🪵 BUILD YOUR OWN JEWELLERY BOX — Step-by-Step Guide

📐 PLANS & CUTTING LIST — Classic 2-Tier Jewellery Box

💡 Timber Choice: Rimu, beech, pine, or birch plywood — all beautiful & available in NZ. 12mm = sturdy yet light.

✂️ CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS — Precision = Perfect Fit

📐 Step 1 — Cut the Base

• Cut front & back → 184mm × 60mm × 12mm
• Cut sides → 200mm × 60mm × 12mm
• Cut bottom panel → 176mm × 176mm × 6mm (fits inside the sides)
• Dado Tip: Cut a 3mm deep × 6mm wide groove 5mm up from the bottom inner face of all four sides — bottom panel slides in = super strong!
• Sand all cut edges → 80grit → 120grit → 240grit before assembly

📏 Step 2 — Cut the Lid

• Option A — Separate Lid (easier for beginners): Build as a shallow box — sides 20mm high + top panel. Fits over base with 1–2mm gap all round.
• Option B — Cut-Away Lid (cleaner look): Build full box first, then cut lid off on table saw — set fence to 20–25mm from top. Run box through on all 4 sides. Sand sawn edges perfectly smooth.
• ✨ Pro Tip: If cutting lid off — do this after glue-up & drying, before applying finish.

🗄️ Step 3 — Internal Dividers (the "Master" jewellery storage)

• Ring Tray: 1 section — line with velvet/felt, insert small wooden dowels or foam rolls
• Earring Slots: Thin 3mm wood strips glued vertically → 20–25mm wide slots
• Necklace Hooks: Small cup hooks or Vintique mini hooks mounted inside lid
• General Compartments: Simple grid — divide bottom into 3–4 sections with 6mm timber strips
• Leave 10–15mm clearance under lid when closed — no crushed treasures!

🔨 ASSEMBLY — Build It Strong & Square

Phase 1 — Base Assembly

1. Dry-fit all sides + bottom panel — check it sits flat & square
2. Apply wood glue to joints — don't overdo it! Wipe excess instantly with damp cloth
3. Clamp — use rubber bands or small bar clamps. Check diagonals match → must be equal = perfectly square
4. Let cure — minimum 2 hours, ideally overnight
5. Reinforce — small pin nails or screws from outside into corners (optional)

Phase 2 — Lid Assembly

• If separate lid: Glue & clamp same way as base. Test fit — should slide on/off smoothly with even gap all round. Sand edges if tight.
• If cut-away lid: Cut now (20–25mm from top), sand both cut edges flat & smooth.

Phase 3 — Sanding & Finishing

• Full sand — 120 → 180 → 240 grit — inside & out
• Finish BEFORE hardware goes on — stain, oil, paint, or wax. Hardware covers small areas — finish everything first!
• NZ favourites: Tung oil, beeswax, or Danish oil — safe, natural, enhances grain
• Let finish cure fully — 12–24hrs — before hardware installation

🔩 VINTIQUE HARDWARE INSTALLATION — The Jewel in the Crown

www.vintique.co.nz/collections/jewelry-box-hardware — NZ's largest range, shipped from Auckland

 1. HINGES — Connect Lid to Base

💡 No mortise? Surface-mount Vintique decorative hinges — sit on outside, no chiselling needed! Perfect for beginners & vintage look.

🛠️ 2. LATCH / CLASP — Keep It Closed

🔒 Upgrade Option: Vintique locking hasp — add a tiny padlock for special treasures!

🛠️ 3. KNOB / PULL — Easy Opening

🛠️ 4. DECORATIVE ACCENTS — Vintage Soul

• Corner Protectors / Mounts: One on each corner — drill pilot holes, screw down instantly elevates the look & protects edges from wear
• Wooden Appliqués: Glue small Vintique scroll/floral onlays to lid top before finishing — stain/paint over for seamless integration
• Lid Stay / Prop: Vintique mini stay — holds lid open at perfect angle, won't slam shut on fingers

🎀 FINAL TOUCHES — Interior Luxury

• Line It: Felt, velvet, or suede — cut to size, glue with spray adhesive. Protects jewellery & stops rattling
• Ring Dowels: 6mm wooden dowels glued into drilled holes — rings slide on & stay put
• Lid Hooks: Vintique tiny brass cup hooks inside lid — perfect for necklaces & chains
• Feet: Small round felt pads or Vintique brass feet on bottom — protects furniture surface, prevents scratches

✅ CHECKLIST — Before You Gift It

• Box sits flat — no wobble
• Lid opens smoothly, stays open, closes flush
• Latch catches securely — no accidental opening
• All screws tight — none loose
• Interior lined — soft & ready
• Finish cured — no sticky surfaces
• That satisfying click when it closes 🖤

🛒 SHOP VINTIQUE FOR YOUR PROJECT

🔩 Jewellery Box Hardware Collection — 125+ products: mini hinges, latches, knobs, stays, corners, decorative mounts

🟤 Unfinished Wooden Knobs — stain or paint to match your timber

🎨 Wooden Appliqués & Trims — add vintage detail to lid & sides

🇳🇿 Free shipping NZ over $99 — fast from Auckland warehouse

🌐 www.vintique.co.nz — everything you need in one place!

"The finest jewellery box isn't bought — it's built. With your hands, your choice of timber, and Vintique hardware — it becomes an heirloom before it's even finished." 💍✨