If you’re looking for a special box for special items, you’ll love our wooden keepsake box plans. This is a great woodworking project that includes box joints and an-easy-to-make inlay in the lid. Even if you know nothing about creating inlays, you’ll have no problem crafting the inlay for this project. Our step-by-step plans provide everything you need to build this project. Check out this quick video demonstrating the use of the star inlay jig you will use in this project.

Making Box Joints

Box joints are a key element of our keepsake box. The author uses a simple shop-made box joint jig for the table saw to create perfectly fitting joints. If you want to make a similar jig for your shop, be sure to check out our box joint jig plans.

Handmade Gifts

There’s nothing quite like crafting and giving gifts you’ve made yourself. Woodworker’s Guild of America has many handmade gift plans you can take advantage of.

Reply to Customer Service
  • (will not be published)

96 Responses to “How to Make a Wooden Keepsake Box”

  1. Bruce Jensen

    This box is lovely and I have started it, but someone needs to go through the instructions again and , even though it might be obvious, I followed the directions for the sides and front, glued them all up, then wondered how the heck the 1/4 plywood bottom gets put in – hmmmm that seems to be missing entirely and so now I have this lovely 4 sided box joint device that I can no longer put the bottom in. Maybe I’m too literal?
    It also would be nice to include the routered top instructions as well and not find them in the comments.

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Bruce,

      Thanks for your note and I’m VERY sorry to hear that you missed the bottom piece. As I review this plan, I see the parts on page 3 with the bottom labeled, and the diagram on page 12 clearly shows the bottom panel inserted into the groove. I believe that this issue will be easy enough for you to conceal. What I would do is glue some support shelves into the grooves, going around the perimeter. You can even use scrap from the1/4 plywood used for the bottom panel. Cut a piece of 1/4″ plywood to the exact inside dimensions of your box. After the glue dries on your supports, put bead of glue onto the shelves. Then slide your bottom piece down onto the supports. It will be plenty strong and I’ll bet that nobody will ever know.

      Thanks!

      Reply
  2. CARLTON

    I downloaded this plan and it states there is a pdf. Was not attached. What’s up

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi Carlton. In order to access the PDF you will need to be logged into your membership. If you are still having trouble accessing, please try using a different browser. If you have any questions, please give our customer service team a call at 1-855-253-0822.
      Jean
      Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership

      Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Randy,
      Here’s what the experts had to say about your question:

      The depth of the the finger cuts equals the thickness of the material that it is being joined to.
      Paul

      Sincerely,
      Danesha
      Wood Workers Guild of America Video Membership

      Reply
  3. Mal Aland.

    I have have several jewel box plans and have constructed several for friends and sales.
    This project looks to be different and more compact.

    Reply
  4. Timothjy Bopp

    Is there a video on how to make the star Jig? There is a video on how to use the jig once it is made but I could not find detailed instructions on making the jig itself. I mainly need to know how to make those angled cuts in the jig board once glued to plywood base. That is not apparent to me.

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi,

      You will find the diagram on page 15 of the PDF.

      Paul
      Woodworkers Guild of America

      Reply
      • elliot.savitzky

        Hi, Yes, there is a detailed diagram on the design of the star cutting jig. However, it would be better if there was some guidance on how to cut the kerfs for the angles into which you guide the saw. Do you glue the pieces to the plywood base and then try to cut a kerf with the saw? Or is there a more efficient way to do it? thanks

        Reply
        • Customer Service

          Hi Elliot,

          Yes it’s best to glue the guides to a base and then use a temporary straightedge clamped over the guides to cut the kerfs. Work slowly to follow the straightedge until the kerf is cut though to get the best results. Best to you as you complete your project.

          David Radtke

          Reply
  5. flattrun

    Hi. I’m having the same problem as everyone else. I can’t seem to download the plan. Target page doesn’t open. I’ve checked to be sure I’m logged in as a Premium member. Tried on my Android cell phone Samsung Internet, and now Microsoft Edge.

    Reply
    • flattrun

      Google Chrome doesn’t work either. This is my first attempt to benefit from Premium membership. So far, not really impressed.

      Reply
  6. Robert Bilodeau

    Hi, I took a gold membership yesterday and the first plan I try to download the link dosen’t work. Here’s what I get when I go to download:
    ExpiredToken
    The provided token has expired.

    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

    0B03666CEBBBA5C4

    ZFHW0T4HOhoh9Y0DW0aKvsfx0Y8E4LBVhBmuEiM76I9QcUBTA3UShgoOc38/+e5dHAhZZ7M91Wk=

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Robert,

      Thank you for contacting us. I am sorry to hear that you are having trouble accessing your downloads. Please follow the instructions below:
      1. Visit: https://www.wwgoa.com
      2. Click on LOG IN towards the top-right hand side of the web page.
      3. Enter your email address: atelierducap@hotmail.com and your password, then click on Login to log in.
      4. From your Account Dashboard, click on the Downloads icon:
      5. To save the download to your device, click on the title underneath the DOWNLOAD column on the right-hand side of the page.
      To ensure each download is successful, please only download one file at a time; please be patient while waiting for the download to complete, as this is a large file.

      If you are still having trouble accessing your downloads, please chat, email, or contact Customer Service at 1-855-253-0822.

      We greatly appreciate your business!

      Sincerely,

      Joan
      Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership

      Reply
  7. DAVID

    I seem to be watching a lot of commercials? But, neither Plans or Videos will open. Can only access trailers??

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi David. I see that you contacted our customer service team on this. You now should be able to successfully view the premium content. If you are still having issues, please contact our customer service team at 1-855-253-0822.
      Thanks
      Jean-Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership

      Reply
        • Customer Service

          Hello. In order to view the plans you need to be logged into your membership. If you have any questions, please contact or customer service team at 1-855-253-0822.
          Thanks
          Jean-Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership

          Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi David. The issue with these plans has now been fixed. You should now be able to open the plans. I am sorry for any inconvenience. Let us know if you have any questions.
      Thanks
      Jean-Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership

      Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello. The issue with this download has been fixed. You should now be able to download these plans. I am sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.
      Thanks
      Jean-Woodworkers Guild of America Video Membership

      Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi Susan. What is it that you need help with?
      Thanks
      Jean-WWGOA Video Membership

      Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello. You can use a Japanese pull saw for this. The jig dimensions are detailed on the final page of the plan, and there is a video referenced in the plan that demonstrates how it is used. Hopefully these resources can help you with this jig.
      Thanks
      Paul-WWGOA

      Reply
  8. Edward

    I am resurrecting a failing woodshop program. This project will be an excellent addition. Anything else would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
  9. Stephen

    On a second attempt to download the plans, I was successful in getting the plans to down load

    Reply
  10. Emilio G.

    I try to download this Wooden Keepsake Box, but nothing happen. What is the matter?

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi Emilio. To download this you will need to be logged in to your membership with your username and password. If you have any problems please contact our customer service team at 1-855-253-0822.
      Sincerely,
      Jean-WWGOA Video Membership

      Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi Thomas. We are sorry that you are not able to view the plan. Please try hard refreshing the page or using a different browser. If you are still not able to view the plan, please give our customer service team a call at 1-855-253-0822 and they can assist you with viewing the plan.
      Thanks
      Jean-WWGOA Video Membership

      Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi, Gordon. Please log into your membership account to access the plan.

      Reply
  11. Albert

    I downloaded this object. Later on it vanished. How can I put this in the memory. E.g. iBooks. Pls. Advice. Albert
    Info: IPad Air, safari.

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hi, Tony. In order to access the plans, you will need to be logged in as a Premium Member.

      Reply
  12. Glenn

    Hello George; I am looking for the video that provides instructions on using the Box Joint / Finger Joint by using the Porter Cable Jig #4210 and the Jig Template #4213 . Please e-mail glenn_bindley@yahoo.com or Call: 316.880.2396 Thank you Glenn

    Reply
  13. Heather

    Hello! I am currently in the middle of this project, and there isn’t any instructions on routing the top of the lid. What bit is used? When do you rout the lid, after its completley finished or before? One more thing as to the base pieces. The ends are cut at 45•, do you need the base pieces longer, or are the dimensions/length of them already calculated in? I’m ready to start on the lid, so any info you can give me as soon as possible is appreciated! Thanks!!

    Reply
    • WWGOA Team

      You should rout the decorative profile on the lid after the inlay is complete and the oak has been glued to the walnut. That way you’re treating the oak/walnut glue up like one board. You can use any router bit profile that appeals to you for this. A bevel panel raising bit, similar to MLCS #8676, will give you the long bevel shown in the article.

      Regarding the base pieces, yes, make them longer than required and cut them to fit. This is a good example of not trying to follow the cut list exactly, but instead getting dimensions from your particular box for your base pieces. Your box may come out slightly smaller or larger than ours, so you should cut your pieces accordingly. (ZD: 2840)

      Reply
  14. Steve

    I’ve been looking for plan for making box joint jigs. The boxes will be use to store the grandkids crayons and markers.

    Reply
    • WWGOA Team

      Hello! This is a Premium video; please make sure you’re logged in with your username and password.

      Reply
  15. Wayne

    I loaded this as a “hope to” project. I have a person in mind who will adore the Keepsake Box and use it- for sure.

    Reply
    • WWGOA Team

      Hi, Max! At this time, our records do not indicate that you’re a Premium Member. If you would like to become a member, or have any other questions, please contact us at 1-855-253-0822.

      Reply
    • WWGOA Team

      Hi, Ed! This is a Premium video; please make sure you’re logged in with your username and password to access this plan.

      Reply
    • Jean Beaird

      Very helpful, but get a speaker that is easier to hear what he is saying. Also show the cutting of the joints on the table saw.

      Reply
    • Brian

      Are metric units included in all the plans? I find british imperial units impossibly frustrating to work with any kind of precision work

      Reply