Complete novice - got myself into trouble, please help!

[envelope]

Apologies if I am posting this in the wrong place, but I cannot find anywhere else...

Just to set the scene, a couple of months ago, my partner stated that she wanted a nice bread box made from Zirbe/Swiss Pine/Pinus Cembra. In a moment of madness, I stated that I would learn what to do and attempt to make it myself in time for her birthday. The date is now less than 2 months away, and the romantic gesture is now seeming like a stupid one...despite a technical/engineering background, I have no woodworking experience whatsoever.

I have found a couple of designs I would like to work from, and even a very handy YouTube tutorial. However, I have some questions:

- Is Swiss Pine even a suitable wood for this application?
- Where could I source this? I have had no luck through internet searches...
- I have no tools, and no access to a workshop even if I had tools! Are there any studios in the UK (I live in Northants) that can be rented, preferably with some kind of tutor as guidance? Some kind of community workshops would be nice?
- My backup plan is to try and get this produced by somebody who actually has a clue about what they are doing. Is there a resource where I can find a local craftsman?

Sorry for such a demanding first post, but I really hope somebody can help...thanks in advance!

 

[yorkshirepudding]

See if you have a local "Men in Sheds". Help and advise is free plus a range of tools. Can't help you with sourcing materials I'm afraid.
You will find them on the net.

 

[Glynne]

Can I ask why Swiss Pine and not any other type of pine which you will find easier to source?

 

[RogerP]

Men's sheds ...

http://menssheds.org.uk/find-a-shed/

 

[envelope]

Thanks for your reply, I have found a local Men in Sheds, it looks to be exactly the kind of thing I am looking for. Appear to be many experienced guys who can hopefully pass on advice for a beginner.

Regarding the Swiss Pine...my partner lives in Austria and they are mad about the stuff. It seems to be extremely popular over there due to reported health benefits.

 

[Adam9453]

if you're really getting stuck then i'm sure someone on here will be local to you and be very capable of producing what you're looking for either with your assistance (so you can learn a bit) or without your assistance depending on your/their preference.
Perhaps change the title of this topic to "small commission for someone in northants area" and i expect someone local will find you

Good luck and I know how you feel, we all make romantic promises like that and then time fly's by and leaves you with a hefty learning curve, lump of expense plus no time.