[N'awlins77]

Well, I didn't quite make the boxes and no routing took place! :frown: We knew I would not have time to make these before next weekend, so my wife went to Hobby Lobby and bought these unfinished boxes, and it was my job to sand them and spruce them up. So I sanded, painted everything but the tops white, so I could burn the little girls names in them. My wife babysits two of them (twins) and the third is my Son's girlfriends little girl. Their birthdays are coming up next weekend, and this will be part of their presents.
First pic is of the unfinished boxes.
Next, all but the tops painted white, then gold trim around the tops where it was rabbeted, and their names burned into the top. Then four coats of poly. On one, it took a bit more, because I burned the name facing the back, instead of the front, like the other two. :fie: So, first my wife went to get another jewelry box, so I could start over on that one. But none available. So, I made little inserts to fill in the gullies that the hinges went into the tops. Glued, filled and sanded. And also filled the holes for the lock, Then taped up the top and repainted. Cant' tell my screwup!! LOL Then made a cushioned, red velvet bottom. Wife was very happy with them!! That's what counts!! I think the girls will too. :wink:

 

[N'awlins77]

Note to self and others! If you ever buy boxes, probably made in China or some where's far east, mark the tops and bottoms where you won't loose them when you paint over them, so you are not dealing with a 6 piece puzzle, like I was. They actually had the locks and hinges already on them. I took them off, and I did mark the tops with the bottoms, but then ------- duh------I painted over my markings. So when putting them together, I'd got the first one, put it together and it didn't line up. Second door didn't work either, it took the third door to work. Then the second one didn't fit right, had to take it apart and put the other remaining door on it. Finally all three came very close, but took a tiny bit of pull and tugging to get them perfectly lined up and the locks to line up. I was about to fill in the holes and start over!! LOL But they are done and ready for rapping.

 

[difalkner]

Nice work, Lee, and I'm sure they'll be well received. Good tip on keeping the lids and hardware marked for the boxes, too.

David

 

[Gaffboat]

A nice project, Lee. I've used those craft store boxes myself, and I'm always amazed at how inexpensive they are, and how nice they look. They're great for a quickie project. The girls will love their gifts, and they'll be genuine keepsakes.

 

[Tagwatts]

I think what you needed to make quick, and easy boxes is the Rockler "Miter Fold Dado Set". It works really easy and I have found if you use MDF wood the joints go together quicker and easier. One piece of wood four cuts and you have a box. You Tube.

 

[old55]

Nice outcome Lee.

 

[N'awlins77]

Frank, that is pretty cool. I looked at the Youtube tutorial on it. Pretty darn cool! Don't think it will work on my contractor saw, though. Don't think my arbor is long enough. Plus, that looks like 3/4" ply. Not sure if it works on like 1/4" material. 3/4" is kinda think for jewelry boxes.

I think what you needed to make quick, and easy boxes is the Rockler "Miter Fold Dado Set". It works really easy and I have found if you use MDF wood the joints go together quicker and easier. One piece of wood four cuts and you have a box. You Tube.

 

[N'awlins77]

I know Oliver!! I think these were 7 bucks. I really shocked the wife though. She had bought these boxes, and she really just wanted me to sand them and paint them. I told I'd take care of it. And I didn't let her see them till they were finished. I knew I could do better then just sand and paint them. When I gave them to her, after I finished, her jaw dropped. She said she thought I was just painting them. I said, "naaa, that would have been to easy!!" LOL

A nice project, Lee. I've used those craft store boxes myself, and I'm always amazed at how inexpensive they are, and how nice they look. They're great for a quickie project. The girls will love their gifts, and they'll be genuine keepsakes.