Looking for a project that won’t take a long time to complete or cost a small fortune? This smaller version of a blanket box is a simple and inexpensive project. Treasure chests and blanket boxes have been used throughout history. Timeless and beautiful, this project is sure to be passed on through your family for generations.

This blanket box can be built from any number of materials. I used pine because it is easy to work with and I think the grain is beautiful.

Construction of Box

Select the wood you will be using for this project and plane it to ½” thickness.

Use your table saw and trim the ½” x 12″ to a width of 11 ¼”.

Make sure that the wood is squared off and use the radial arm saw to cut 4 pieces 18″ in length. This is the wood for the top, sides and bottom of your box.

Use the remaining wood, cut 2 pieces each 10″ in length. These pieces will make up the sides of your box.

Carefully examine your wood and select the pieces that you want to use for the front, top, back and bottom of the box. Use clamps to secure the project as you glue and assemble the box (4 sides and bottom). Sand completely.

Construction of Leg Apron

Mark the side leg aprons lightly with pencil to show the shape of the curve (2 pieces 11 ⅛” x 2 ½”) measuring up 1″ from the bottom and 2″ in from each side.

Draw a straight line across the apron and round at the corners using a small circle. (I used the bottom of a wood filler container)

The front and back leg aprons should be marked 1″ up and 2 ½” in from the sides.

Cut out the curve of the aprons, shape and sand.

Ensure that your box is square. Glue and fasten side aprons first and then front and back apron pieces. Trimming may be necessary.

Construction of Top

Use the remaining 18″ x 11 ¼” and cut 2″ from the width.

Glue and fasten the 18″ x 2″ piece at the rear of the top.

Cut 2 pieces of 2 ½” x 8 ½” straps (glued and nailed) from the remaining material. Straps are important to keep the lid flat and prevent warping.

Glue and fasten the straps 1 ¾ in from each side and flush along the back edge of the lid.

Place top and mark where you wish the hinges to be fixed. It is best to place a thin piece of cardboard (such as a file folder) between the back piece and lid, so the hinges will sit nicely. Fasten the hinges. Fill nail holes and do the final sanding.

Finish as you wish.