How to make a box with your own hands from scrap materials. How I made a music box DIY wooden music box

From time to time they order music boxes for me. This is a good gift for memorable date. After all, every couple has their own melody? I want to tell you about such a box.

In general, I want to create my own mechanism for this, but for now I’m using the famous kikkerland 15. It has 15 voices and the melody itself is located on punched tape. I almost always have a couple of mechanisms in reserve. Fans have created a whole website with a collection of melodies.

The case is made of beech according to the customer's dimensions, usually I make very pocket-sized versions, here the size of the box is 100x100x70. The blanks were sawed down, the photo shows how the box was assembled.

Tape clamps are used to tighten the corners.

The lid, cut off with a margin, is glued on top.

Using a sander I give the lid the shape of a chest. And only after this the box is cut into halves and the mechanism is inserted inside.

We try on the tape; it should go into the box “blindly” without opening the lid.

The owner asked to have an engraving on the lid. No problem. All that remains is to clean the dust from the engraving and cover everything with varnish.

I am a lazy craftsman and I also make ribbons for the box using a laser. Although the kit comes with a special hole punch for this.

We try on the tape and listen to the melody. Everything worked out!

The ribbon fits completely into the box. It fits like an accordion into small boxes.

The hostess was pleased, for some reason this is very important to me. :)

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In the music box, almost at the very bottom, moments of long-gone days are quietly sleeping. The once popular accessory is now gathering dust in museums or on mezzanines filled with all sorts of rubbish. It might have continued to be this way if the designers had not decided to revive the music box, making it a real luxury item. We'll talk about the brightest examples in our review.

Starting from November, all the country's screens are filled with a cheerful Santa Claus with a bottle of Coca-Cola in his hands. Advertising remains virtually unchanged from year to year, so main character becomes almost family, and in the supermarket the hand itself reaches for the fizzy drink. Now it has migrated to the lid of the music box. This Santa Claus, of course, won’t bring Coca-Cola, but he will delight you with music.

The main thing is a roof over your head. As it turned out, this truth is relevant not only for people, but also for music boxes.

This music box is made to order. The designer not only chooses the melody the client likes, but also creates portrait figures of the birthday person or members of the client’s family.

Music box in the form of a medallion, stylized in antique style. Designers claim that with one such gift you can win a girl’s heart.

If the capricious charmer remains indifferent to the singing heart, you can try giving her a music box in the form of a carousel. Just first you should ask: does the girl like music or is the best gift for her in the jewelry department?

What progress has come! Manufacturers have come up with a music box for the iPad. To activate it, you need to download a special application to your iPad, and you can enjoy the melodies.

A music box created specifically for the anniversary of the Beatles. However, the lid of the product speaks volumes about this. As for the repertoire of the box, it consists exclusively of songs of the legendary group.

Children will definitely like this box. The designers periodically change the main characters of the box. One thing remains unchanged - the nature of the product.

A music box for those who write music. Create melodies, record them on a special card and enjoy the results.

Designers suggest creating such a box with songs yourself: paint it in your favorite color, add all kinds of figures, inscriptions and give it to a loved one. After all, the best gifts, as you know, are made with your own hands. If you can’t make a music box yourself, you can give it to the birthday boy. We are sure that anyone will like such a gift.

People who prefer to make memorabilia and gifts themselves sooner or later think about how to make a box with their own hands. To do this, you do not need to have any special skills in a particular field. To work, you will need a set of tools and available materials: cardboard, fabric, plywood, glass, etc. You can also use old postcards or tin can from under cookies or tea.

Homemade box in the form of a cardboard book

You can make a cardboard box in just a few hours. For this you will need following materials and tools:

• binding cardboard;
• a piece of cotton fabric measuring 300 mm x 600 mm;
• thin padding polyester;
• scrap paper 300 mm x 300 mm;
• cotton lace 300 mm long and 30 mm wide, metal frame for decoration, etc.;
• quick-drying and non-marking adhesive;
• Double-sided tape;
• scissors;
• stationery knife;
• pencil;
• iron ruler.

All work is divided into several stages:

• preparatory;
• making the base;
• creating a “cover”;
• decoration.

Preparatory work

At this stage everything needs to be done necessary preparations from cardboard, fabric, padding polyester and paper for interior decoration. Eight elements need to be cut from the binding cardboard:

• 170 mm x 115 mm - 2 pcs.;
• 170 mm x 30 mm - 1 pc.;
• 160 mm x 110 mm - 1 pc.;
• 160 mm x 40 mm - 2 pcs.;
• 108 mm x 40 mm - 2 pcs.

Make blanks from padding polyester in advance with the following dimensions:

• 400 mm x 40 mm;
• 170 mm x 115 mm;
• 170 mm x 30 mm.

Working with the frame

Algorithm of actions:

Making the “cover”

Procedure:

Decor

To decorate a future box, it is advisable to choose any elements you like that can be sewn or glued. In this case, a tag, a metal frame and lace were used.

Procedure:

From postcards

From old postcards from similar topics You can make a “chest” for storing photos. Necessary materials and tools:

• old postcards;
• threads (floss, knitting, iris);
• needle with a wide eye;
• scissors;
• pencil;
• ruler.

For manufacturing, it is advisable to use the drawings:

Using these drawings you need to create patterns. To do this, you need to transfer the elements onto postcards and cut out the details along the contour.

Algorithm of actions:

Classic plywood

For beginning craftsmen, the easiest way to make a box is from plywood. Required materials and tools:

Preparatory stage

Before proceeding directly to making the box, you need to cut several blanks from plywood with the following dimensions:

• 23 cm x 14 cm - 1 pc. (bottom of the box);
• 14 x 7 cm - 2 pcs. (end sides);
• 25 cm x 7 cm - 2 pcs. (sidewalls);
• 25 cm x 16 cm - 1 pc. (lid);
• 14 cm x 4 cm - 2 pcs. (external partitions);
• 14 cm x 9 cm - 1 pc. (outer cover No. 1);
• 14 x 7.5 cm - 1 pc. (outer cover No. 2).

You also need to make the parts in advance for assembling the small box, which will be located inside the box:

• 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm - 4 pcs.;
• 4.5 cm x 6 cm - 2 pcs.;
• 6 cm x 6 cm - 1 pc.

When cutting plywood with a jigsaw, the edges are uneven. Therefore, they need to be sanded, as well as the surface of the walls that will be inside the box.

Assembling the outer frame

At this stage it is necessary to assemble the base. Procedure:

Making a small box and a large lid

Procedure:

1. Make a small box using the same principle as a large one.

Firing and staining

Algorithm of actions:

1. Lightly burn the workpiece to form beautiful scorch marks.

To Work with blowtorch need to be very careful. Plywood should only be burned lightly to avoid the formation of unsightly burnt chips.

Glass wedding

A glass ring box can be a good wedding gift. For work you will need the following tools and materials:

• window glass 3 mm thick or stained glass;
• glass cutter;
• soldering iron;
• Sander;
• blue permanent marker;
• ruler;
• copper foil with black backing;
• flux;
• alcohol;
• natural sponge;
• solder;
• antioxidant.

The wedding box is made in the shape of an open icosahedron, which consists of regular triangles with sides equal to 6.5 cm and a height of 5.6 cm. To cut the glass correctly, you will need a pattern.

Procedure:

1. Place the pattern on the glass and trace the outlines with a marker.

2. Cut it out glass triangle along the contour using a glass cutter and a ruler. You need to press it hard enough to get even edges.

3. Turn the glass over, place it on the ruler and press to break off the resulting part.

4. Using the pattern for all the other cutouts glass elements boxes. There should be 15 triangles in total.

5. Inspect the edges of the parts for chips and irregularities.

6. To make the parts perfectly smooth, the edges should be sanded using a special grinder. In this case, you need to cover your eyes with safety glasses to prevent small fragments from getting into them.

7. Treated pieces of glass must be rinsed with water and dried naturally. paper towel.

8. Before proceeding to decorating the elements with copper foil, you need to wipe each piece of glass with alcohol.

9. To decorate the details of the box with foil carefully, the glass must be placed in the middle of the ribbon.

10. Wrap the edges of the triangle with foil, pressing it tightly to the surface and smoothing it with any flat object.

11. Carry out this operation with all other parts.

12. Now you need to treat the edges with flux. To do this, you can use a cotton swab or brush.

13. Using a soldering iron, apply solder to the edges of the parts. It is important to ensure that the glass does not crack due to high temperature. During operation, the soldering iron must be periodically wiped with a sponge to remove burnt tin and carbon deposits from it.

14. Now is the time to start assembling the box. Parts are placed in angles.

15. To connect them together, you need to apply solder using a soldering iron at two points.

16. Gradually assemble the entire box.

17. Internal seams also need to be sealed so that they are even.

18. Make the external seams more voluminous by applying several layers of solder to them.

19. Sand the seams with steel wool until smooth.

20. Treat with an antioxidant to prevent oxidation and add shine.

With musical mechanism

A music box can be a great birthday gift. And for this you don’t have to buy it in a store; it’s easier to make it yourself.

For work you will need the following materials and tools:

• tin can (can be used for cookies or tea);
• putty for metal;
• acrylic primer;
• PVA glue;
• Matt lacquer;
• decoupage card with notes (or napkin);
• compressed cardboard 3 mm thick;
• velvet;
• jigsaw with jewelry file;
• scissors;
• brushes;
• glue gun;
• glue stick;
• ruler;

pencil.

You will also need a ready-made musical mechanism. It can be taken from old toy or buy at a specialty store.

All work will be divided into the following stages:

1. Formation of the external frame.
2. Interior decoration.

Tin can box base

Algorithm of actions:

1. Cover the surface of the can with automotive putty. After drying, sand and coat with primer in 1–2 layers.

2. Cover all parts of the box with decoupage napkin. You need to cut a circle with the same diameter as the lid, taking into account the height and making a margin of 1-2 cm. Apply glue to the tin surface with a brush, apply a napkin, and smooth it out so that there are no wrinkles. Using the same principle, design and bottom part boxes.

3. Make a hole for the musical mechanism where the key will be inserted.

4. After the surface has dried, you need to cover it with matte varnish in two layers. The frame of the box is ready.

Interior decoration

Procedure:

1. Cut out the bottom from cardboard. To cover it, you need to make a circle of velvet with the same diameter, but leave a small allowance. Glue the fabric to the cardboard base using a glue stick.

2. You will also need a box for the musical mechanism and a side panel. They are made according to the same principle as the bottom.

3. Secure the velvet parts inside the box using glue gun. First place the musical mechanism under the box.

4. If desired, additional compartments can be made from cardboard and velvet, for example, in the form of a box with an opening lid or a bag with drawstrings. And trim the outer sides with velvet ribbon.

5. On the inner surface of the lid you can glue a photo or any picture you like using a cardboard base, which needs to be covered with acrylic varnish. To hide the edges, attach a velvet ribbon and a satin cord around the perimeter of the circle, and hide the joint under a bow.

Making a box with your own hands from scrap materials is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. And suitable decor will help give it a finished look: beads, old unnecessary jewelry, stones for jewelry, buttons, shells, ribbons, labels, etc.

Well, why else would I want to buy a music box? Then I saw a review, there I saw the mechanism - the puzzle came together and here it is on my table in a cute box.

It was possible to buy a ready-made design on Aliexpress, but then a toad woke up and began to choke me. Give more than 3 USD for a music box? If only it was made of gold and diamonds ( ok, cubic zirconia)...

It was decided to buy a musical mechanism and make the box ourselves.

Cost at the time of purchase: 2.9 USD

The mechanism was packaged in such a way that I thought at first that the seller had made a mistake and sent me the music box already in some kind of case. But when I unwrapped the package, it turned out that the bulk of it was packaging material. For what? ATTENTION: so that the cardboard box with the bow does not get wrinkled.

The mechanism itself is metal - it is unlikely that anything will happen to it, even if you step on it. Even the protruding part of the handle is very durable.

Everything is extremely simple. We take the mechanism, select or make the box ourselves, install the mechanism into the box with bolts... STOP! Where are the promised bolts?

I remembered about the bolts a week later, when I again went to look at the seller’s product description. In the photographs it has a mechanism with 3 bolts for fastening, but I received it without them. Where are my bolts???

I had to stick it to the bottom of the box with double-sided tape. And because my husband had a period called: " What else could be glued together with two-phase glue?", then the mechanism was placed on it for reliability. Is there a lot of glue left? It doesn’t matter... now we’ll seal the box tightly!

On my question: " Why did you seal the box itself?“There was no answer, the husband just shrugged his shoulders and smiled. I had to sigh languidly, shake my head and test the mechanism in action in the new case from the old Rocket watch.

I had to make a hole in the box for the pen. The Chinese Dremel easily coped with this task ( review will be). But why the husband needed to make a second hole again remained a mystery. The sound was exactly the same without it.

DESCRIPTION.

The mechanism and body are metal except for the plastic gears and inner drum. The knob rotates in both directions, but the sound only gives the correct direction.

Mechanism size 4.4 x 3.4 x 2 cm + rotating handle.

The pen has a movable tip for easy rotation.

The seller sent the order in random order and out of 6 melodies I got drum 002B with music - “Swan Lake Finale”.

There is a possibility that you can ask the seller to send a specific drum, but for this you need to know all their numbers and sounds. I was pleased with the seller's choice.

The sound will be loud if the mechanism is installed on a hard surface. In the box the sound is doubled. If you play a music box in the kitchen, you can hear it even in the room.

The melody is pleasant, I only noticed one fib at the end, but maybe that’s how it should be. The faster you turn the handle, the faster the melody plays and vice versa: the slower you turn, the slower the drum rotates.

FOR A CHILD.

I bought the mechanism for various reasons:

1. I wanted to.
2. Child development.

What can a child’s music box mechanism develop:

• Logic and intelligence - where and how to turn to make the melody sound.
• Hearing - pleasant melodies with the right notes.
• The feeling of beauty - Swan Lake and the music from it are classics.
• Fine motor skills - the handle is small and you need to hold it firmly with your fingers.
• Sense of tact (rhythm) - rotating faster or slower sets the tempo.
• Fantasy, imagination - if you make the body together.

CONCLUSION.

I was pleased with the mechanism and the child liked the music box. I don't mind the money spent. There was an idea to make a music box in the style of decorating with pasta and cereals, coffee beans, quilling or appliqués...

When I calmed down my raging imagination, I realized that the child would not let the design last long and the most reasonable option for a music box would be a tightly sealed square watch box.

I wish you happy shopping!

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