How to Create Your Own Jewelry Box

Consider adding your own personal touches to your jewlery box.

Protecting jewelry from tangles, scratches and exposure to damaging cosmetics and fragrances is easy when you store your necklaces, rings, brooches and earrings in a jewelry box. Adding your own personal touches to the box is simple and makes the container as special as the contents.

Things You'll Need

• Unfinished wooden box
• Sandpaper
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrush
• Scrapbook paper
• Craft glue
• Water
• Embellishments (optional)

Instructions

Making a Collaged Box

1. Sand the unfinished wooden box to smooth out the surfaces. Brush away any sawdust on the box.

2. Paint the box with a base color that coordinates with your scrapbook paper. Let it dry completely and then apply a second coat of paint. Allow it to dry thoroughly.

3. Tear the scrapbook paper into pieces of varying size and shape based on your preference. Do not cut the paper with scissors as the torn edges add texture and interest to the collage.

4. Mix the glue and water in equal parts. Brush one side of the box with the mixture and then apply the torn pieces of paper on top of it, overlapping the pieces. You may cover the side completely or you may leave small areas of the paint visible. Do the same thing on the remaining surfaces of the box.

5. Brush the glue mixture over the entire surface of the box. Use a light coat. If you see air bubbles forming under the paper, gently brush them out or push them out with your finger. Allow the glue mixture to dry completely.

6. Add embellishments, such as charms, buttons, rhinestones or painted wooden letters, if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider lining the inside of the box with velvet to create a softer surface. Use craft glue or a low-temperature glue gun to attach the fabric.

• You may also use cardboard boxes, like cigar or school supply boxes, for this project.

• To make a special memory-style jewelry box, use photocopies of photographs to make the collage.