I am often asked how I know how to do the projects that I do, or how I am brave enough to attempt them, which is one of the reasons for starting this blog. However, I didn’t wake up one day and decide that I was going to start building walls or tiling fireplaces. I started small. I started with a drill, a jig saw, and an orbit sander. I started by making small craft projects in my garage, and practicing with my tools until I became comfortable using them, and gradually, my projects got harder and more involved, until I was brave enough to take on the Ski Chalet.
Today, I wanted to share with you a fairly easy craft project that anyone can do, and probably already has all of the tools for. These wooden boxes are an adorable centerpiece and can be personalized or changed to fit the season. They can be painted, stained, and decorated with different twine/rope/ribbon and different flowers/twigs/greenery.
Supplies and Tools Needed:
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- I used one 6 foot 1×4 and one 4 foot 1×6. Sometimes, I find it easier to find straighter wood when I buy it in longer lengths. I don’t mind having extra because there are always future projects that will need to be done. 🙂
- I used my Ryobi Compound Miter saw (and stand) and Ryobi Table Saw for this project, but if you have a Jig Saw, this will work as well. The links are for the ones that I have and used, but you can use whatever brand that you want. They all work!!
- I can’t ever do a project without my trusty Ryobi Drill Set. I love this and use it all the time.
- Tape Measure
- Wood Glue
- Nails (If you want to use screws and wood filler, that works too. I like this wood filler that goes on purple and dries beige so you know when it’s dry)
- Hammer
- Stain
- Paint brush or foam brush
- Rags
- 3 quart sized mason jars
- Chalk paint for jars if desired
The measurements that I have included in this post are for the box that holds 3 quart sized jars. If you want to use different sized jars or add more jars to make the box longer, you’ll have to do some math…
I started with my 1×6 board and cut it down to 11 1/4 inches for the bottom of the box.
I used my Miter Saw to cut this board. If you are new to using a miter saw, make sure that you line up the EDGE of the blade with your marking on the board. Remember the blade is 1/8 inch wide and if you line up the center of the blade, you’ll cut your board a hair shorter than you wanted to.
If you are using a jig saw, make sure you use a square to draw a line across your board to follow with the saw. (I couldn’t find my square, don’t judge! This is the guide for the miter saw table. Use what you have and make it work 🙂 ).
In order for the mason jars to fit snugly in the box, I needed the bottom of the box to be 3 3/4 inches (unfortunately a 1×4 is actually 3 1/2 inches). I used my table saw to cut the board down to this width. Again, a jig saw would work for this. Just make sure you measure and draw yourself a line to follow.
Next, I needed two sides for my box. I used 1×4 material which is short enough that the decorative writing and logos show on the mason jars. I cut them to 11 1/4 inches just like the bottom of the box.
Lastly, I needed 2 ends for the box. I used the 1×4 board and cut it down to 5 1/4 inches. This will cover the entire edges of the ends of the box.
Now that I have all the pieces cut, it’s time to put them all together!! I chose to use hammer and nails because I think it gives it a nice rustic touch. You can use screws and wood filler if you prefer a more sleek look.
First, I took the bottom of the box (the 1×6 that we cut to 3 3/4×11 1/4). I used the wood glue to run a small bead of glue along one of the long edges.
Then I held one of the sides in place while I prepared to drill a hole and place a nail.
I used my drill and a small drill bit (make sure it’s smaller than your nails) to drill holes where I am going to place my nails. I did this step to try to prevent the boards from splitting when I hammered the nails in place.
Then I used some nails with large heads to hold the board together. I think these have a little bit of a rustic look to them. If you wanted to use screws and wood filler for a sleeker look, you can do that. I would still pre-drill holes to prevent the one-by material from cracking or splitting.
I put 4 nails in each side
Next, I put the opposite side on the exact same way. I was left with this:
It’s time for the end pieces. I started the same way, by adding a little bit of wood glue around the edges.
I held the end pieces in place and again, drilled holes where I wanted to place my nails.
I placed four nails in the end
So, now I have a complete box!! I chose to stain mine a dark color because I liked the look. There are so many things you can do with these boxes. You could paint it, stain it, or leave it natural. It’s all up to you your taste. I used an espresso colored stain for mine and a cheap brush to put it on. I like to wear gloves so my hands don’t end up brown, and I use an old t-shirt to wipe the excess stain off.
I used my cheap paint brush to coat my box in stain. Of note, the longer you leave the stain on, the darker it will get. I was looking for a dark stain color so I coated my entire box before I wiped any excess off.
Then I used an old t-shirt to wipe the excess stain off
After wiping the stain off
I painted my jars with chalk paint, sanded off the lettering and corners with medium coarse sand paper. I then tied a bow with twine and then placed some hydrangeas in the jars, but really, you can decorate with whatever you want.
This is such a cute and cheap project that anyone can do!! I hope you give it a try!! If you do, send photos or post them in the comments!! I would love to see them!
