Hinged Box Tutorial Part 3

OK! We are on the last stage of construction. Today we are going to complete the inside pockets, add a handle and a closure.

Inside Pockets

Cut 2 pieces of cardstock at 8.5" x 3".

Score 3 sides 0.5" in then score another 0.5" in.

Cut off marked corners and cut a slit on the remaining squares to make 2 flaps. Fold in along score lines.

Adhere the flaps first then the outside pieces to form a box shape. I used liquid glass as my glue so I also used my bone folder to slide down in and make sure that the flaps were sitting flat inside the box.

Adhere both pockets to the inside of your box, one on either side.

Handle
This stage is really up to you. I created an optional briefcase handle.
*You could also use ribbon to create a purse handle. Cut 2 pieces of ribbon equal lengths. Add eyelets to both ends of each side of your box. Insert the ribbon tying a knot on the inside to hold it in place.*

Cut 1 piece of cardstock 8.5" x 2".
Score the 2 long ends at 0.5". Score the 2 short ends at 1".

Fold in the long sides making sure to use your bone folder to go over the crease several times. Then take the piece and start training it to curve. I put it over 2 fingers on my left hand and pulled it through. This is what makes the curve in your handle. You could also run the strip over the edge of your table. Sorry I didn't explain this very well.

Now fold each short end up towards the curved part at the 1" score. This provides a flat base to attach your handle to your case.

Attach your handle to the top of your case. Center the handle evenly over both sides but only adhere it to one of the sides. Use strong adhesive. I also added a brad to each side for extra strength.

Closure

I chose to use one center closure but you could do 2 to make this look like a true briefcase.
Cut 1 piece at 3" x 1".

Attach this piece in the center between the handles making sure your adhesive is only on one side of the case.

 I used Velcro dots to complete the closure. I centered the first dot on the closure then added the second side of the dot right over top of the first one. Then I pressed down the closure onto the side of the case. This ensured that both sides of the Velcro dots were lined up perfectly. I opened up the closure then applied pressure from the inside of the case to ensure the dots adhered properly.

Yuk! Wrinkled fingers! Well I guess you can tell I've washed a load or two of dishes in my day!

Viola!!! Your case is complete!!

Here is my sample case.

A couple of things I've learned along the way:
Cut all your cardstock and B&T pieces out first.
Score all your cardstock and adhere your B&T pieces before folding and adhereing the different components.
It makes adding the B&T much easier.

Now here is the revised main plan for this project. It has the corrected front side pocket measurements and includes sizing charts for your patterned paper.

Thank you for joining me in this tutorial! I'd like to hear your comments and suggestions - please leave one.
I'd also love to see your creations!!

Leave a comment with a link to your hinged box project. I will post all your links in a separate category so that all can share in this creative outlet.

Happy Paper Crafting!!!

Hinged Box Tutorial Part 2

OK, we are now moving on to the outside pockets today. In working with my first design I did find some measurement errors so please note the corrected measurements for the front pockets. I will repost a complete sheet once we are done the construction phase.

Back and Front Pockets

Back Pocket - Cut 1 at 7.5" x 4"

Center Front Pocket - Cut 1 at 3.5" x 4" (size change from original drawing)

Side Front Pockets - Cut 2 at 3.25" x 3.5" (size change from original drawing)

For the back and center front panels core 3 sides 1/2" in then another 1/2" in from your first score as shown below. 

Cut away 3 marked corners. Snip in the last remaining square to create a flap. Fold on scores.

Adhere the flaps first then the outside corners. I used my scoring tool to apply pressure from the inside to make a good bond as I was again using CTMH Liquid Glass. Did I tell you how much I love that stuff?

Since the back and center pockets are deeper they were scored at the 1/2" marks. The back is meant to hold more cards or a small notepad and the front center is to hold pens.

Your next two pieces are the side front pockets. They are not as deep so they are scored at the 1/4" mark.
Proceed with the cutting, folding and adhering of these 2 pockets as you did above.

Cover the outside of the back and front of the hinged box and each pocket front with patterned paper then you can adhere the pockets in position. The samples below only show the placement of the pockets before covering with patterned paper. I will post my covered box in the next installment of this tutorial.

Part 3 will be creating inner pockets, a handle and a closure for your hinged box.

Again I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial and feel free to copy the instructions and pictures for your own use - whatever that may be.

Hinged Box Tutorial Part 1

Good Morning! As promised I have a special tutorial for you. I will be doing this in several parts. The first picture shows the cutting/scoring diagram for all the parts.

Today we will be working on the basic hinged box. 
First you will need 2 pieces of heavy cardstock.
      Side A - Cut 1 at 8.5" x 7"
      Side B - Cut 1 at 8.5" x 8" - hinged side
These 2 pieces are what you are going to make the basic box with.

Score Side A  at 1" in on all four sides. This will make the box 1" deep'

Snip one side on each of the corners to the 1" score mark to create flaps for your box.
Fold each side inwards to create your sides. Adhere each of the flaps using a strong adhesive. I used CTMH Liquid Glass. I just love that stuff! You cannot imagine the things I have repaired in my house using this product.

Set this piece aside. We will now build the other half of the box with the hinge.
Again, score the piece 1" in on each side.
To create the hinge, you need to make a second 1" score line.
With the 8" side against the top of your scoring tool, score 2" in from the right side.
See the diagram below to see where to score this mark - sorry I'm hoping I explain this correctly!

Cut off the 2 square corners at the first score line. This becomes your hinge to join the 2 boxes together.

Again snip each corner to create flaps. Fold all your sides in making sure to use a mountain fold for your hinge. This piece will slide into Side A to complete the hinge. Adhere all the flaps. Your second side is now ready to join to the first one.

Place the two sides back to back and slide the hinge from Side B into Side A. Adhere with strong adhesive.

VIOLA!!! You now have a hinged box!! Easy Peasy!!

Tomorrow we will work on all the pockets and the closure.

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial. Please feel free to email me with any questions you may have.

** Paper crafts are meant to be enjoyable for all who choose this craft. I do not have a patent or copyright for building boxes. Feel free to copy this tutorial and share with others as you wish. Happy Paper Crafting! **