Introduction: Walnut and Ash Jewelry Hanging Display

About: Reclaim old barns and create custom furniture.

This simple yet elegant jewelry holder is made with scrap Walnut, Ash and a Brass rod purchased on Amazon. It it a straight forward build that can be crafted with a basic set of woodworking tools. You can use any wood you want, even use a solid piece of wood and remove a few of the steps. Once finished these wall hangers will mount to a screw or nail in the wall and have a floating look in your home.

Step 1: Cut Boards to Size

Cut pieces of walnut to 2-1/4" wide by 7/8" thick. Cut pieces of Ash to 2-1/4" wide by 1/4" thick. The length will depend on how many you want to make. Each cube is 2" in the end so 8-1/2" long pieces will make about 4 cubes in the end. To make life easier and safer the longer the better.

Step 2: Glue Boards Together

Once cut its time to glue the boards together. Apply an evenly spread amount of glue on one side of each piece of Walnut and both sides of the Ash. Place the Ash between the 2 pieces of walnut and clamp together. Be careful when tightening the clamps to not cause the wood to slide. Allow the glue to set for 1-2 hours depending on the glue you are using and the conditions in your shop.

Step 3: Cut Into 2" Cubes

Use a table saw to cut the laminated boards into 2" by 2" by 2" cubes. There are a number of ways to do this, safest way is to set the fence the proper distance from the blade with a piece of wood between the fence and the blade that can be slid out before cutting. This will ensure the piece does not pinch and kickback.

Step 4: Round Over the Edges (optional)

Using a router table with a 1/2" round over bit to smooth over the sides of the cube. Watch your fingers as they will be relatively close to the spinning bit. If you have a vise you could also do this by clamping the cube in the vise and using a handheld router. Or if you prefer a square look, you can skip this step entirely.

Step 5: Mark and Drill for Rod

Mark the point on the walnut you want to drill the hole for the brass rod to slide through. I used about 1" from the top and bottom and about 1/2" from the front. Choose the correct bit size for the brass rod you have chosen. I used a bit that was 1/64" larger than the rod to ensure easy installation.

Step 6: Sand

Sand the cube or cube with an 80 grit sand paper, followed by a 150 or 100 grit and then a 220 grit. You can do this by hand but a palm sander is more efficient and leaves a better finish. After sanding with a 220 grit raise the grain by dampening the wood with a little bit of water. Allow to dry completely and sand again with the 220 grit.

Step 7: Route Key Hole

If you have a vise clamp the cube into it with a towel or something to protect the sides. Use a handheld router with a keyhole bit to create a slot int the back of the cube. Make sure you do not go all the way through the cube. If you do not have a vise you can skip this step by installing a saw tooth picture hanger.

Step 8: Apply Finish

Apply your finish of choice. I used a 1 to 1 mixture of boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits. Wipe on and let sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the oil to fully soak into the wood. Wipe off and let dry overnight or a minimum of 8-12 hours. Once dry a polyurethane topcoat can be applied or i used a simple coating of a furniture paste wax.

Step 9: Glue in Rod

With the cubes on their side with the drilled out holes facing up, apply super glue to the inside of the hole. Insert the brass rod and ensure the rod is evenly centered on the piece and allow to dry for at least 30 minutes.

Step 10: Install Wall Screw

Insert a screw into a wall where you would like to hang and display your jewelry. Best to find a stud to drill into, if not use a drywall anchor. Once in adjust the depth and install the cube with the brass rod and begin hanging your jewelry.

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