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274598 Brian Welch <brian.w.welch@g...> 2021‑09‑23 Jewelry box ideas
Galoot emergency!

My wife has decided she needs a new jewelry box. She sent me some links for
ones she likes. They are expensive and awful (from a woodworking
perspective). I refuse to spend our hard-earned cash on any of them.

Christmas is 3 months away. I need ideas. I need pictures. I need tips
(especially on felting drawers--I know that must be in the archive
somewhere). I need lessons learned. I need someone to tell me I can do this
in 3 months.

This will be antique hand tools only because I don't own any tailed demons
or new tools.

Step one: take a look at the wood stash tonight.

Thanks in advance,
Brian
274599 Michael Suwczinsky <nicknaylo@g...> 2021‑09‑23 Re: Jewelry box ideas
Three months, you can do this!  Regarding felting of drawers (getting a
little ahead of wood selection here)

I usually cut a piece of card stock to fit in the drawer bottom, then wrap
that with the felt or fabric you plan to use, wrapping the edges and taping
the material down on the back side of the card stock.
Do a test with your materials to check if glueing down the fabric will
bleed thru or alter the feel of the material.

I would give a design nod to what you were shown, but that is just my
opinion.

Michael

On Thu, Sep 23, 2021 at 11:21 AM Brian Welch 
wrote:

> Galoot emergency!
>
> My wife has decided she needs a new jewelry box. She sent me some links for
> ones she likes. They are expensive and awful (from a woodworking
> perspective). I refuse to spend our hard-earned cash on any of them.
>
> Christmas is 3 months away. I need ideas. I need pictures. I need tips
> (especially on felting drawers--I know that must be in the archive
> somewhere). I need lessons learned. I need someone to tell me I can do this
> in 3 months.
>
> This will be antique hand tools only because I don't own any tailed demons
> or new tools.
>
> Step one: take a look at the wood stash tonight.
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Brian
>
>
> 
>
>
>

-- 
Michael
274600 Greg Isola <gregorywisola@g...> 2021‑09‑23 Re: Jewelry box ideas
Hats off, Brian, for bravely going public with this serious challenge...

>
> My wife has decided she needs a new jewelry box.
>

Having no sense of the jewelry stash we need to accommodate here, I'll just
contribute my preference for a machinist chest-style case with multiple
drawers of different sizes. Easy to customize the various drawer sizes, and
fun to build--but really I like this style because I find boxes with large
hinged lids become additional flat surfaces with stuff on top. Not what you
want for a jewelry box.

Take care, all of you,

Greg Isola
Alameda, CA
USA
274601 Paul Honore <lawnguy44@g...> 2021‑09‑23 Re: Jewelry box ideas
Brian - Here's a plain and simple jewelry box my son made for his mother.

http://www.eastconn.com/tools2020/jb1.jpg

http://www.eastconn.com/tools2020/jb2.jpg

http://www.eastconn.com/tools2020/jb3.jpg

Nothing fancy - no knobs - just put a finger on each open side of a 
drawer and pull out. Believe the main box is Cherry. Not sure what he 
used for drawers.  Think this was made when he taking classes in the 
Wood Technology program at Palomar Junior College in California.  Twenty 
years later he's a well established cabinetmaker in Boston. He's 
obviously a much better craftsman than his old man.

Best,

Paul Honore in Hebron CT

ps:  anyone need a Kubota tractor
274602 Joshua Clark <jclark@h...> 2021‑09‑23 Re: Jewelry box ideas
A long, long time ago, longer than I care to calculate, I made this:

https://hyperkitten.com/pics/woodworking/projects/box1.JPG
https://hyperkitten.com/pics/woodworking/projects/box2.JPG
https://hyperkitten.com/pics/woodworking/projects/box3.JPG
https://hyperkitten.com/pics/woodworking/projects/box4.JPG
https://hyperkitten.com/pics/woodworking/projects/box5.JPG
https://hyperkitten.com/pics/woodworking/projects/box6.JPG

I had no idea what I was doing, made a lot of mistakes, but my wife loves
it.

I didn't use drawers because I didn't know how to make drawers. It was all
hand tools back then.

The design was based on an article in FWW that I can't find now. It's a
simple frame and panel design with dovetailed sides. I can recall gluing
the whole thing up as one piece then sawing the top off with a handsaw.

Josh
274603 Dennis Heyza <michigaloot@c...> 2021‑09‑23 Re: Jewelry box ideas
There is one in FW 150 (July 2001) that is (mostly?) a hand tool project,
including hand cut mitered dovetails. I can send you the article if you're
interested.

Dennis Heyza
New Baltimore, MI

-----Original Message-----
From: oldtools@g...  On Behalf Of Brian Welch
Sent: Thursday, September 23, 2021 2:21 PM
To: oldtools@g...
Subject: [oldtools] Jewelry box ideas

Galoot emergency!

My wife has decided she needs a new jewelry box. She sent me some links for ones
she likes. They are expensive and awful (from a woodworking perspective). I
refuse to spend our hard-earned cash on any of them.
274604 Mark van Roojen <mvr1@e...> 2021‑09‑23 Re: Jewelry box ideas
Brian wrote:

>I need ideas. I need pictures. I need tips
>(especially on felting drawers--I know that must be in the archive
>somewhere). I need lessons learned. I need someone to tell me I can do this
>in 3 months.

I've been making some boxes for gifts though not jewelry boxes, which 
I gather must have drawers.  My main takeaway is just that nice wood 
makes even something very simple look good.

- Mark
274605 Paul Gardner <yoyopg@g...> 2021‑09‑23 Re: Jewelry box ideas
Brian now has a challenge and a looming deadline...

I can't say I've ever built a jewelry box but the internal construction
will obviously be dictated by the type and size of the pieces to be
housed.  But I like the idea of removable trays and perhaps a centerpiece
area that can be used for the pieces she wears regularly or perhaps for a
show piece that is particularly beautiful and needs to be set apart.  While
not a jewelry box,  this tea caddy design (wonderfully made by fellow
galoot and Fleabagger Joe Parker)  is the kind of thing I'm thinking could
be nicely adapted for jewelry.

https://fangornworks.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Tea-Caddy/

Joe is also a deft hand with the fabric side of things and I'm very partial
to the shade of blue he used for his other projects.

https://fangornworks.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Tool-projects/i-4sxqTg5/A
https://fangornworks.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Tool-projects/i-cjG7Pr6/A

Good luck and keep us posted!
-Paul, in SF.
274606 joeparker@s... 2021‑09‑23 Re: Jewelry box ideas
Brian -
I've always preferred velvet for box linings, and yes, I frequently use a dark
blue.  No matter what fabric you choose, save yourself a lot of effort by
heading to your nearby fabric store (or even Walmart) and pick up a package of
"Heat n Bond Ultrahold".  This is a sheet-based thermal adhesive.  Just cut to
shape, iron onto the back of the fabric, and then iron onto the box.  Depending
on your fabric choice, you may want to combine with Michael's suggestion of a
cardboard backing and only use the adhesive in strips on the edges which will be
folded under.

BTW, the tea caddy was made from sugar pine and veneered.  Not the easiest
veneer project for a beginner, but if you're comfortable with veneer it is one
way of getting the nicest wood.

Joe Parker
Los Gatos, Left Coast USA
274608 galoot@l... 2021‑09‑23 Re: Jewelry box ideas
Quoting Brian Welch :

> Galoot emergency!
>
> My wife has decided she needs a new jewelry box. She sent me some links for
> ones she likes. They are expensive and awful (from a woodworking
> perspective).
Snip....
> Christmas is 3 months away. I need ideas. I need pictures. I need tips
> (especially on felting drawers--I know that must be in the archive
> somewhere). I need lessons learned. I need someone to tell me I can do this
> in 3 months.
Snip....

Of course you can do it!   But speaking as a woman who does wear some  
jewelry, the responses so far seem to be putting the cart before the  
horse.

How much jewelry and what kind?  Using myself as an example I have  
lots of earrings,  a few different rings and pins, and don't own  
bracelets (consequence of decades of safety considerations being a  
mechanic).  I would have no use for those neat necklace hangers since  
I only own one, a chain worn constantly under my shirt.  But I could  
use a slab of nice wood with a stack of larger hemispherical divots  
for stud earrings (easier to remove instead of chasing them into  
corners) and a bunch of rectanglar spaces for hook earrings (in my  
case usually several beads on a stick hanging from a hook).  Neither  
of these need padding in my book, with one exception the stones are  
harder than the wood.

Something else to discuss, especially if she tend to fine rather than  
costume jewelry, is that a jewelry box is an obvious grab-n-go for a  
thief.  The nicer stuff might want to live elsewhere.

Have fun making it!

Esther
274609 Darrell <larchmont479@g...> 2021‑09‑23 Re: Jewelry box ideas
On 23/09/2021, Brian Welch  wrote:
> Galoot emergency!
>
> My wife has decided she needs a new jewelry box.
>
> Christmas is 3 months away. I need ideas. I need pictures. I need tips
> (especially on felting drawers--I know that must be in the archive
> somewhere). I need lessons learned. I need someone to tell me I can do this
> in 3 months.
>

Hi Brian,

You got this.  It might get fiddly and lead you to some small amount of
suffering and frustration, but you can for sure do this!

Here are some pix for inspiration.
This is the box my wife uses for her costume jewelry.
It is a far greater treasure than the contents, as it was made by her
grandfather (a Danish cabinetmaker). The bow front is especially
nice, as are the escutcheons and stringing. The drawer bottoms
and simply glued on, and are plywood for stability.  The bottom
protrudes out the back and is trimmed so that it makes the drawer
fit perfectly.  I thought that was cool.  And note the lack of knobs,
you use the key to pull the drawers open, also cool.

http://galootopedia.com/old-tools_wiki/images/8/85/IMG_2552.jpg

http://galootopedia.com/old-tools_wiki/images/c/cc/IMG_2555.jpg

http://galootopedia.com/old-tools_wiki/images/3/31/IMG_2554.jpg

I hope you gain some inspiration and confidence from our efforts.
Now we want to see what kind of cool wood you found in the stash!

Darrell
-- 
Oakville ON
Wood Hoarder, Blade Sharpener, and Occasional Tool User
274611 Kirk Eppler 2021‑09‑23 Re: Jewelry box ideas
Having read all the responses, the one that resonates most is Esther's,
design around the jewelry she owns, or wants to own.

Decades back, when I was just starting into WW, and afraid of expensive
wood, I bought one for my now ex-wife, and we both loved it.  Built along
the lines of Josh's box, but bigger, a big bottom section, slightly more
divided on the top, maybe two layers of divided trays.  I don't recall the
Materials or shape, and can't go look for obvious reasons.  But I recall a
dark walnut type wood for the base, with a subtle banding inlay on top, of
appropriate colors.  It was on a cherry dresser, so sufficient contrast.
That's another thought, where is it going?

I would look at the designs she showed, and try to upgrade.  Seems some
like the individual earrings through a pair of holes, others like those
little cubbies mentioned.  I've seen lots of the "wall of holes" for
earring studs at craft shows,  but never see them walking out.  Same with
the huge array of necklace holders.

But yeah, 3 months is scary soon.  Just choosing the right wood could take
that long.  Then deciding pins first vs tails first will be your next tough
choice.  Then shellac vs oil vs bare wood.

Kirk in HMB, who is only partially serious here.

On Thu, Sep 23, 2021 at 11:21 AM Brian Welch 
wrote:

> My wife has decided she needs a new jewelry box. She sent me some links for
> ones she likes. They are expensive and awful (from a woodworking
> perspective). I refuse to spend our hard-earned cash on any of them.
>
> Christmas is 3 months away. I need ideas. I need pictures. I need tips
> (especially on felting drawers--I know that must be in the archive
> somewhere). I need lessons learned. I need someone to tell me I can do this
> in 3 months.
>
> This will be antique hand tools only because I don't own any tailed demons
> or new tools.
>
> Step one: take a look at the wood stash tonight.
>

-- 
Kirk Eppler
274612 Joe Jerkins <jerkinsjoe@g...> 2021‑09‑24 Re: Jewelry box ideas
Hi Brian,

3 months should work (unless you slip into a galoot time warp).

I had a similar request from SWMBO a couple of years ago.  I used a piece
of cocobolo (resawn) that I had in the stash.  The interior is lined with
black felt from Gerstner (glued to the interior with hot hide glue) and a
black ring holder I found in a jewelry supply catalog online that I cut to
fit.

Anyway, pictures here <https://flic.kr/s/aHskQmoF8c>.
https://flic.kr/s/aHskQmoF8c

Good luck with the project and I suggest not making it too oversized lest
you be asked to fill it up.

Please keep us posted!
Joe Jerkins - enjoying a beautiful evening in San Francisco.





On Thu, Sep 23, 2021 at 11:21 AM Brian Welch 
wrote:
274613 James DuPrie <jbn.duprie@g...> 2021‑09‑24 Re: Jewelry box ideas
I've made a bunch of them. I base my model on gerstner tool chests - a set
of about 9 small drawers over a set of 4-5 shallow wide drawers, but I
replace the drop front with doors. Itss a bit more than just a jewelry box
(mine have typically gone to family members and very close friends as a
13th year birthday present and they are referred to as 'treasure chests'
until the kids are in their later teens, when they become "jewelry
boxes"...- family tradition).
As far as felting, there 3 basic ways I do it: (From hardest to easiest):
** 1  (padded sides and bottom) take some good archive grade card stock,
and cut it just a smidge under the final size needed for a snug fit. Get
some good archive grade cotton batting. put a layer of batting over one
side of the card stock, wrapping it over the edges, wrap the whole thing in
felt, and secure the felt to the back. Try to keep the back as smooth as
possible.order of installation matters: first, put in the 2 longest sides -
they should be cut so that the ends go all the way to the corner. Next, put
in the 2 shortest sides - the ends of these will push against the 2 long
sides to help hold them in place. Put the bottom in last - it will press on
all 4 of the sides and help hold them in place. I usually use contact
cement to glue them in - because it can be removed and repaired fairly
easily.... Sides have to be carefully fit so that the "puff" on the top
edge doesn't extend past the drawer side, or it will quickly wear from
rubbing the box frame. One of those niggly fitting things....

** 2: same as above, but skip the cotton batting. Has the advantage of
being able to make sure that all the felt is flat and smooth before
installing, and no chance of adhesive leaking through (I keep all the
adhesive on the back). Makes getting the sides to come out the right height
easier too.

** 3: apply felt directly to inside surfaces. definitely the easiest and
fastest. requires a bit of care to make sure the adhesive doesn't bleed
through to the felt. Also requires a different order: Bottom first, then
sides. I cut the felt a tad oversize, then use a razor blade to cut it into
the corner to get an exact fit. I leave the sides a tad tall, and slide the
blade along the top edge of the drawer to get a nice clean match to the top
edge.

I've never attempted the self adhesive felt, or flocking, but I've heard
good things about both.....

-James
274614 John M. Johnston <jmjhnstn@m...> 2021‑09‑24 Re: Jewelry box ideas
I built a spice box that my wife has commandeered for her jewelry box. I built a
separate cabinet for fee necklaces.

Cheers,
John


John M. Johnston

“P.S. If you do not receive this, of course it must have been miscarried;
therefore I beg you to write and let me know.” - Sir Boyle Roche, M.P.
274617 Troy Livingston <horologist@w...> 2021‑09‑24 Re: Jewelry box ideas
Brian,

Lots of cool ideas, beautiful boxes and good advice so far.
However it seems to me that she has already done much of the work for 
you by sending you links to ones she likes.
We could send you our favorite design, one that would appeal to you as a 
woodworker, and when she opens the package you see the "oh, what am I 
going to do with this awful thing" look on her face. Been there, done 
that, have the ugly, ill fitting T Shirt as proof.

Are the boxes in the links poorly made over priced particle board crap 
or is it the design of the box that is offensive?

I would use her links as a starting point and tweak the design as required.

Perhaps it would help if you send us the links for reference.

Troy
274618 Troy Livingston <horologist@w...> 2021‑09‑24 Re: Jewelry box ideas
Thermal based adhesive? Pure brilliance. I wish I had this when I was 
adding the velvet lining to a box I made in High School that was 
supposed to house a cap and ball revolver. Only I never got around to 
making the inserts....

I applied the fabric to slightly undersized pieces of manila file folder 
as described earlier using white PVA glue.

Has anyone tried the Lee Valley flocking kit?

Troy
274620 scottg <scottg@s...> 2021‑09‑24 Re: Jewelry box ideas
The good news is, almost anything passes or becomes a jewelry box. From 
something small enough to fit in the palm of your hand to a full blown 
chest of drawers.

   If she is a kind woman anything you made for her with your hands will 
not draw criticism or "defect inspection" so its a pretty sure hit.

   I would be looking into what space to house it is available. Making 
something that is a pain to fit into your house I would avoid.  A box 
that miraculously "fits right in" keeps the magic going.
  I would try to find out her favorite wood or at least wood color for 
inlays or overlays etc. Everyone has one.
   I would try to access a peek at what she already has and likes in the 
way of jewelry. Almost every girl has her favorites. Lots of necklaces 
that want to tangle is different from lots of rings that want to pile.

    I would use a hard finish of some kind. Its going to be handled 
frequently and probably washed down occasionally. So treat it the same 
as a side table in its finish, so it doesn't prematurely need attention.

You really can't miss when it comes to a jewelry box.
   yours scott


-- 
*******************************
    Scott Grandstaff
    Box 409 Happy Camp, Ca  96039
    scottg@s...
    http://www.snowcrest.net/kitty/sgrandstaff/
    http://www.snowcrest.net/kitty/hpages/index.html
274690 Brian Welch <brian.w.welch@g...> 2021‑10‑12 Re: Jewelry box ideas
Gracious Galoots,

Thank you all for the many tips and tricks and links to various jewelry box
ideas. At first I was going to surprise my wife but then I decided I better
include her in the process. And what I learned is that despite the many,
many things we have in common, woodworking aesthetics is not one of them. A
jewelry box made the way I would like to make one is not what she is
looking for. And truth be told, I am so rusty that both the outcome and
timeframe were probably going to be suboptimal. So a jewelry box is going
to be purchased for now, but I have two daughters and I have longer-term
jewelry box plans for them. Josh's box (which is based on that July 2001
FWW 150 article--which I found in my files) is probably close to what I
will eventually aim for, I think.

The other thing I realized is that my wood stash is 80% tiger maple and
birdseye maple, which I love. And so in order to get my sawing and planing
skills back to where they should be, I am going to make a super gaudy
hanging toolbox for myself, which has been on my to-do list for maybe 20
years. Hopefully it won't take 20 years (or even 20 months) to finish, but
we'll see.

Brian

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