How to Make a Jewlery Box Out of Wood

You can make a decorative jewelry box at home.

Any woman or young girl needs a special place to store her valuables. What better gift for a birthday, holiday, or "just because" than a homemade wooden jewelry box? With some simple tools and materials, you can make a practical and beautiful wooden jewelry box that will last for years. You may already have some of the materials available at home, but if they aren't, they can be purchased at any home and garden or craft store.

Things You'll Need

• Six 6-inch-by-6-inch pieces of wood
• Sandpaper
• Wood stain
• Small paintbrush
• Nails (hot glue if preferred)
• Hammer
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• 2 butt hinges
• Piece of velvet or other fabric
• Fabric scissors
• Fabric glue

Instructions

1. Choose the type of wood you prefer for your box. Cherry is widely used, although you can use anything you have on hand.

2. Sand the edges and any rough patches on all six pieces of wood using the sandpaper. Use a clean, soft cloth to wipe off any dust from sanding and apply the stain to both sides of all six pieces using the wood stain and paintbrush. Allow to dry before continuing to the next step.

3. Lay the bottom panel of the box on a flat surface. Line up and attach the side panels to the bottom using the hammer and nails. (Glue and hold in place until dry if using a hot glue gun.)

4. Attach the front and back panels to both ends of the side panels and the bottom panel using the nails and hammer.

5. Measure one inch from each side of the back panel, mark with a pencil and attach a butt hinge there using the nails. This will be how you connect the top of the box. Nail the other half of the hinge to the top panel, or lid, of the jewelry box. Ensure that the lid closes evenly on all sides before attaching the hinge to the lid.

6. Cut the piece of velvet or other lining material to fit the bottom of the box. After the fit is ensured, glue the liner in place using the fabric glue or hot glue.

Tips & Warnings

• Paint the box any desired color instead of staining.

• Add any other desired decorations, such as an interior mirror, after assembly.

• Wear a face mask while staining or painting to reduce harmful fumes.

References

• Lee's Wood Projects: Handmade Wooden Jewelry Box
• Jim Barry's Woodworking Workshop: Jewelry Boxes
• Binky's Woodworking: Music/Jewelry Box Plans

Resources

• Jewelry Boxes.com: Women's Jewelry Boxes