Make a Keepsake Box

I saw a keepsake box in the October 2014 issue of WOOD magazine. This is a somewhat simplified version of their box. I like the somewhat modified box joint joinery. I make me almost look like a real woodworker.

I cut some 1/2 inch poplar to the rough lengths of the sides. I added a miter gauge extension and set
the rip fence for the outer sides of the joint on the long sides of the box. I cut one side of the joint, then I flipped the piece around and cut the other side of the joint. I did the same on the other 3 ends. Then I cleaned out the in between on all four.

I made complementary cuts on the short end of the box, adjusting the rip fence until I get the right fit. Then I clamped a stop block to the miter gauge extension and cut the waste off the ends. What I got was a modified box joint.

I cut slots in the sides for the bottom. 

Then I took a piece of 1/4 inch plywood to size and glued the box together.

I cut a piece of 3/4 inch poplar for the top, cut rabbets for a lip, and routed a cove pattern around the edge. Then just a little oil finish.