How do you make a jewelry box?

Question

I was thinking about making my girlfriend a jewelry box for Christmas. I don't really know where to start. I looked at some at a few stores to get some ideas. I'm not necessarily a skilled woodworker, but I used to carve somewhat frequently. I guess I am looking for plans, designs, random insight, anything you can offer me to help me on my quest. Thanks all

Answer 1

Hi:

This sounds like such a nice thing to do, and your attempts will be rewarded. You could probably make a pretty simple box, and line it with a thin batting and nice fabric like a velvet or silk. I made some decorative paper mache boxes last year for Christmas gifts and they were a hit last year. I basically took paper mache forms I got at a local craft store, and used gold paints and materials like fabrics, beads and ribbons. (I have a yahoo group and I put the photo of one on the main page - if you look for artist_pw in groups, you can see it as an example). You might be able to make a cool box from a cigar box as a base, but you might browse the wooden and paper mache forms at a local craft store. There is a really cool product I was going to try to possibly make unique tops to boxes from Air Dry Paper Clay. You could also get paper mache and make some sculptural forms if you don't want to do woodworking.

Hope this helps, and email me if you need more info or ideas. I'd be glad to help.

Answer 2

As a jewelry designer I have recommendations on what not to do, as well as some suggestions! Sterling Silver, which is a frequent member of a ladies jewelry collection, experiences accelerated oxidation when exposed to wood. If you are going to make a jewelry box of wood, make sure you line it well on the bottom as well as the sides with some type of dense fabric, to make sure that jewelry is not stored in contact with the wood. This is even a more prominent problem with Oak, which causes very profound oxidation of Silver to occur.
I have lined wooden cigar box purses by brushing Elmer's Glue on the inside and then adding attractive upholsterly fabric for a very elegant finish. This would work just as well in any type of container. Make sure you measure and cut your fabric so that it is ready to press into place right after the glue is brushed on! How about a cigar box that is painted, upholstered, and/or decoupaged with pictures of the two of you for an even more sentimental and personalized gift! You can add fancy hinges and a pull at the top for a fancy lift. These types of fixtures may be found at a hobby shop, where you can also find beveled glass mirrors in different shapes. One of those inside of the lid would be a very nice touch! Stubs from movies you have seen together, tickets from concerts you have gone to together..or anything else that you can think of that reminds of great times together could be decopaged(varnished) onto the lid after it has been painted!
Good luck with your jewelry box! I think it is a terrific idea! I know she will love it!

Answer 3

Use a large leaf design as a pattern if you wish and cut the shape very thick. carve in veins. Cut in half horizonally and carve out the center. You could put in a dowel at the top of the leaf so that it could swing open. A good place to store rings.
Here are some others if you would want to use some crown molding. I you have access to a miter box.
http://www.furnitureplans.com/pi_products/5500?product_id=&affiliate_id=&client=&location=
http://www.freejewelryboxplans.com/index.htm

Answer 4

You could start with a plain box from the craft store and add medallions and other pieces that you carve. You could stain it and maybe paint on some details.
.

Answer 5

If you are planning to start on your woodworking project, this isn't something you should use, it's something that you would be insane not to. Go here https://tr.im/Fjx9a
Truth is, I've been a carpenter for almost 36 years, and I haven't found anything like this for less than 10's of thousands of dollars.

Answer 6

i don't know where you live but you said you used to carve?my husband hand carved me a figurine out of cedar,where we live they do alot of cedar cutting and out of just a small size of trash cuttings he carved me a little ax with a handle then used my hot glue gun to glue it onto what looks like a board to chop wood on.it is so special to me i took and glossed it with clear coat paint and it still sits in my china cabinet the cedar wont tarnish and the smell that it gives off speaks for its self i wouldn't trade for it,a cedar jewelry box hand made by him out of cedar i would pro bally go nuts over.use your imagination if you take my advise when making it the thought and the fact you cared enough to make it your self and with her in mind will be all that really matters,good luck and i hope i helped.

Answer 7

Hahahaha no. You obviously are scared of it for various reasons, and so when it is around you, you think about ghosts and scary things more. The whispers are in your imagination and you are causing your own nightmares.