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Gifts & Small Projects

DIY Keepsake Gift Box

Step-by-step build — 10 steps. Also available as a print sheet.

  1. 1Cut & Rip Boards

    Cut board to final pieces sizes using miter saw - SEE CUT LIST. Then rip ALL boards to 5 1/4" Wide. ***NOTE: Cut the top/lid at the same time as side pieces to ensure they are the same length - 14.5"

    DIY Keepsake Gift Box — step photo 5
  2. 2Glue Bottom Pieces Together

    Glue and clamp two (2) of the 14.5" pieces together for the bottom. Set aside til dry. ***NOTE: This step is not necessary if making box out of plywood.

    DIY Keepsake Gift Box — step photo 6
  3. 3Rip Dado for Lid

    • Set table saw blade to 1/4" in height and set fence at 1/4". Run all four (4) side pieces thru.
    • Then adjust fence to 3/8" and run the two (2) long (14.5") side pieces thru. This should give you a 1/4" dado for the lid to slide thru - verify it slides easily before moving on. Make any adjustments as necessary.
    DIY Keepsake Gift Box — step photo 7
  4. 4Trim End Pieces

    Raise table saw blade up to just cut thru the 3/4" material and then run the (2) end pieces thru. Be sure to use a push block or a micro jig to safely cut these pieces.

    DIY Keepsake Gift Box — step photo 8
  5. 5Assemble Box

    Assemble box using wood glue and 23 ga pin nails 1 1/4" long. Use clamps if necessary to hold pieces together during assembly.

    DIY Keepsake Gift Box — step photo 9
  6. 6Rip Lid

    Rip lid to its final width. Should be approximately 8.5" Wide, but be sure to measure your box for exact measurements. ***Note: length of lid should have been cut at same time as the long side pieces to ensure same length.

    DIY Keepsake Gift Box — step photo 10
  7. 7Fill, Sand & Finish

    Fill any gaps with wood filler, sand to desired grit, and finish with you desired finish.

    DIY Keepsake Gift Box — step photo 11
  8. 8Install Hardware

    Using the Kreg Cabinet Hardware Jig drill holes for your desired pulls and install.

    DIY Keepsake Gift Box — step photo 12
  9. 9Add Lid & Embellish

    Insert lid and you have a finished DIY Keepsake Gift Box. You can engrave the box with a meaningful message, embellish with decorative details, or hand paint a message to make it extra special. Oh and the last step is to fill it with something special, like two bottles of wine, and give it to a loved one.

    DIY Keepsake Gift Box — step photo 13
  10. 10Visit www.theAwesomeOrange.com

    Visit www.theAwesomeOrange.com for more pictures of this build and more ideas on how to embellish your DIY Keepsake Gift Box for your loved one!

    DIY Keepsake Gift Box — step photo 14