The true essence of
Valentine’s Day rests in the regard you hold for your partner. Fancy gifts and elaborate dates are a classic way to woo your lover. However, there are a few other contemporary ideas you might want to try. Diamonds are definitely not every girl’s best friend. If your lady likes nature and wilderness more than fancy baubles, you need to appreciate that penchant. Your partner will surely appreciate the present made by your own hands. A wooden box to hold her most precious possessions could be the right answer. Don’t fret if you are not particularly familiar with different types of woods, cuts, and jigs. A jewelry box is one of the simplest wooden creations. Its complexity depends on your expertise with woodwork.
Making the Jewelry Box
For beginners, it might be better to make a box with an unattached lid rather than a lid with latches attached. Plan the dimensions on a piece of paper and draw a rough sketch. Cut wooden pieces in the exact measurements. You can also watch online tutorials to figure this out quickly. Walnut and cherry wood are crowd-favorite lumbers. However, you may want to use the plywood to make the dividers and the bottom of the jewelry box. Balsa wood is also a good option for amateurs. The technique of most expert craftsmen is cutting the edges of the sideboard like a zipper. This way, they fit perfectly with the corresponding boards. Make sure to use hot glue or super glue after fitting every piece.
Sand the jewelry box and its lid to remove any burrs or aberrations. The lid can be sanded at an angle so you can get a dome-like structure or any other shape you may desire. You also have the option to affix a handle or a doorknob on the lid. The box itself can be customized by adding little legs underneath it. Measure all pieces meticulously or your box will be wobbly. Adorn the insides of the case by cutting little pieces of felt and sticking them inside it. You can use any soft material that doesn’t snag. The felt will give a royal touch to your creation.
Whittling
If you are a complete novice then this whole process might not be appropriate for you. You could just skip ahead to the end and buy a pre-made box. Add a personalized touch by whittling or carving on the lid of the case. You can carve your names, initials, hearts, and even your star-signs anywhere on the box. If you are truly accomplished in whittling, you can sculpt portraits into the wood as well. Draw your intended design first and then get to work. Additionally, you can add your signature to the bottom as a token of possession. There are other ways to personalize the box as well like painting and bedazzling it. Apply varnish after finishing the construction of the box.
Supplies
Supplies needed for whittling are different from the ones used to make the box. You can use the common
pocket knife for carving if you don’t want to buy a dedicated sculpting dagger. You should not use this knife regularly as it might destroy the blade integrity. It should only be used if the specific whittling dagger is not available. Another good option is the OTF blades. Most OTF blades are thick and serrated, which gives them the required force and bite for carving wood. They are also portable and multipurpose, so you don’t have to carry two knives. If you have a pocket knife with various blades, then it is optimal. Multiple blade pocket knives can be used to carve in different cuts and patterns.
Visualize a design and draw it on a piece of paper. Ensure that the dimensions of the drawing match the dimensions of the jewelry box. Pick a spot and start carving. You can do that by cutting forwards or downwards at an angle. Pay consideration to the nature of the wood and the cuts being made on it. There are a lot of different cuts you can utilize. It may be a rough process in the beginning but you’ll gain many great areas to work on. Apply long and shallow cuts to create a vague shape. Then, add definition with a pull stroke or the paring cut. You will create patterns flawlessly with this cut. If the grain of the wood is rough, be extra careful. Keep all emergency supplies handy and wear protective gear.
Perfect Gift for Valentine’s Day
Cards and Flowers are traditional tokens of love. Emulate the aesthetic of these souvenirs by embossing the patterns into the wood. The jewelry box can work as a key dish or a flower vase as well, depending on its dimensions. There is no limit to your creativity. Fill the beautiful box with candy or handmade jewelry. Stuff it full of love notes and letters. Or better yet, fill it with her favorite products from SwordsSwords. The
Valentine’s Day Sale is exclusively for lovers like you. Turn the box into a treasure chest of memories and cherish it all. Happy Valentine’s Day!
