If you have a lot of jewelry and nowhere to put it, it’s time to build a custom jewelry box. And if you don’t have the tools or skills required to build one yourself, you can always pay someone else. But if you want your jewelry box to be unique and one-of-a-kind, then you’re going to need some woodworking experience and the right tools on hand. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to build a jewelry box from scratch.
Jewelry boxes can be as simple or as ornate as you want them to be. For the purpose of this article, we’re going to look at building a basic jewelry box with a removable tray and fixed bottom shelf. You can decorate it any way you like, so let your creative juices flow without worrying too much about limitations. Let’s get started by getting custom packaging boxes wholesale.
STEP 1: ASSESS THE WOOD
Most jewelry boxes are made from MDF (medium-density fiberboard) since it is easy to work with and pretty inexpensive. It will do just fine for this project. However, if you choose to use solid wood, that’s okay too! If you decide on using plywood, make sure that all sides are in good condition. If you have any furry-looking surfaces, sand them down with 220 grit paper until they look smooth. They will be visible when the box is closed, so make sure they look good too!
STEP 2: MARK THE PARTS ONTO THE WOOD
Woodworkers tend to use millimeter tape measures or wooden rulers in making these types of projects. You can also check with your local hardware store if they have available tools that may aid in cutting and measuring accurately. After you’re done marking, cut it out using a jigsaw with a fine blade attached. Do not place the wood on the ground when cutting with a jigsaw, as this may cause your project part to become damaged over time due to poor tabletop support (e.g., the blade of the saw digging into your tabletop).
STEP 3: CUT THE PARTS OUT USING A JIGSAW
If you are using a fine blade, be very careful with your hands when cutting. The pieces will have an uneven look to them but do not worry because there is more work ahead. It would be great if you were able to use a wood chisel in order to have the parts fit together perfectly so that it looks like one piece. If this is not possible, then no problem! Just make sure the pieces fit somehow before proceeding.
STEP 4: MAKE THE BASE AND VERSION 1 OF THE LID
Drill pocket holes on the ends of each side panel and secure them in place using 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws. Measure the opening of the box and then cut a piece of plywood to fit inside. Secure it in place using 2 1/2″ wood screws from the bottom.
Now, test the lid. The base should be slightly shorter than the top so that you can make a space to insert your drawer knob or handle for easy opening and closing. Use a chisel to modify the underside of your lid until it fits perfectly on top of your box. At this point, secure them both together with wood glue and brad nails. This is what the underside looks like:
STEP 5: PREPARE THE BASE FOR PAINTING
Use your jigsaw, circular saw or hand sander to round off the corners of your box, making them appear more aesthetically pleasing.
STEP 6: PAINTING THE BOX
If you want to paint your box, do it now (if not, skip directly to STEP 7). Basecoat with one coat of exterior enamel. Wait until dry, and then apply a light topcoat for extra protection. Tip: use foil or masking tape to protect the lid from getting paint on it.
STEP 7: ATTACHING THE BASE TO THE BOTTOM OF YOUR BOX
Use scrap wood pieces as shims between the feet and side panels so that everything is lined up evenly. Then screw everything together using 2″ screws. Now, all you need to do is attach your knob or handle. Use 2 1/2″ screws for this.
STEP 8: ADDING A CARDBOARD INSERT TO THE BOTTOM OF YOUR BOX
Now, to make your box sturdy again, you need to cut a piece of cardboard to fit inside the bottom of the box (this is where that old cereal box comes in) and glue it into place using rubber cement or hot glue. Tip: use wood glue if you want your insert to be permanent.
STEP 9: ATTACHING THE DRAWER PULLS AND DRAWERS
To make the drawers pull out easier, attach drawer pulls by drilling two additional holes alongside each original hole (instructions here). If you made cardboard inserts as I did, you’d notice that the drawer pulls don’t line up with the openings. No problem! Just adjust your drill bits accordingly.
STEP 10: SANDING
And now for the fun part–you get to sand! Use a power sander if you have one, otherwise use your hand-sander or sandpaper and some elbow grease.
STEP 11: PAINTING
Now, my favorite part – painting! But before you paint anything, clean all surfaces, so nothing gets messy. Tip: If you’re using latex paint, wipe down your surfaces with water and soap beforehand to get rid of the oil and dirt.
STEP 12: PAINT!
Since I wasn’t sure what color would look best, I decided to go with white. It’s clean-looking but yet still adds some character to my kitchen rather than just being a plain ol’ boring white.
Conclusion
If you have the right materials and tools, it is easy to make a custom jewelry box. You can use this set of blueprints or find your own for more detailed instructions on how to do it. You can get the best packaging impressions at a wholesale rate.
Once you have the supplies and know what type of wood will work best with your design, start by cutting boards that are just a little wider than they need be. When they dry, they will shrink down perfectly into place.
Put two pieces together at a 90-degree angle. Then add another board to each side. Screw in the last piece where it meets the sides, and then fix that with nails or clamps.
