Creating a wooden jewelry stand with a spinning base is a fun and practical woodworking project. This piece can be both functional and stylish, allowing you to store your jewelry while showcasing it in an elegant way. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make your own wooden jewelry stand with a spinning base:
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Wooden board (1/2″ to 1″ thick) – for the base and stand
- Wood dowels (for the jewelry hooks)
- Wood glue
- Wood screws
- Rotating bearing or lazy Susan bearing – to allow the stand to spin
- Sandpaper (various grits, 120, 220)
- Drill with bits (for dowels and screws)
- Saw (a jigsaw or circular saw works best)
- Wood finish or paint (optional, for finishing)
- Clamps (for holding pieces together during assembly)
Step 1: Plan and Measure Your Stand
First, determine the dimensions of your jewelry stand. You can customize the height, number of hooks, and overall design to fit your space and needs. A typical jewelry stand might have:
- A base that’s about 6-8 inches in diameter.
- The spinning top section could be around 12-15 inches tall.
- Hooks can be placed at various heights on the stand, depending on the types of jewelry you intend to hang (necklaces, earrings, bracelets, etc.).
Step 2: Cutting the Base and Stand
Base: Using a circular saw or jigsaw, cut a circle from your wooden board. You can choose a size that suits your design, typically around 6-8 inches in diameter for stability.
Vertical Stand: Cut a 12-15 inch tall piece of wood that will serve as the vertical component of your jewelry stand. This can be a rectangular or square piece, depending on your style preference.
Top Circular Disc: If you’re adding a rotating top for additional jewelry storage, cut a smaller circular piece (around 4-6 inches in diameter) for the top part of the stand.
Step 3: Preparing for the Spinning Mechanism
To create the spinning mechanism for the base:
Lazy Susan Bearing: You’ll need a lazy Susan bearing, which is a simple rotating mechanism that allows the top section to spin smoothly. These are available at hardware stores or online.
Drill the Center Hole: On both the bottom of the vertical stand and the top of the base, drill a hole in the center. Make sure the hole diameter is just slightly larger than the diameter of the rotating bearing’s spindle.
Attach the Bearing:
- Place the rotating bearing on the base and screw it in place using small screws.
- Attach the top of the stand to the other side of the bearing, securing it to the vertical stand. Ensure the bearing fits snugly between the base and the top part of the stand, allowing it to rotate easily.
Step 4: Adding Jewelry Hooks
Drill Holes for Dowels: Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the diameter of your wooden dowels. Drill small holes along the vertical stand where you plan to insert the dowels for jewelry hooks. Space the holes evenly, with some at higher levels for necklaces and others at lower levels for bracelets or rings.
Cut the Dowels: Cut small pieces of dowel to the desired length for your hooks (usually about 2-3 inches long). Insert the dowels into the holes you drilled and secure them with wood glue. You can also reinforce them with small nails or screws if necessary.
Step 5: Sand and Finish the Stand
Sanding: Sand all the wooden parts to smooth out rough edges and surfaces. Start with a coarser grit (like 120) to remove any rough spots, then finish with a finer grit (like 220) for a polished surface.
Finishing: Once the stand is smooth and the dowels are secure, apply your choice of wood finish or paint to give the stand a finished look. A clear wood finish will bring out the natural grain, while paint can add a pop of color if you prefer.
Step 6: Final Assembly
Once the finish is dry, assemble the stand by stacking the top circular disc onto the rotating mechanism. Ensure everything is tight, and test the spinning function to make sure it rotates smoothly.
Step 7: Use and Enjoy
Now that your wooden jewelry stand with a spinning base is complete, you can place it in your room or bathroom. Hang necklaces, bracelets, and rings on the dowels, and use the rotating base to make everything easily accessible.
If you’re passionate about woodworking and want to expand your skill set further, consider checking out Ted’s Woodworking Course to access detailed plans for more exciting projects!