Georgia's Jewelry Box

Difficulty
Beginner Projects
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Build Georgia's Jewelry Box from scrap wood and a few decorations!

This box design is a build I’ve done several times before, but never documented in a plan till now. I built this one for a family friend who recently had a baby girl named Georgia. This is the plan for Georgia’s Jewelry Box. Of course, you could use this box for any purpose, not just jewelry. I just thought it would be something cute our friend could have for her little girl.

You can make this entire build from scrap wood. This is a super-easy project which took less than an hour to build and sand. I used some scraps of 1x4 and 1x6. Finishing time will depend on the finish you choose. I did 2 coats of paint on this one (sample sized Valspar from Lowe’s), printed her name on some pretty scrapbook paper, and mod podged it on the front. This one also has the scrapbook paper on the inside bottom of the box, and a top coat of Mod Podge over everything. The flat hinges used are some I had on hand for another project but ended up not using. On the inside of the top is a 3” craft mirror I picked up from Michael’s.

A .pdf copy of the plan is also attached, just below the General Instructions. The drawings are not to scale (my diagrams are just shapes made from lines in Powerpoint), but each piece is marked with dimensions, and shows what goes where for each step.

I hope you build this box. It can have many uses from bedroom to kitchen to bathroom - - I keep nail polish in mine. :)

Dimensions

Preparation

Shopping List

Shopping list: (Check your scrap wood – you’d need 22” of 1x4 and 17” of 1x6, or cut larger pieces of scrap down to the “will be” sizes in the cut list)

1 pc 1x4 at 2 feet long
1 pc 1x6 at 2 feet long
1 ¼” finish nails
Glue
1 pair flat hinges (see picture in .pdf for example)
Finishing supplies for finish of choice

Common Materials
1 1/4 inch finish nails
120 grit sandpaper
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Cut List

Cut List
(all of these can be cut to size from larger pieces of scrap wood, to the “will be” measurements):

1x4 – 2 pc @ 7 ¼” (front/back – will be 7 ¼” x 3 ½”)
1x4 – 2 pc @ 3 ½” (sides – will be 3 ½” x 3 ½”)
1x6 – 2 pc @ 8 ¼” (top & bottom – will be 5 ½” x 8 ¼”)

Cutting Instructions

You can use 1x4 and 1x6 scraps for this, or cut down to the "will be" sizes from larger scraps.

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Hammer
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Miter Saw
Brad Nailer
General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

Step 1. Attach front and back to sides as shown in the diagram. Keep top/bottom and outside edges flush. Use glue and 1 ¼” finish nails.

Step 2

Step 2. Attach bottom to box, keeping back edges flush, and keeping the overhang even on the sides (about ½”). The front will also have a ½” overhang. Use glue and 1 ¼” finish nails.

Note: top is same size as the bottom, and will have same overhang.

Step 3

Step 3: Finishing: At this point finish the box and top.

Fill nail holes. Use matching or stainable filler if staining. After filler dries, sand until smooth, remove all sanding residue, and apply desired finish.

Step 4

Step 4: Attach flat hinges to back of box and top, as shown in the diagram.

H-style flat hinges are shown, any flat hinge not exceeding 1 ½” wide and 3 ½” long will work.

For ease in attaching, mark where holes should go, and pre-drill to make “starter holes” for the screws – this will make the attaching easier. I usually attach the tops screws first, then align on box, and then attach bottom screws.

Step 5

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Finish Used
I did 2 coats of paint on this one (sample sized Valspar Hazy Dawn from Lowe’s). The name is printed on some pretty scrapbook paper, and mod podged on the front. This one also has the scrapbook paper on the inside bottom of the box, and a top coat of Mod Podge over everything. On the inside of the top is a 3” craft mirror I picked up from Michael’s.