This project was built and designed by Stan Sullivan from Simply Easy DIY. It’s a straightforward yet charming jewelry box designed with functionality in mind, perfect for beginners and a great fit for any vanity or child’s dresser.
Stan walks through the process with clear steps and a family-first mindset, involving his daughter in the design to create something both personal and practical. The end result is a thoughtful piece of woodworking that’s both sturdy and stylish.
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A Simple and Functional Design
The jewelry box features a clean, rectangular layout with a series of drawers and a flat top, prioritizing function over complexity. Stan skips complex joinery in favor of efficient, beginner-friendly construction that still looks polished.
The project is also highly customizable. It’s easy to adjust the dimensions or add decorative elements, making it a great foundation for anyone wanting to personalize their build for a gift or home décor piece.
Collaborating on the Concept
One of the highlights of this build is Stan’s collaborative design approach. His daughter helped shape the look and feel of the jewelry box, making the project more meaningful and tailored to its future user.
This type of family involvement not only makes the project fun, but it also encourages creative thinking and woodworking interest in younger generations. It’s a reminder that even simple projects can carry lasting value when they involve personal input.
Cutting the Wood Components
The first phase involves cutting all the major components: the top, bottom, sides, and internal dividers. Stan begins by cutting the top and bottom panels, then rips the sides to width using a table saw for clean, uniform edges.
Once the sides are cut, he routes dadoes into the interior faces to hold wooden drawer glides. This step ensures each drawer moves smoothly while keeping the construction simple and effective.
Constructing and Routing the Drawers
Each drawer is built with a front, back, and two side panels, plus a bottom that fits into routed dadoes. Just like the main box, the drawer sides are routed with precision to ensure the bottoms fit flush and secure.
Stan stresses the importance of using a stop block during routing to avoid cutting too far and weakening the drawer sides. Careful measurements and deliberate cuts make the difference between a drawer that glides easily and one that binds or falls apart.
Glue-Up and Joinery
Once all parts are cut and routed, Stan begins the glue-up process. Each drawer is assembled with glue and clamped firmly to dry, forming square, stable boxes that can hold up to regular use.
After the glue has dried, dowels are used to reinforce the joints. This adds durability to the drawers and gives the project a more finished, professional feel without complicating the construction process.
Final Sanding and Fitting
Before final assembly, Stan sands all parts to remove sharp edges and even out any surfaces. This step is crucial for getting a clean look and smooth touch, especially on a piece meant for frequent handling.
The drawer glides are glued into place next, aligning carefully with the dadoes in the box sides. Stan makes a flush cut on the back panel to ensure everything sits cleanly and square.
Assembly and Finishing
Once the glides and drawer boxes are installed, the full form of the jewelry box comes together. The build is compact, balanced, and functional—perfect for organizing small items without taking up too much space.
Stan applies two coats of stain to bring out the wood grain and match the intended finish. Afterward, three coats of satin polyurethane are added for a protective, low-gloss sheen that resists wear without feeling overly glossy.
A Gift-Ready Project
The completed jewelry box is more than just a woodworking piece—it’s a gift-worthy object with sentimental value. Whether used to teach woodworking skills or to create a personal keepsake, this project hits the mark on every level.
It’s a great entry point for learning how to work with dadoes, drawers, and dowel joinery. Even better, it opens the door to creative customization, giving new builders room to make it their own.
Get Stan’s Plans: https://www.simplyeasydiy.com/2015/01/diy-jewelry-box-video.html.