These instructions are from a workshop I did on Boxmaking.
Basic Box Tips:
If using a wood box with hardware - Preparing the box:
Use the screwdriver to remove the hardware from the box; set the hardware aside. Or, use masking tape to cover the hardware, trimming it around the edges to expose the entire wood surface. Lightly sand the box outside and inside. Wipe the box clean with a soft cloth. Apply a coat of sealer to the box outside and inside; let dry. Paint the box as indicated in the main instructions and let dry. Re-attach the hardware. If painting with the hardware on the box, use a small tip paintbrush and carefully paint around the hardware.Attaching a pull handle set:
Use a drill to make holes in each side of the lid for the handle base pieces. For a flush mount, drill the hole the same size as the mounting stem. For a raised mount, drill the smaller hole size to fit the screw. Insert the screw into the drilled hole from the lid inside and tighten with a screwdriver to secure the handle base in place.Attaching the hardware:
After preparing the wood surface, replace the original latch set onto the box, or try an alternate latch set for a unique look. Insert the screws into the screw holes and tighten to secure.
Fabric-Covered Box
Small hinged box with lid, such as cigar box
• Fabric scraps
• Fusible web*
• Pinking shears
• Iron, ironing board
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Optional - handle, buttons, trim, raffia, etc.
*Fusible web is a fusible interfacing that allows you to bind two fabrics together or fabric to another surface by applying heat. It can be purchased in packages or by the yard wherever interfacing is sold.
Directions:
To assemble the box, essentially you are going to be ironing fabric onto the box. While assembling the box, it is easier to iron the fusible web onto the fabric first, and then cut the fabric into the desired shapes. The web reinforced the fabric and the pinking shears cut through the fabric more cleanly. Choose a piece of fabric and cut a piece of the fusible web to fit. With a warm iron, iron the web to the wrong side of the fabric, following the directions that came with the fusible web. Don't remove paper backing yet. Next cut the fabric into desired shapes with the pinking shears. Regular sewing shears would work also, but the pinking shears give the fabric an edge that will not unravel as easily. Cut pieces out of coordinating fabrics. Figure out the pieces you need as if you are wrapping a present - lay the fabric out and place the box on top, then cut leaving extra on the edges. After you cut your pieces out, start ironing them to the box. Peel the paper off of the fusible web, lay the fabric with fusible web side down on the box and press with the iron. You may have to go over it a couple of times to get it to stick really well.
Start with the top of the box and work down. Fold a piece of fabric over the top edge of the box. Iron the edge on the inside of the box first. Fold the piece to the outside of the box and press again. Continue until the box is covered. Cover the lid of the box in the same way, starting with the bottom edge. Look over the box for spots where the edges of the fabric are coming up and gently run the iron over them. Sometimes it will take a couple of times to get all the edges to lay down. If you later find a stubborn spot that just doesn't want to stick, just dab a little glue on it and press down until it takes hold.
You can embellish your box with buttons, raffia bows, tassels, and more and a hot glue gun. Add a handle, and it's ready to go. You can use these boxes for storage...for photos, letters, or whatever else you'd like to store in a pretty box.
Liner -
First measure all the sided of the inside of the box. Cut fabric that will fit the inside of the bottom of the box section. Spray it with spray glue and stick them in place. You will also need to make a "V" of fabric for the "fold out" section. To do this, measure the width you want it to open and the length of the lid. Then make the width of the "V" an inch wider than you wish it to open and make the length of the "V" a couple of inches longer than the length of the box. Hem the top of the "V" then fold the "V" in half and press. Sew as close to the fold as possible. Glue this to face to the inside of the box with the extra length folding to the inside where the hinge joins, that way as you close the box it will fold to the inside and not get caught in the box. The next step will cover the glue lines and the following step will cover the "tails" of the "V" that is folded to the inside.
Now cut poster board long enough to go around the sides and top inside the box but not the bottom side. Cover it with fabric folding the raw edges to the back and securing with glue. Glue the fabric covered poster board in place so that the box sides on the inside are finished but not the sides which are now the bottom of the purse. Cut a piece of card stock (it bends easier than the poster board) the width of both the lid and bottom of the box. Score it so that it will bend easily where the hinge is and cover it also with fabric. Glue the bottom in over the "tails" of the "V" section and also against the inside lid finishing the lining.
More boxes to come!
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Glitt ered leaf die cut
