In this day of faxes, e-mail, voice mail, and other electronic methods of communication, personally written notes and letters are still in existence and when delivered, much appreciated. The paper-covered box that reconstructed below is intended to serve as an attractive haven for correspondence supplies and unanswered letters.
Materials:
wood or cardboard hinged box--if it has a front flap or slip-in tabs, it is best to remove them so that all you have is a basic box with hinged lid.
decorative paper, contact paper, or fabric to cover box
decorative ribbon for top edge of box
Stick & Hold or spray glue
mat board
craft knife
ruler and pencil
Steps:
- Cover the top edges of the inside box with ribbon (figure A). Next cover the bottom of the inside of the box with selected paper. Cover the lid of the box on the inside by cutting a piece of paper about 1" larger on three sides and applying it with adhesive. The three extending sections should be folded up and over to the top of the box.
- Measure the height and length of the box on the inside walls. Cut two pieces of mat board to these measurements. Cover them with selected paper and fit them against the inner sides of the box (figure B).
- With the pieces of mat board in place lenghwise, measure the height and width of the box on the remaining inside walls. Cut two pieces of mat board to these measurements. Cover with selected paper and fit them inside the box, against the remaining sides (figure C).
- .When all four pieces fit, remove them, apply adhesive, and place them back into position.
- Repeat the covering process on the outside of the box, measuring and attaching first the sides and then the front and back (figure D). The back piece will be slightly shorter in height than the other three to allow for the lid hinge.
- When all four pieces are attached, measure the top of the lid and cut a piece of mat board to fit (figure E). Cover and attach. This will hide the folded over paper.
- .Repeat for the bottom of the box, but in this case, cut and stack two pieces of mat board, each about 1/2 inch larger on all sides, so they extend beyond the box itself (figure F). This is done for appearance only so you may prefer an exact fit instead.
- Glue the two mat board pieces together, cover and attach to bottom of box.
Inside Mail HolderTo make the envelope for the inside of the lid, you may use the same paper, handmade paper, wallpaper, etc. If the material you choose is very lightweight, it should be reinforced by first attaching it to poster board or canvas.
Steps:
- Measure the inside of the lid to determine the size of the envelope. It should be at least 1/2 to one inch smaller than the lid on all sides.
- Draw a pattern as pictured (figure G) and then draw around the pattern on your selected envelope paper.
- Cut out envelope and score. Fold along all scored lines.
- Attach side tabs to front and back panels, and push the tabs in with your thumb and forefinger on both sides (figure H). The bottom and side panels should all fold in.
- Glue envelope to inside of lid.
- Add a decorative piece or clasp to the front of the envelope, if desired.
A Second LayerThough originally intended as a stationery/correspondence box, the result need not be limited to this use. By adding a second layer and dividers it can serve a multitude of uses.
Steps:
- Make basic box as described, but eliminate the envelope on the lid.
- Measure the inside perimeter of the box and draw this square or rectangle on a piece of mat board. Measure the height of the box and add half of this measurement to all four sides of the drawing. Cut out.
- Score along all drawn lines, and cut out the corners.
- Cover piece with paper or fabric.
- Fold up the sides along the scored lines, and tape to hold. Note: This is the basic inside shelf.
- Add a small paper, fabric, or tape tab to the top edge of each side end. These side tabs are for lifting the box out.
- Cut two lengths of foam board to fit inside the box front, back and both sides. They should be about half the height of the box. Place in position. This will allow the inside shelf to sit off of the bottom of the box.
- These inside pieces can then be taken out and covered with paper or fabric matching or contrasting with the rest of the box.
- Place the inside shelf on top of the foam supports. Foam board dividers can be made if desired.
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