached a link to see a very simple pine tree pattern and the thought is to have a mixture of a taller one and a shorter one. Three is always a good number so any combination, two tall and one short, etc. It sure would go nice with the Bear Paw pattern:)
Love wood. Enjoyed browsing the website. My two favorites Variable Star and Martha Washington Star. Both are great to play with the values of colors in fabric or wood.
Judy
A pointed Dresden Plate would look fabulous with the 2 tone colors. What a talented person.
I think a bear paw would be great!
I think the Spool of Thread blocks would be perfect. The boxes look amazing, what a great idea! Thank you!!
I would like to see friendship star because then a box would make a doubly-nice gift for a quilty friend.
I think card tricks would look great……
I’ve taken the Drunkard’s path idea and made a four color recipe box with amazing bird’s eye maple. That’s a tough one. It’ll be in my store soon.
Thanks!!!
Corn and Beans would be appropriate for a recipe box. I would also love to see the Dutchman,s Puzzle, Carpenters Wheel and Storm at Sea done.
I love anything traditional — Ohio Star would be my pick.
I think that the log cabin block would look great in wood. There is the possibility to use so many different kinds of woods.
A double wedding ring would be different – curves on the square box – lots of opportunity to use different woods.
How about a pinwheel done in cherry and holly woods ? Or the Ohio Star.
Thanks for introducing us to this artist.
I fell in love with these boxes some time ago when they were featured on another blog I follow. They are stunning. I wonder if some of the Dear Jane Blocks could work in timber.
my dad was a woodworker. I would enjoy any pattern. Would be interesting to see traditional log cabin adapted.
A churn dash (or variation) would be so pretty and fun!! These are gorgeous boxes!
These boxes are beautiful! I would love to see a double wedding ring pattern.
A Galaxy Star pattern would be unique! Very creative use of wood!
Lincoln’s Platform would be very pretty. Thanks for the chance!
I think the Attic Window block would look great. Actually any block would be beautiful done in the wood.
These are fabulous, I think the tumbling block would look great for this.
Thanks for the chance to enter your giveaway.
Happy days.
Bev.xoxo
I’d like to see the Friendship Star.
I’d love Lone Star or Log Cabin, but they are all stunning!
Love the Tumbling block design.
A Broken Star on a square box, that would be so awsome!
I would love to see a Churn Dash block or a Log Cabin block with a red center.
my favoite block is the friendship star!! hope i win one of these, they are beautiful!!
These boxes are beautiful!
I’ll be using an enlarged Millstone pattern (200-5 in Jinny Beyer’s “The Quilter’s Album of Patchwork Patterns”) in a lap quilt for my husband. It would be great to have a matching box to go with it. It would be quite the challenge to make, though — just like the quilt will be!
Love the boxes! What a beautiful design!
New York Beauty or Mariner’ Compass would both be great; although very difficult. Welcome to our world!
I love the tumbling block box!!
The Drunkard’s Path idea is great – glad to hear Dave has already designed one. Being one of my favorite blocks – it would be such fun to have it in box-form!!
You do absolutely wonderful work. Thank you for the chance to own one of your boxes.
The boxes are beautiful! And the use of quilt block designs adds so much to it. I love a churn dash block. I’ll bet he’s done lots of those.
Blazing Arrows would probably work up well. Thanks for the opportunity to enter your great giveaway!
How about a Bear Paw to keep that lid down. lol
SallyKingemail@gmail.com
Beautiful… I have a quilt block pin made like these boxes. The rich wood colors are just perfect for quilt designs! Everyone has such good suggestions for blocks to use…I am working on a kaleidoscope quilt — I’d love to see it in wood!
It would be lovely in a lone star block pattern.
Pinwheel! I’ve been considering several possibilities of quilts; all including pinwheels.
The boxes are fabulous. Nostalgic!
I am merzmerized by the Storm at Sea block and think that would look lovely in wood.
Your Boxes are beautiful and You will keep very busy if you try to put to wood all the suggested blocks! Here is another idea to consider… True Lover’s Knot!
It would be good as a single block… or in multiples of four! Good luck!
To see it check:
http://earlywomenmasters.net/quilts/t/truelovers/index.html
These are beautiful boxes!!! Very talented. I haven’t been quilting to long , I just started less than a yr ago. But I think lots of stars or cute hearts.
I love the quilt boxes! I wouldnlike to see the Dresden Plate or Bear’s Paw!
I love your wooden quilt block boxes. I have always loved the Bear Paw block.
Tumbling block would be gorgeous!
I think the Ohio Star would look cook on one of his boxes!
I’d like to see some kind of a basket block in wood. I would be thrilled to own one of his boxes.
These boxes are beautiful. I think a Mariner’s Compass would be stunning.
I’ve always loved the churndash block and think it would look wonderful on these beautiful boxes!
When my grandpa was alive he made me a jewery box with two differnt woods and i still have it. I would love one of your boxes. Julie
These boxes are truly beautiful. I love quilt patterns made of wood. I have a pin and earrings made of wood that I purchased at a quilt show. Would love to have a box.
Robbing Peter to Pay Paul would make a nice box.
The boxes are beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
My favorite quilt is the double wedding ring. I think that would make a beautiful box!
bear paw!
Drunkard’s Path would be exceptional with light and dark woods… !!!!
Would love to see “Seven Sisters” done in wood!
Thanks for the giveaway, I love log cabins. they would look great.
What a wonderful idea. Much better than the pillowcases I’ve been using. I’d love, love, love one of these with the LeMoyne Star centered right in the middle. It would sit out in the living room for all to see.
They look Beautiful! I would love to have one of these.
I’m doing a 9-patch, set on point now and can easily see it in some striated light and dark woods. Thanks.
The boxes are beautiful! I would love to see a feathered star box.
I’m doing Attic Window, Calico Star and Snail’s Trail in the small size right now.
Don’t for get to sign up for the newsletter, you could win one of our new ornaments and have a chance at the New Years Day giveaway!
I LOVE his Storm at Sea! Gorgeous!
I’d love to see a Kaleidoscope box…….
I’d like to see attic window.
I think Kansas Troubles would make an excellent choice!
I would love a chance at any of the boxes, they are simply stuning.
ocean wave would be a very meaningful block for me. i would love to win one of the boxes! thanx for the opportunity to do so.
Love these boxes. How about Mariner’s compass.
I think the Bethlehem star would be great.
The Prairie Queen would be exquisite in woods!
I think Jacob’s Ladder would look great!
I collect wooden boxes and I love to quilt, so a box with a quilt block on it would be awesome. My favorite is the Storm at Sea. Gorgeous!
I missed the cut off time for the giveway, but I hopped over to Daves and signed myself up anyway, what amazing talent!
Thanks to all for the great suggestions.
I’ve did Attic Window in a 4″ version and you can see them at the Art Fire store.
http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/Quiltboxes
Dave.