Making Jewel Thief

Rough ideas in pencil, shapes and mechanisms

Developing the idea. Hinge designs

Final mechanism idea using Inkflow app on the iPad

More sketches around the box mechanism

Play-Doh used to work up shape and size

Top view of Play-Doh model.

Initial ideas on mechanism made in plywood to test principle.

Improved design in plywood.

developing design, wing size and positioning

body and wings designed in Blender and inc cut.

Tiny brass hinges made from 0.3mm brass plate

Wing hinged to body.

Internal mechanism painted with wax finish acrylic varnish together with 3mm brass pins for axles

Bird mechanism in place.

Prototype bird tested for functionality.

Box cut from oak.

Brass mechanism with nylon roller inside box.

Jewellery tray cut from solid beech.

Finished automaton. Tray painted with 2 shades of blue acrylic, finished with a gold misting.

More pictures of finished piece here.