Here’s that lovely DIY Jewelry Box guide translated back into English, keeping all that sweet, lively charm and the metric measurements!
Our Little Magic Toolbox
Sparkly clear packing tape
Little guardians for your eyes and ears – hearing and eye protection
Your precision pal – a measuring tape
The angle-cutting ace – a miter saw
The sanding sprite – an orbital sander
Steadfast sidekicks – Quick-Grip clamps
Your cutting companion – a table saw or circular saw
A List of Love-Filled Materials
One piece of hardwood or plywood, approx. 1.27 cm thick x 11.43 cm wide x 81.28 cm long (It’ll be the star of our box body!)
One piece of Baltic Birch Plywood, approx. 0.64 cm thick x 30.48 cm wide x 45.72 cm long (Its delicate touch will be the gentle base for our box.)
Fine 150-grit sandpaper (to give our wood baby smooth skin)
One piece of hardwood, approx. 1.9 cm thick x 15.24 cm wide x 50.8 cm long (It’s the hero for our top and bottom pieces!)
Wipe-on polyurethane to dress up our creation with a shiny coat
Our bonding buddy – wood glue
Let the Sweet Crafting Journey Begin!
Step 1: Crafting the Adorable Box Top & Bottom
First, let’s create the lovely top and bottom for our box. Take that piece of hardwood, about 1.9 cm thick, and gently cut it to the sweet dimensions of 15.24 cm wide by 50.8 cm long.
Next, on the two long edges of the board, carefully use a table saw to make shallow grooves about 0.64 cm deep and 1.27 cm wide, like drawing two delicate waistlines on it.
Then, with a miter saw, cleverly cut this grooved board into two beautiful 22.86 cm long pieces. They’ll become the charming front and back panels of our box!
Don’t forget, on the ends of each front and back piece, also use the table saw to carefully carve the same grooves (approx. 0.64 cm deep x 1.27 cm wide), like adding adorable little notches. (Remember to peek at the photo for inspiration!)
Step 2: Cutting the ‘Fabric’ of Love for the Box
Now, let’s prepare the box body! Take a piece of hardwood or plywood, about 1.27 cm thick, and using a table saw or circular saw, cut it to an elegant length of 81.28 cm.
Then, carefully rip this long board lengthwise, making its width a charming 11.43 cm.
Step 3: Shaping the Box’s Elegant Sides
It’s time for our lovely box sides to make their entrance! Take a piece of the wood cut in the previous step, and using a miter saw or table saw, cut a side piece 15.24 cm long. Remember to cut beautiful 45-degree angles on each end, like giving it an elegant touch. (There’s a little hint in the photo!)
Use this freshly cut piece with its perfect angles as your little guide (template). Gently use it to mark the cutting line for your next side piece on the remaining wood.
Then, following your mark, cut one more identical 15.24 cm side piece, making them a pair of cute companions.
Step 4: Outlining the Box’s Front & Back
Next up are the box’s front and back panels. Similarly, cut two pieces 22.86 cm long, and they too need those charming 45-degree angles on each end.
You can cut the front piece first, then use it as your guide (template) to mark the back piece, ensuring they’re a perfect match in size.
Step 5: A Taste of Love – Let’s Dry-Fit the Box!
The exciting moment has arrived – dry-fitting! First, gently lay the front board flat, with its 45-degree angled edge facing down, as if it’s playfully showing off.
Then, bring the left side board over and let one end snuggle up end-to-end with the front board.
Next, bring in the back board and let it nestle end-to-end with the other end of the side board.
Now, take out your sparkly clear packing tape and gently apply two pieces to temporarily hold these three boards together, letting them feel each other’s warmth. (Remember to sneak a peek at the photo!)
Take the bottom board we prepared earlier, with its groove side facing up, like a welcoming embrace. Then, carefully fit the taped-together box assembly into the groove of the bottom board. (The photo will guide you more!)
Finally, bring over the right side piece and try fitting it snugly against the front, back, and bottom. See if they can embrace perfectly.
Step 6: Gluing with Love, Making it Last!
The dry-fit is perfect! Now, gently lift the box assembly off the bottom, remove the tape from the right side, and set the right side piece aside for a moment. However, keep the front, back, and left side still sweetly taped together.
It’s time for our bonding buddy, wood glue, to shine! Apply an even coat of some sweet wood glue to each of the 45-degree angled surfaces and in the groove on the bottom board.
Place the glue-applied box assembly back into the groove on the bottom board, ensuring a snug fit. Then, call on our steadfast sidekicks – the clamps! Gently secure them, applying a little pressure to deepen the bond.
Don’t forget our waiting right-side piece! Apply a touch of loving glue to its angled ends and gently fit it into the box assembly. Once again, use clear tape and clamps to hold it firmly in place, like a warm hug. (The photos have more sweet details!)
If any naughty glue ‘babies’ squeeze out, don’t worry! Use a damp cloth to gently wipe away any excess glue from the inside and outside of the box, keeping our creation looking fresh and sweet.
And just like that, a little box filled with love is almost born! Aren’t you feeling super accomplished and sweet inside?
