Making a wooden tissue box cover with a carved design is a fun and creative woodworking project that can enhance the appearance of a simple tissue box while showcasing your carving skills. Follow these detailed steps to create your own:
Materials Needed:
- A piece of wood (preferably pine, oak, or any softwood for easy carving)
- Saw (hand saw or table saw)
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Wood carving tools (gouges, chisels, and a mallet)
- Wood glue
- Wood finish (varnish, polyurethane, or oil)
- Ruler and pencil for measurements
- Tape measure
- Tissue box (to use as a template)
- Drill with a hole saw bit (optional)
- Clamps (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Wood Pieces
- Choose the Wood: Select a piece of wood that is sturdy but easy to carve, like pine or poplar. The dimensions should be based on the size of the tissue box you want to cover.
- Measure and Cut the Wood: Measure the tissue box and decide how you want your cover to fit. The typical tissue box is around 9.5 inches long, 5 inches wide, and 3 inches tall, but these measurements may vary.
- Cut four pieces for the sides of the box: two long pieces for the length and two short pieces for the width. The height of the box should be around 3-4 inches, depending on the size of the tissue box.
- For the top, cut a piece of wood that is slightly larger than the top of the box to ensure a snug fit over it.
2. Carve the Design
- Draw the Design: Use a pencil to sketch your carving design on the top or sides of the wooden pieces. Popular designs include floral patterns, geometric shapes, or abstract patterns. You can either carve a simple pattern or a more detailed one depending on your experience level.
- Carving the Design: Use carving tools to carefully carve the design into the wood. Begin with shallow cuts and gradually deepen the grooves. Always carve away from your hands and maintain control of your tools to avoid injury. Use gouges for larger areas and chisels for finer details.
- If you’re new to wood carving, start with a simpler design and practice on scrap pieces of wood before carving the actual box.
- For intricate designs, take your time, and use a mallet to assist with the larger gouges.
3. Cut the Hole for the Tissue Box
- Mark the Opening: On the top piece of wood, mark the area where the tissues will come out. Typically, the hole should be about 4-5 inches long and 1.5 inches wide, but you can adjust it according to your design preferences.
- Drill a Hole: Using a drill with a hole saw bit, drill a hole in the center of the marked area. Make sure the hole is big enough for the tissues to be pulled out easily but not too large that it weakens the structure.
- Cut the Opening (if necessary): If the hole saw bit doesn’t give a clean cut around the edges, use a coping saw or a jigsaw to carefully trim the edges of the hole to match your design.
4. Assemble the Tissue Box Cover
- Dry Fit the Pieces: Before gluing, dry-fit the pieces of the box to make sure everything lines up properly.
- Glue the Pieces Together: Apply wood glue to the edges of the side pieces and attach them to the bottom piece. Use clamps to hold everything in place while the glue dries.
- Be careful not to get glue on the carved areas, as it can affect the wood finish later.
- Secure the Top: Once the sides are glued and set, attach the top piece. Make sure the hole is centered and aligns correctly with the tissue box opening.
- Let the Glue Dry: Allow the glue to dry for several hours or overnight.
5. Finishing Touches
- Sand the Box: Once the glue has dried, sand the entire box using medium grit sandpaper to remove any rough edges or glue residue. Follow up with fine grit sandpaper to smooth the surfaces. Pay special attention to the carved areas to ensure there are no jagged edges.
- Apply a Finish: After sanding, apply a wood finish to protect the wood and enhance the design. You can use varnish, polyurethane, or oil, depending on the look you prefer. Apply a few thin coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.
6. Final Assembly
- Fit the Tissue Box Inside: Once the finish is dry, place the tissue box inside the wooden cover. Ensure it fits snugly inside the box cover, and the tissues can be dispensed through the hole you created.
- Add Optional Features: You can add felt pads or a lining inside the wooden box to prevent scratches or ensure a smoother tissue dispensing experience.
Tips for Success:
- Practice Carving First: If you’re new to carving, practice on a scrap piece of wood before working on your final piece.
- Use the Right Tools: Make sure you use sharp carving tools to make the process smoother and safer.
- Work Slowly: Take your time to carve carefully and make sure the edges of your design are smooth.
- Use a Template: If you’re not confident in freehand drawing your design, you can print out a template, cut it out, and trace it onto the wood before carving.
By following these steps, you will have a beautifully carved wooden tissue box cover that not only serves its purpose but also adds a personal touch to your home decor. With a little creativity and patience, your tissue box cover can become a piece of functional art!
For more woodworking inspiration and detailed plans, you can explore Ted’s Woodworking Course here.