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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

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