MORGANTOWN — Finding just the right jewelry box to suit precious or sentimental baubles you’ve curated over the years can be a challenge.
Earring studs especially can be frustrating to keep sorted and paired. With a DIY jewelry box you can keep earrings and rings safe and organized, in your own custom style and colors.
To make a jewelry box, you will need:
- A metal tin, wooden box, or other container
- Fabric
- Stuffing (scrap fabric, wool, or any other soft material can work)
- Needle and thread or sewing machine
- Scissors
- Glue
If you have a shallow hinged box or a small or medium sizes shallow tin, either would work well for this DIY project. If you don’t, check local thrift shops or consider other containers you may have on hand.
First measure your box and decide how much of it you want to fill with rolls for wedging rings and studs between. If using a small box, you’ll likely fill it all. Larger boxes can be convenient partially filled, with open space left for larger earrings or necklaces.
If not filling the entire box with the classic ring holder rolls, cover the bottom with the some of the fabric chosen for the rolls. Apply glue suitable for fabric to the bottom of the box and smooth the fabric over it.
You can use practically any fabric for this project. Silks, satins and velvets give a luxurious feel. Other textures of fabric can give a more funky look to your jewelry box. Pick a color or pattern to compliment your tin or box and which will make you happy every time you open it.
Cut strips of fabric about two and a half inches by the length of your box plus half an inch. Sew into a tube with the right side in. Turn right side out, and stuff the tube with scrap fabric or other stuffing. To get a smooth finish (especially if using a stretchy fabric) roll up scraps of fabric before stuffing them into the tube.
Leave ends of the fabric tube unstuffed, so you can fit the roll into the box with the ends tucked under. When you put the rolls into your box squish them together to make a snug fit.
Add some glue under each roll as you place it, so it will stay secure through use.
A handmade jewelry box can add a new flare to your dressing table. Customized jewelry boxes also make thoughtful and personal gifts. Start collecting boxes and fabric scraps now, make them as you have time, and you can check off holiday gifts for all those who wear jewelry on your list.
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