I've been slowly building Iza's marker box to match that of Skeeter and LC. They were bit of odd constructions with lots of angles. The detailed work seemed a sign of respect. So I copied them for Iza.
Somehow, tradition matters to me about OTB cats. I want a sense of continuity and equal respect, so the markers have to be the same.
I started by taking one marker box into the basement and measuring it carefully. It felt a bit weird having the marker box in the basement, but it was meant with respect.
Then I started cutting and assembling new boards. It was very comforting, and I did it with Iza in my thoughts.
I cut pieces of preservative-treated wood ( for durability) to size, tilted the table saw blade of 30 and 60 degree angles to match the previous markers, and made some slight adjustments (not all boards are exactly the same thickness and width).
But I got it assembled with wood glue and clamps to hold it all together.
One can never have "too many clamps" but this didn't require all of mine.
I didn't get all the angle cuts perfectly, but weather will expand the wood slightly. I've learned to leave slight gaps on outdoor wood.
I leave the back open on these because I don't want to encourage critters to hide an burrow over the cats.
Here is the constructed memorial marker box. I sanded some slightly mis-matching edges and added countersunk exterior-grade screws. Glue won't hold long, but screws will.
And then I used rubber cement t attach the last brown resin cat figurine I had. They came in 3, Skeeter, LC, Iza...
Closeup of the Iza figurine... I apologize to her that it was the least expressive of the 3, but I really wasn't expecting to use it hoping to find more of the original set. Or so soon.
I have brass letters on order for delivery in a week, and will attach them then.
