Wrap around box tutorial

Last week I showed you this box and card made from a wonderful dotty designer paper from the Patio Party range. Well I didn't stop there! Here's another version, using a lovely wintery-looking paper from the Patterns designer paper stack (neutrals) this time:

Would you like to know how it's made? Come and have a look:

I'm going to start with a piece of Sahara Sand card stock, 4" x 4" and a piece of designer paper, 8"x 8 1/8" - don't miss out that extra 1/8" on one sided because it's important!

First I'm making a simple box by scoring 1" in from the edges all the way round the card stock.

The score lines are flattened with a bone folder and I use my lovely paper snips to cut flaps as shown above.

Rounding the corners gives a nice neat finish inside the box.

I always use Sticky strip on boxes and bags - it's so strong that I know nothing will come apart! (It's also useful for keeping bra straps in place under strappy dresses!)

Here we are - the basic box! Now for the wrap around bit!

I'm basically going to score at 2", then 3" in from the edge on three sides but on the fourth side (which should be one of the long sides, the piece that's 8 and the extra 1/8") I'm going to score at 2 1/8" and 3 1/8". This makes a nice, neat finishing flap.

All those score lines need folding crisply, so out comes the bone folder again!

I'm going to cut away quite a lot of the designer paper at this point - basically leaving just a cross shape like this:

Notice that the longest flap has had its corners rounded - that's going to be the one that shows.

Now the bottom of the box can be glued to the middle of the cross shape leaving  flaps that fit round it. The box I've shown you today is the perfect size for a brooch or other piece of jewellery - or indeed a lovely stamp from the Mixed Medley hostess set (I know lots of lovely people who would squeal if they found this under the tree!)

The box is ready for embellishing now. I used Cherry Cobbler seam binding to tie it up and the merry Christmas sentiment from Mixed Medley, which cuts out perfectly with a 3/4" circle punch, mounted onto a glittery snowflake from my Snowflake Season Simply Scrappin' kit.

Are you shocked at all the designer paper I've wasted? But of course it's not wasted - it's perfect for making a coordinating card! Come and see:

I've cut four pieces out of the designer paper waste using a square punch and arranged them in a grid. All it needs now is a gorgeous, glittery layered snowflake and some of that luscious Cherry Cobbler seam binding! I wonder if this counts as a snippets card? If it does, I think I get to frolic about in Di's Snippets playground with all the big girls! Whooopee!

Do you need any Stampin' Up goodies?
I'd be delighted to order any Stampin' Up items for you and have them delivered straight to your address in the UK, France, Deutschland, Nederland or Osterreich. I'm committed to providing excellent customer service and am always happy to offer help and advice. To place your order, just send me an email or give me a call on +44 (0) 1280 820593.

Well this has been a long post so I think it's high time I stopped rambling on and did something useful instead! I'll be back for Three Minute Thursday tomorrow when I'll have a fast Christmas card to show you. Enjoy halloween if you're celebrating it!