Hello Everyone,

First, I want to thank everyone for posting all their knowledge on this site. It has helped me develop a serious interest in woodworking. Here is some background on this jewelry box project. I started woodworking when I was very young with help from my Dad, both Grandpa’s, and my Uncle sras. They taught me to use the basic tools and I created some neat 4-H projects. It’s probably been 8 years since I’ve completed a wood project. I’m getting married in approximately 16 days, and I wanted to give her something special for her to remember the occasion. My dad always told me, if you can do the small projects, the big one’s are a piece of cake. I also decided I wanted to make her something that I could hide in the shop while I was making it. A jewelry box seemed like the perfect piece to work on, especially since my dad had given me some smaller wood scraps to work with.

I wanted to keep the box as basic as possible, but yet try a few new skills. I knew if I made it too difficult, I would get frustrated and probably not meet my deadline. Now that it’s completed, approximately took me a month and a half. Looking back, I know a few things that I would have done differently, and I can see multiple imperfections. I am glad did the oak inlay on walnut. I personally liked how the different species complemented each other. This project also gave me a chance to use a router that my parents gave me for Christmas. I used Minwax poly for the finish and wiped it on. It looks great except for where I didn’t get quite all the glue sanded off the corners.

She hasn’t gotten it yet, so don’t spill the beans! However, I don’t know if she even knows this site exists. Now, I need to put those diamond earrings in there and she will really be impressed.

Thanks for looking!