Sunday, March 31, 2024

Petal Top Cinch Neck Gift Boxes

 
Eye-catching six-sided gift box has six petal-shaped extensions 
at upper “opening” end where narrow neck panels 
can cinch inward to allow ribbon tie closure. 
Bottom has latch style extensions which overlap 
to form slot for final tab to be inserted, allowing the box 
to be unassembled and flattened for storage and re-use. 
Add slight offset accent panels to decorate box sides, 
and optional interior hexagon bottom stabilizer. 
Box design is available in three sizes, with a window
variation available in tallest version.
Tall boxes measure approx. 6.5” tall x 2.125” wide x 2.5” deep.
Medium box measures approx. 4.875” tall x 2.125” wide x 2.5” deep.
 Short box measures approx. 5.75” tall x 2.125” wide x 2.5”. 

Shaped gift tags and a sticker design coordinate well
with these gift boxes.

NOTE that box assembly is identical for ALL sizes,
with window variation including only a couple of
different steps which will be shown at the end
of regular assembly, in Step 9.

 The TALL box will be used
to demonstrate assembly in this tutorial.

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:
A main box hull
B interior "floor" reinforcement hexagon
C side wall offset accent overlays (6)
2. Prepare the hull shape by folding on perforation lines
as valley or mountain folds, following this diagram:

A) fold vertical perforation line back as "mountain" folds,
including the upper shorter segment'
B) fold the short lines at the top of the side walls
as "mountain" folds;
C) fold the short lines at the bottom of the side walls
as "mountain" folds;
D) fold the "narrow neck" perf line pairs forward
as "valley" folds;
E) fold the upper "petal" center lines that are between
the previously-folded mountain folds as "valley" folds;
F) add slight forward or "valley" bend to the opposing
very short angled lines that are just above the narrow
neck perf lines. These lines work together with
the valley folds in Step E above to allow petal shapes
to contour appropriately.
3. Form the hull into a tube to bring the plain side edge
around into position to overlap the opposite 
long flange tab to perforation fold . . . 
. . . both the long tab and the shorter upper tab . . .
. . . adjust, and glue the seam. 
NOTE that the symmetry of the shape will allow it
to be flattened so that fingertip pressure can be applied
along the entire length of the seam. Allow to dry
thoroughly, and make sure the upper, shorter seam
is totally secure before proceeding.
4. Position each accent wall panel overlay centered
within the hull wall panel segments as defined by
perforation lines, then glue in place.
5. Help the upper "closure" form properly by cinching
in at the narrow neck until the side edges of
neck panels touch. This will be the final position
once the box is completed, allowing ribbon or cord
to wrap and tie.
6. Prepare to close the bottom latch shapes by first
identifying the 'A' and 'B' symbols cut into three
of the extensions. Then proceed to bend each
in toward center in sequence:
first fold 'A' extension, then . . .
. . . fold both 'B' extensions inward.
Next, fold the remaining "triangle" extensions pair
inward, and finally . . .
. . . fold the "tab" extension inward.
Bend the 'A' extension (and others as needful)
slightly downward into the tube to allow the tab end
to slip into the slot that is formed, then . . .
. . . allow all extensions to return to their
perpendicular positions. NOTE that it may be
helpful to insert a rod-like tool into the box tube
interior to assist with this repositioning.
NOTE: to re-use the box, the latch arrangement can
be undone by working in reverse order so that
the box can be re-folded into flattened position.
7. To help reinforce the bottom of the box and add
strength and shape, insert the "floor" hexagon into
the interior of box, and use tool to help slide it down
into position, flush with bottom latch panels.
(If you don't plan to 'unfold' and store the box for
subsequent use later, this hex panel can be 
glued into place.)
8. Finish the box by inserting gift contents, then
cinching in the petal top, tying with ribbon at
narrow neck.

Here is the completed gift box.
Consider embellishing with label and tag elements
available in the Hearthsewn portfolio.

9. For the tall window box, here are the cut shapes:
A main hull   B clear vinyl window cover panel
C window wall accent overlay
D regular wall accent overlays (5)
E bottom "floor" hex panel
10. Follow the regular hull prep as described in
Step 2. 
11. Prepare the clear window underlay shape by
applying two-sided adhesive strips or equivalent
along the edges, then . . .
. . . positioning on the backside of the hull so that
the window opening is centered within panel edges,
then adhere in place.
12. Complete the remaining regular assembly
by attaching wall accent overlays, including
the unique window accent overlay as shown here.



Thursday, March 14, 2024

Wedding Cake Ornament to Decorate

Here’s an activity for bridal shower or engagement tea 
suitable for children or adults featuring 
a simple three-tier wedding cake on stand. 
Use “hanging” ornament base shape with 
punch hole at top, or basic base shape where 
a magnet strip can be attached on backside. 
For thickened “chip board” style, cut several base shapes 
to stack and glue together, with plain or printed front 
(and back if desired) attached on top. 
Several options for decorating include 
using “print & cut” process to create line drawing 
to color or adorn with single or connected jewels, 
glitter, or the “sprinkle” cut-outs 
(cut file includes mini-strips, triangles or circles), 
or tier cut shapes to overlay and glue in place. 
Ornament measures approx. 3.44” wide x 4.75” tall. 

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:
A opt. "print & cut" printed ornament front
or or plain, unprinted front for accent decorating
B interior shapes to stack and glue together
for thickness (4-5)
C backside of ornament
D cake base accent (whole shape shown here;
layer accents also included)
E "ribbon" accents for layers
F "bead" icing punch dots for defining layers
G "sprinkles" paper confetti rectangles,
circles and triangles (or substitute gems, etc.)
2. Prepare the ornament shape by layering the interior
cut shapes, stacking with cut edges aligned as precisely
as possible throughout, with . . .
. . . printed front on top, and back "face" shape
onto bottom of stack.
Immediately place the stack on flat surface and press
by placing a flat heavy object such as this thick book
on top, possibly with something else heavy on top,
and allow to dry for several hours or over night
until completely cured. This will help minimize any
curling or warping of the shape due to drying of
liquid adhesive.
3. For the paper decorated version, add the top "plate"
and bottom "foot" shapes to the stand base shape.
Next, position and attach cake and stand shapes
to the thick ornament base, leaving even offset
margin all around,
3. Add the "ribbon" shapes and "bead" punch circles
rows at the bottom of each layer. For this sample,
the beads were cut side by side (touching), then
cello tape was used to carefully lift them in their
three lengths from the cutting mat, and . . .
. . . transferred and attached to the ornament 
under construction.
4. Continue decorating as desired. Here the multi-
colored "sprinkles" are randomly added to the layers
using preferred tools, until desired affect is achieved.
Here is the completed ornament, with soft ribbon
(or twine) hang loop.

Happy Everafter Stitched Border Card

Keepsake stitched 5x7 card expresses 
“we wish you happy ever after” across upper panel, 
combining “print & cut” panel with 
printed sentiment first words, 
and paper cut out for remaining words. 
(Plain panel is also included for other options.) 
Select a two- or multi-colored paper print to feature 
for the card base that shows behind front decoration 
panels to direct choice of two colors of regular 
embroidery floss to complete charted design 
(included as part of the instructions). 

Stitching and assembly for this card is identical
to the Mother's Day stitched card.
Find that tutorial by following this LINK.


Sunday, March 3, 2024

Shamrock Thin Treat Jar Box

A narrow dimensional container is hidden between 
front and back shamrock window panels 
with clear liners. 
Add offset accent panels and contrast window outline 
overlays to front and back. 
Jar neck accents add a touch of realism. 
Assemble and join box and panels with hinge 
to attach back panel, fill with loose treats and 
close top flap, swing back panel into place and attach 
with temp sticky dot. 
Prepare and attach “Lucky Charms” print & cut tag, 
then gift for an extra special St. Patrick’s day 
or good luck token. 
When fully assembled, box with panels 
measures approx. 3.75” wide x 6” tall. 
Container compartment measures 
approx. 4.63” tall x 2.75” wide x .63” deep

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:
A front main base panel
B decorative front overlay
C front window rim overlay
D back main base panel
E decorative back overlay
F back window rim overlay
G lid accent overlays with "threads" bar details
H compartment   I window see-thru panels (2)
J container hinge to attach back base panel
K opt. tag base with print & cut "Lucky Charms" phrase
Use the Silhouette Cameo and software process
to prepare the tag "print & cut" shape.
2. Prepare the container shape by bending back on
all perforations for front and back walls, boxing side
walls and flange, top and bottom walls and tabs.
3. Prepare the window panels by applying double-stick
tape (such as the Kool Tak ultra clear 1/8" side
tape with backer) exactly along the edges of
the window panels. Then . . .
. . . remove tape liner, position the window panel
on the container backside, between the wall edge
perforations, and centered top-to-bottom to cover
the shamrock opening.
4. Bend the container shape into a "tube" to bring
the straight edge of side boxing wall to overlap
the opposite flange tab perforation, adjust for
alignment, then . . .
. . . attach the seam. NOTE that symmetry of this shape
will allow it to be flattened, bending along perforation
lines, so that fingertip pressure can be applied
along the seam area. Once secure, pop back into
container form.
5. Close the bottom of container by ending side
tabs inward, tucking bottom flap inside the box,
and join in place with double-stick tape or adhesive.
NOTE that it may be helpful to use a rod-like tool
inserted inside the container to help provide 
a "press-against" surface to adhere bottom seam.
6. Close the top end in similar manner, except
 the flaps need to remain unattached so that
the container can be opened and closed.
7. The mason jar box is designed so that
the back panel assembly can be bent away from
the container to allow top to be opened. The side
hinge attachment allows this to work.
Prepare the hinge shape by bending along
perforation as mountain fold..
8. Position the rectangle side wall portion over
the right side wall (with back of container facing you),
centered top to bottom . . .
. . . so that the tab cut out edges are offset slightly
beyond the shamrock window cut out edges . . .
. . . then without shifting alignment, attach 
the rectangle portion to the side wall.
8. For FRONT assembly, apply glue to the front
of the container, then . . .
. . . position the front panel over the front of
the container so that the shamrock cut out
edges align as precisely as possible . . .
. . . then glue in place. Place a light to medium-
weight book on top of the assembly to help
press the panel in place.
9. Repeat Step 8 for the back panel, except 
only apply glue to the flange portion of
the hinge as shown here, then . . .
. . . carefully position back panel with window
cutout edges precisely aligned, and attach
backside of back panel to flange.
Press in place until secure as for front panel.
10. Position and attach the shamrock rim shapes
to corresponding front or back decorative panels.
11. Position and attach the decorating panel
front or back to corresponding front or back
attached panels, keeping the offset margin even
all around, with bottom edges matched,
and window openings offset, as shown.
12. Position and attach the lid accent shape and
lid rim accent shape where wall panel offset edges
or cut edges indicate.
Also position and attach shorter strips where panel
lid area edge shapes indicate they should be placed.
13. Open container to tuck or pour in candy,
then tuck top down into position to close.
14. Complete the package by attaching a sticky
dot or other equivalent temporary adhesive
to the open-side edge of container, then . . .
. . . close the back and press surfaces
together to attach sticky dot to back panel.
15. Layer the tag with tag base, aligning punch hole
edges, with outer edges offset slightly.
16. Finish by attaching prepared tag to
lid area of front panel with twine or
narrow ribbon. 

Here is the completed gift box.