- 1). Trace the side pieces and bottom piece of the wooden treasure chest onto plywood with the help of a framing square, which allows you to trace perfectly straight sides. The sides will need to fit around the bottom and be of equal heights.
- 2). Size the top of the treasure chest and trace this piece, as well. You can choose to have just a flat piece of plywood, or you can use two pieces for a raised top. For a raised top, trace small triangles to fit on either side.
- 3). Attach the plywood pieces to your work table with the clamp, then cut along the lines with a jigsaw.
- 4). Sand the plywood pieces using 120-grit sandpaper and a power sander.
- 5). Apply wood glue to the edges of the plywood sides that you cut out. Glue the sides to the bottom piece and to each other. Put nails along the edges to secure.
- 6). Glue the small triangle pieces that you cut out to either end if relevant for your project. Hold them in place with a clamp. Install the top pieces. Glue and nail these to the triangles, not to the rest of the treasure chest. You want it to be able to lift up. Skip this step if you chose a flat top.
- 7). Paint the treasure chest while you're waiting for the wood glue to dry. The colors are up to you. Many treasure chests are brown with gold or silver trim. The colors you choose might depend on whether you want the treasure chest to look like it holds ancient or brand new treasures. This is a good step to let your children help with.
- 8). Install the hardware once the paint is dry. Screw a miniature piano hinge in place along the back side of the treasure chest and then onto the top piece. This allows the treasure chest to open and close. Also, add a simple lock to the front of the treasure chest.
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