How to make a wooden jewelry organizer with sliding drawers

How to Make a Wooden Jewelry Organizer with Sliding Drawers

Creating your own wooden jewelry organizer with sliding drawers is an excellent project that allows you to combine both functionality and aesthetic appeal. It’s a great way to keep your jewelry organized while adding a personal touch to your home décor. Below is a step-by-step guide to making your own wooden jewelry organizer with sliding drawers. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced woodworker, this project is simple enough to be completed over a weekend.

Materials Needed:

1. Wood (Pine, oak, or any wood of your choice)
   • For the main body: 1/2″ thick
   • For the drawers: 1/4″ thick
2. Drawer slides (4 pieces for two drawers)
3. Wood glue
4. Wood screws or nails
5. Sandpaper (Medium and fine grit)
6. Wood stain or paint (Optional)
7. Drawer pulls (Optional)
8. Measuring tape
9. Pencil
10. Saw (Circular saw or table saw)
11. Drill
12. Screwdriver or drill bits for screws
13. Clamps (To hold pieces in place while gluing)

Step 1: Plan and Measure

The first step to building any woodworking project is to have a solid plan. Start by determining the size of your jewelry organizer. The main body can be anywhere from 12 inches wide, 6 inches tall, and 10 inches deep, but feel free to adjust these measurements based on your specific needs and available space.

• Drawer dimensions: A typical jewelry drawer might be around 8 inches wide and 3 inches deep, but this depends on the number of drawers you want to incorporate into your design.
• Spacing for drawers: Make sure you leave enough room for the drawers to slide in and out freely.

Pro Tip: Sketch out your design on paper, including all dimensions. This will give you a clearer picture before you start cutting your wood.

Step 2: Cut the Wood Pieces

Once you have your measurements, it’s time to start cutting your pieces. For the organizer box, you’ll need:

• Two side pieces (for the height)
• One back piece (for the width)
• One bottom piece
• One top piece (optional if you want a closed top)
• For the drawers, you’ll need:
  • Two side pieces for each drawer
  • A back piece
  • A front piece (this is the face of the drawer, which you can personalize with handles or pulls)
  • A bottom piece

Using a saw, cut all your pieces to size. Make sure the cuts are straight for the best fit.

Step 3: Assemble the Main Body of the Organizer

Now that your pieces are cut, it’s time to assemble the main body of the organizer.

1. Assemble the sides and back: Start by attaching the two side pieces to the back piece. Use wood glue and clamps to hold them in place until the glue sets. For additional strength, you can drill pilot holes and secure with screws.
2. Attach the bottom: Once the sides and back are together, glue and screw the bottom piece into place.
3. Attach the top (optional): If you prefer to have a closed top, glue and screw the top piece onto the body. If you want an open design, you can skip this step.

Allow the glue to dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Install the Drawer Slides

Next, you’ll install the sliding drawer mechanism. For a smooth operation, use metal or wooden drawer slides.

1. Position the slides: Attach the slides to the inside of the organizer’s body. Place the slides in line with where the drawers will sit, ensuring they are level and flush with the sides of the box.
2. Mark the positions: Carefully measure and mark where you will drill pilot holes for the screws.
3. Drill pilot holes: Drill holes where the drawer slides will be fixed. Be sure to drill at an angle if you are using screws to attach the slides.
4. Install the slides: Screw the slides into place. Repeat this process for the second side of the organizer.

Step 5: Assemble the Drawers

Now, let’s move on to assembling the drawers. Follow these steps for each drawer:

1. Attach the sides: Using wood glue and screws, attach the side pieces to the back and front pieces of the drawer. Make sure the pieces are square.
2. Install the drawer bottom: Attach the bottom piece to the sides and front/back of the drawer. Again, use wood glue and screws. Allow the glue to dry before continuing.
3. Install the drawer slides: Install the corresponding part of the drawer slide to the sides of each drawer. These slides should fit into the ones attached to the organizer’s body.

Step 6: Finish the Organizer

Once all the components are assembled, it’s time to add finishing touches to your jewelry organizer.

1. Sand the surfaces: Sand all surfaces, including the outside of the organizer and the drawers, with medium-grit sandpaper first, and finish with fine-grit sandpaper for a smooth surface.
2. Apply stain or paint (Optional): If you want a finished look, now is the time to apply wood stain or paint. Make sure the finish is dry before continuing.
3. Install drawer pulls (Optional): If you’re adding handles to your drawers, measure the placement, drill holes, and screw in the pulls.

Step 7: Final Assembly

After the stain or paint has dried, insert the drawers into the main body of the organizer. Test the sliding function to ensure everything fits and moves smoothly. If there are any snags, you can lightly sand the edges of the drawers or the slides to improve movement.

Step 8: Enjoy Your New Jewelry Organizer!

Now you have a beautifully crafted wooden jewelry organizer with sliding drawers! You can use the drawers to store rings, necklaces, earrings, or any other jewelry you want to keep organized. You’ve not only made something useful, but you’ve also added a touch of your craftsmanship to your home.

Tips for Customization:

• Dividers: To keep smaller jewelry pieces like rings or earrings separate, you can add small wooden dividers inside the drawers.
• Decorative elements: You can carve designs or add decorative wood inlays to the front of the drawers for a more personalized touch.
• Finish options: Try different finishes like polyurethane, lacquer, or beeswax to give your organizer a unique look and added durability.

Creating your own wooden jewelry organizer with sliding drawers is a fun, practical project that can add both organization and beauty to your space. By following these steps, you’ll have a custom piece that will serve you for years to come. Happy woodworking!

For more woodworking projects and guidance, check out Ted’s Woodworking Course here.