Building a Custom Wood Jewelry Box

You can build your own custom wood jewelry box for yourself or to give as a gift to someone special. These beautiful boxes can store precious trinkets and items of sentimental value. You can add a lock to your box to provide some security for the treasures inside.

Tools and Pieces

Step 1 – Determine the Size of the Box

Determine the size of box you want to build. You will need length, width and height measurements in order to cut the wood into the necessary pieces.

Step 2 – Cut the Front and Back Pieces

Use a pencil and ruler to mark the front and back pieces of the box onto a ¾ inch piece of plywood. Draw out the length and height of the box you want to build Use your jigsaw to cut the pieces out of the plywood.

Step 3 – Cut the Side Pieces

Use a pencil and ruler to mark the side pieces of the box onto the plywood. Draw out the width and height of the box you want to build. Use your jigsaw to cut the pieces out of the wood.

Step 4 – Cut the Top Piece

Use a pencil and ruler to mark the top piece onto the wood. Draw out the length and width of the box you want to build. Use your jigsaw to cut the piece out of the wood.

Step 5 – Cut the Bottom Piece

Use a pencil and ruler to mark the bottom piece onto the wood. Draw out a shape that is ½ inch shorter than the length and width of the box you want to build. Use your jigsaw to cut the piece out of the wood.

Step 6 – Cut Grooves into the Front and Back Pieces

Use your circular saw to create grooves in the front and back pieces of plywood. The grooves should be ¾ inch wide, ¼ inch deep and ½ inch from one of the edges.

Step 7 – Sand the Pieces

Use your sandpaper to smooth all of the edges of the pieces of your jewelry box. Be sure to use fine sandpaper for this job. The sanding will make the box more attractive and will make it easier to fit the pieces together.

Step 8 – Secure the Parts

Secure the front and back pieces of your jewelry box to one of the side pieces with your wood screws. Be sure to align the grooves with the edges. Slip the bottom piece into the groove. Secure the other side piece to the front and back pieces.

Step 9 – Stain

Use wood filler to cover the screw holes in the box. Allow the filler to dry completely and then sand it smooth. Apply a stain to the box with your paint brush. Allow the stain to dry completely. If necessary, apply a second coat to the jewelry box.

Step 10 – Attach the Hinges and Locking Hardware

Secure the top of the box to the back of the box with your screws and hinges. Secure one part of the locking hardware to the top of the box and the other part to the bottom.