How To: Make a Felt-Lined Jewelry Box

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Project Level: Beginner

Create a place to keep your jewelry safe and organized or build a thoughtful gift. This project is perfect for beginners to practice miter cuts, doing a biscuit journey, and applying a felt liner.

jewelrybox

What Do You Need?

  • Usual arsenal of tools
  • Combination or try square
  • Blog plane
  • Hand screw clamp
  • Bar clamps
  • Table saw
  • Jigsaw
  • Biscuit joiner
  • Stationary and portable belt sanders
  • Random-orbit sander
  • 120-, 150- and 220-grit sandpaper
  • Rubber tubing
  • Safety glasses
  • Respirator

To see a full list of tools and supplies, as well as detailed instructions and plans, download the project guide.

Before You Begin

Make sure you follow the directions carefully while practicing and developing your safe working habits. Wear your safety goggles and the appropriate respirator when it is necessary.

Mask1  Mask2

 

For Your Jewelry Box Project

We recommend using white oak or mahogany. You can see the jewelry box project guide for cutting plans and assembly steps.

Recommended Finish: Minwax® PolyShades® Satin (Classic Oak) or choose your favorite stain color.

PolyShades_Satin_Qt_ClassicOakClassicOak.jpg

 

Before staining your jewelry box, Make sure to apply Minwax® Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner and then you’re ready to stain and finish.

Apply Minwax® Polyshades® following the label directions. Use a good quality, natural-bristle brush suitable for use with polyurethane. Stir the can contents thoroughly before starting and periodically during your work session. Allow the first coat of Polyshades® to dry for 6 hours.

The next day, sand all surfaces lightly with 220-grit sandpaper or very fine (000) steel wool. Dust off and wipe all surfaces with a cloth dampened with mineral spirits. Apply a second coat of PolyShades® and set the rack aside to cure overnight.

If you achieve the desired color, apply a clear coat of Minwax® Fast-Drying Polyurethane or Minwax® Wipe-On Poly for added protection.

For full instructions on staining and finishing, download the project guide.

Useful Tips

  • Always test the stains and finishes you have selected on a scrap of wood. On the back of the scrap, mark the stain/finish combination and the type of wood. This is important so you can make sure you like how the color will turn out before staining your frame.
  • All stains and finishes should dry thoroughly between each coat. Keep in mind these drying times may vary depending on humidity, temperature and other climatic conditions.
  • If you have some leftover stain or finish, wipe the can rim so that stain or finish in the rim won’t dry out and prevent the lid from forming a tight seal.
  • Brushes used for water-based products, such as Minwax® Water-Based Wood Stains or Minwax® Polycrylic® Protective Finish, should be cleaned with soap and water; oil-based finishes must be cleaned with mineral spirits.

Ready for another project?

If you want to see other small organizers, check out plans for a charging station or a mail and key organizer.

See what Bruce made from old picture frames so his wife could keep her jewelry organized! Check out his blog post here.

We’d love to see your finished projects! Share photos of your step-by-step process or finished product on our Facebook page.