Instruction Manual
45–60 minutes · Ages 8+ with adult supervision · 11 clear steps
In less than an hour, you can build a solid wood keepsake box for yourself, or a gift for a loved one.
No power tools needed. Simply glue, sand and finish.
The natural variations in the wood make every box unique.
Watch and build
Follow the build from the first fit to the final finish. Pause and rewind as you work, with the illustrated steps and printable guide close at hand.
Follow the illustrated steps →
| Supply Item | Description/Specification |
|---|---|
| WOOD GLUE | Titebond® or Elmer’s® wood glue |
| SANDPAPER | 150-, 220 and 320-grit |
| CARDBOARD | Approximately 2" x 4" to act as a sanding block |
| TAPE | ¾" masking tape |
| PAPER TOWEL | Small pieces for glue clean up |
| FINISH | Nontoxic finish of your choice |
| WAX PAPER | Serves a a surface protectant |
Your box arrives taped together, remove the light blue tape in order to lay the box flat, don’t remove the dark blue tape at this time. Lay the box flat on your work surface and proceed to step 2.
Remove only the light blue shipping tape.
With the miter edges facing up, fit the bottom piece into the grooves. Bring all four sides together and gently close the corners. Take it all apart after you understand how everything fits. This practice run will help make gluing easier.
Fit the parts together and get comfortable wrapping the box.
Sand the inside surfaces and the bottom of the box with 320-grit paper (these have already been sanded to 220). Wrap sandpaper around a piece of cardboard to keep it flat. Sand in the direction of the grain. Wipe off the dust when you’re finished.
Sand the inside surfaces with the grain
Applying a finish to the inside before gluing makes it easier to remove glue squeeze-out later. Don‘t apply finish on the glue joints, in the angled spline cuts, or in the bottom grooves. Use the finish of your choice. We like Walrus Oil®, it‘s thick and resists running onto unwanted areas. Follow the manufacturer‘s instructions for application and disposal of rags.
Before you glue it up, finish the inside.
Apply a thin bead of glue with a brush or your finger on the mitered joints. Then fold the sides together, open it again, and wipe off the excess glue. Apply glue to the end miters as well, keeping the glue off the inside of the box.
Start a thin bead. Continue along each miter. Spread an even layer.
Have strips of paper towels ready to wipe off excess glue. Use a new piece for each corner.
Install the box bottom into the slot on one of the long sides, making sure it doesn‘t extend beyond the angled corner. Fit the other sides around the bottom, and check that the edge of the last corner is aligned. Tape the last corner together to clamp the assembly.
Start with two sides. Slide in the bottom. Wrap the side around the bottom. Tape the last corner together
Test the fit of each corner spline in its slot before gluing. If a spline is too tight, remove it, hold it down and sand lightly with 150-grit until it fits. If the spline is too loose, you can use masking tape to hold it down while the glue dries (the glue will expand the wood and hold it in place). Be sure each spline fits all the way to the bottom of the slot. The protruding edges of the splines will be sanded flush later. Set the box aside to dry.
Test fit each spline. Add glue to the long edge. Press fully into the slot. Close up of the spline in the slot.
No need to wipe glue, the tape protects the box from excess glue.
While you wait for the glue to dry, smooth the inside groove of the box lid using sandpaper wrapped around a piece of cardboard.
Use 150-grit for the grooves under the lid. Once sanded move to 220-grit and sand the entire lid and round the edges to your liking. Finish with 320-grit.
Wipe off the dust, apply the finish of your choice, and set the lid aside to dry.
Once dry, carefully remove ALL the tape from around the box. To sand the splines flush, slide the sides of the box in long straight strokes on 150-grit paper taped to a flat tabletop. Be patient! Light strokes will help keep the sandpaper in place. When the splines are flush with the box, move on to 220-grit, and finally 320.
Using 150-grit paper on a tabletop as you did for the splines, sand the top and bottom of the box until the mitered corners are flush, and repeat with 220 and 320.
Flatten the top and bottom. Sand all unfinished edges to 320 grit. Soften the edges to your desired shape.
Clean off all dust and apply a finish to the outside of the box. Set it aside to dry. Now stand back and admire your work and the lovely wood grain!
Optional: When the finish has completely dried you can add the felt liner to the bottom of the inside of the box. It can be dry-fitted or double-stick taped.
Finish the box. Finish the lid. Let it dry fully.
IMPORTANT: For oil-based finish, an adult must follow the label for ventilation and safe cloth disposal.
