Box (with Handle) Tutorial

Finally I am able to post this tutorial for those of you who have been patiently waiting. I am actually getting pretty adept at left (one) handed photography too!

This is what the finished box will look like.

Supplies we used in class:

1 12"x 12" cardstock plus 1 strip 1" x 12" to match

2 half sheets 12"x 12" patterned papers

1 2.5"x 12" strip patterned paper (stripe or spot design works well)

2 brads

2-3 ribbons 7" in length each

black permanent marker & inkpad (optional)

Begin by measuring in 4" from the left and scoring a line from top to bottom. Repeat working from the right side in to create 3 even columns.

Turn paper 90 degrees and repeat to produce a tic, tac, toe board (noughts and crosses), i.e. 3 rows of 3 squares.Working on the bottom row, cut up 4" on score line (to left of centre square in a row of 3). Turn paper 90 degrees and repeat.

Repeat until you have made 4 equal cuts and it looks like this.

Fold well along all score lines.

Turn over cardstock so that 'peak' folds are displayed and mark the centre square of each row of 3 with an 'X'. These are the squares to add paper to.

Test box by bringing up into the centre and tucking cut panels inside.

This gives the cardstock a 'memory' to follow and gives you a practise run of how the box comes together.

Trim a 3.75" (3 3/4") wide strip from the 2 patterned papers. I find it easier to mark one and cut 2 together for speed. Cut across this strip twice to create two 3.75" squares for the box panels - or 4 in total, 2 of each pattern.

Cut a strip .75" (3/4") x 12" from the 3rd piece of patterned paper for the handle.

OPTIONAL

Decorate squares as desired. I love penning on stitch lines to make the panels seem to 'pop' out.

I also love inking the edges which gives a matting effect without the extra mat and a nice distressed edge.

Adhere the squares alternating as shown using double sided sticky tape.

Create the handle as for panels and punch a small hole .5" (1/2") in from each end.

On the reverse of the handle mark a line lightly in pencil across at 1" as a placement guide.

Place handle on 'side' panels using the pencil line guide in the centre and mark for holes.

Punch holes through side panels - single layer only - so back of brads can be hidden when box is assembled.

Secure one end of handle with a brad.

Add adhesive tape in a 'backwards L' direction on each panel to left of centre squares as shown. This gives a good firm seal along the top and down the side of each front panel when in place for a neater box.

Begin securing box in place starting with the front panel, then the handled panel next, then the back panel and finally adding the handle to the last panel.

Tuck the last panel in behind and secure to create box.

Add a small amount of adhesive tape just inside the handle where you wish to place the ribbon. This helps keep the ribbon in place so you can tie it easier.

Tie ribbon into a knot and trim ends to finish. NOTE: if handle seems too floppy simply 'squeeze' brads to tighten up. Handle will still swivvel nicely out of the way to get at the goodies inside the box.

I created a decorated panel and added it to mine with foam pads for a 3D effect. There were enough scraps left over to do this (except for red cardstock).

These were just a few extra bits I created. The bookmark has the same quote on the reverse. I printed the quote using my computer and a coloured text. I added the dots to the text using a Papertrey monogram stamp. I stapled on the ribbon and then covered the staple on the reverse when I attached the quote.

This was the actual card we made in class with our scraps.

I'd love to hear how you get on if you try this box so let me know.