Making a wooden jewelry stand with hanging hooks is a fantastic project for both beginner and intermediate woodworkers. It’s not only practical, but also a great way to showcase your jewelry while giving it a personal, handcrafted touch. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build your own.
Materials and Tools
Materials:
- 1 wooden board (for the base)
- 2 wooden dowels (for the vertical posts)
- 6-8 small hooks (for hanging jewelry)
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Wood stain or paint (optional for finishing)
- Clear wood finish (optional for sealing)
Tools:
- Saw (hand saw or power saw)
- Drill with drill bits
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Clamp (optional, for holding pieces in place)
Step 1: Planning the Design
Before starting the project, it’s important to decide the dimensions of your jewelry stand. A typical jewelry stand might be around 8-10 inches tall and 6-8 inches wide, with dowels placed about 4-6 inches apart.
Consider the type of jewelry you will be hanging. For example:
- Necklaces: You’ll want hooks spaced far enough apart to prevent them from tangling.
- Earrings: Smaller hooks or even small dowels may work better for keeping pairs of earrings separate.
- Bracelets: Larger hooks or wider spacing on the dowels will give you enough room.
Sketch your design and mark the dimensions to help guide you through the cutting and assembly process.
Step 2: Cut the Base and Dowels
Once your design is planned:
Cut the base: Take the wooden board and cut it to your desired size. For stability, it’s best to keep the base wide and flat.
Cut the dowels: Cut the wooden dowels into two equal pieces for the vertical posts. These will hold the jewelry and can be anywhere from 6-10 inches tall, depending on the amount of jewelry you plan to hang.
Step 3: Sand and Prepare the Wood
- Sand the cut edges of the base and dowels using medium-grit sandpaper first to remove any rough spots, followed by fine-grit sandpaper to smooth everything down. This step is important to ensure a polished and professional look.
Step 4: Drill Holes for the Dowels
Measure and mark where you want to place the dowels on the base. Make sure the holes for the dowels are centered and equally spaced on either side of the base. Typically, they should be placed 2-4 inches from the edge of the base to give the structure good support.
Using a drill and a bit that matches the diameter of the dowels, carefully drill holes into the base. Be sure to drill straight and to the correct depth to fit the dowels snugly.
Step 5: Attach the Dowels
Apply wood glue into the holes where the dowels will sit. Insert the dowels into the holes, ensuring they are straight and perpendicular to the base. If you want extra stability, you can also use small screws or nails to secure the dowels from the bottom side of the base.
Use clamps to hold the dowels in place while the glue dries (about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the glue type). Allow the glue to fully set before continuing.
Step 6: Install the Hanging Hooks
Mark where you’d like the hooks to be placed on the dowels. Depending on the size of your jewelry and how much space you want, you may space them 1-2 inches apart.
Drill small pilot holes for the hooks, ensuring that the hooks can easily be screwed into the wood without splitting the dowels.
Screw the hooks into place, being careful not to overtighten as this can cause damage to the wood.
Step 7: Finish the Stand
Once the stand is assembled, it’s time to finish it:
- Sand the entire piece once again to smooth out any excess glue or rough spots.
- Apply wood stain if you want a rich, deep finish. Let the stain sit for a few minutes, then wipe away any excess with a cloth.
- Apply a clear wood finish to seal and protect the wood from moisture and wear. This step is optional but recommended for longevity.
Step 8: Final Touches
- Once the finish has dried completely (usually 24-48 hours), check the stability of your stand by gently shaking it.
- If needed, add additional support by adding small rubber feet or felt pads on the bottom of the base to prevent slipping or damage to surfaces.
Step 9: Organize Your Jewelry
Your wooden jewelry stand is now complete! Hang your jewelry on the hooks, and place it wherever you want to display your pieces. This stand will help keep your jewelry organized while also acting as a decorative piece.
Ted’s Woodworking Course can guide you through more intricate woodworking projects like this one. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned woodworker, Ted’s course offers a variety of plans and tips to help you master woodworking skills. Check out the course here: Ted’s Woodworking Course.