Creating a wooden jewelry tray is a fun and functional woodworking project. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a simple yet stylish wooden jewelry tray.
Materials Needed:
- Wood: Choose a hardwood like oak, maple, walnut, or cherry for durability and aesthetics.
- Measuring Tape or Ruler
- Saw: A miter saw or table saw works best.
- Sandpaper: Start with a coarser grit (e.g., 80-grit) and finish with a finer grit (e.g., 220-grit).
- Wood Glue
- Clamps
- Wood Finish: Oil, wax, or polyurethane.
- Small Nails or Screws (optional for added strength)
- Dowel Rods or Wooden Dividers (optional for compartmentalizing the tray)
- Wood Filler (if needed to fix imperfections)
Tools Needed:
- Saw (Miter saw or table saw)
- Drill
- Clamps
- Sanding Block or Power Sander
- Brush or Cloth (for applying finish)
- Ruler/Measuring Tape
Steps to Make the Jewelry Tray:
1. Plan Your Design
- Decide on the size and shape of the tray. A typical jewelry tray might be 8-12 inches long and 5-7 inches wide. You can go smaller or larger depending on your preference.
- Think about compartments for rings, necklaces, or bracelets. This could be as simple as a single flat surface or involve dividers.
2. Cut the Wood Pieces
- Cut the main tray base to your desired size. This could be a rectangle or square shape.
- Cut four sides to form the walls of the tray. You can adjust the height of the walls based on your preference.
- If you’re adding dividers, cut these pieces now.
3. Assemble the Tray
- Lay out the side pieces along the edges of the base to make sure they fit correctly.
- Apply wood glue to the edges of the side pieces and attach them to the base. Use clamps to hold everything in place while the glue dries.
- If you’re adding dividers, glue these into place as well.
- Let the glue dry for at least an hour. If you’re using screws or nails for extra strength, secure the corners and dividers with them at this point.
4. Sand the Tray
- Once the glue is fully dried, sand the tray thoroughly. Start with a coarse grit (80-grit) to smooth rough edges and surfaces.
- Move to finer grits (180-grit or 220-grit) to create a smooth, polished surface.
5. Apply the Finish
- Once the tray is smooth, apply a wood finish. You can use an oil finish like Danish oil or mineral oil, which gives a nice, natural look. Alternatively, you can use polyurethane for a more durable finish.
- Use a brush or cloth to apply the finish in the direction of the grain. Let it dry, and apply additional coats if needed.
6. Add Optional Features
- You can add small felt pads to the bottom of the tray to protect surfaces from scratches.
- If you want compartments for jewelry, you can use small pieces of dowel rods or cut additional wooden dividers. Secure them in place with glue or small nails.
7. Final Touches
- After the finish is dry, inspect the tray for any rough spots or areas that may need touch-up sanding.
- Wipe down the tray with a soft cloth to remove any dust or leftover finish.
Conclusion:
Making a wooden jewelry tray is a straightforward woodworking project that can be customized to suit your needs and style. You can personalize the tray by selecting different types of wood, finishes, or adding compartments to keep your jewelry organized. This simple project is perfect for both beginners and more experienced woodworkers.
For a comprehensive woodworking guide and more projects, check out Ted’s Woodworking Course here.