Stampin' Up papers ring box tutorial

Ever since Stampin' Up launched the Simply Scored board in the UK, I've been happily making boxes and bags with it. But sometimes you want a box that's a specific size and, since it's much easier using a whole measurement than a part measurement, it can be easier to use centimetres than inches. That's when the metric board comes in handy - you just slot it into the Simply Scored base and it's ready to use.

I couldn't think why I needed the metric board add-on at first and hadn't even taken it out of its box, but it really has opened up new horizons for my box and bag-making!

I've had a flurry of emails asking how I made this ring box I posted a week or so ago, so I've made a tutorial for you.

Here's how to make the ring box:

Start by cutting the card stock and paper. I used this gorgeous paper from the new Print Poetry designer paper stack for the lid - you'll need a 8.1cm x 8.1cm piece. The base is made from a piece of Naturals Ivory card stock measuring 10cm x 10cm and the insert is Marina Mist card stock measuring 12cm x 12cm.

Score the base 3cm in from the edge all the way around (as I have in the picture above) and then score the lid 2cm in from the edge all the way around (not shown.)

The insert needs to be scored both 2cm and 4cm in from the edge all the way around.

I always use a bone folder to make nice crisp folds in my card stock and paper.

Snip the folds in as shown in the picture above - this box is square so there's no right or wrong side to snip!

Cut away the parts of the insert as shown above, leaving a cross shape. Now it's time to make the bit that holds the ring:

Find the centre of the cross shape by holding a ruler across the diagonal of the central square and marking the halfway point. Now hold the ruler vertically and make holes at 1cm and 3cm with a paper piercer.

Using the ruler as a cutting guide, cut a thin slot from hole to hole. You should end up with something that looks like the picture above.

Turn the insert over and glue the flaps down (you can use any adhesive as the base will eventually hold it together.) The double thickness makes the insert strong - you don't want it buckling when you slot the ring into it!

When you go to assemble the box, you'll notice that the side flaps overlap inside. This can make the box a bit bulky so snip them a little shorter as shown in the photo above. I've also rounded the corners of the flaps for a neater finish. Add Sticky Strip...

... and assemble the box tightly around the insert to make sure it fits. Now the box is ready for a lid!

I like to snip out 'finger holds' on my lid using a 3/4" circle punch. I've also rounded the corners again to make a nice, neat finish. Add sticky strip...

... and assemble the lid around the box to ensure a good snug fit. Hmm, looks like I need a bit more Sticky Strip on those edges!

The  box is ready for a ring! I seem to have mislaid my Cartier diamond cluster (so careless!) but here's the ring I made out of one of the Soda Tops from the new spring/summer catalogue instead! (This post tells you how to make it.)

The pretty paper I used for the lid needs very little embellishment but this gorgeous taffeta ribbon in Daffodil Delight coordinates beautifully. I added a tag made with the Itty Bitty Banners stamp set (get this for free during the Sale-a-bration promotion!)

Here's what you'll need to make this box

Stamps: Itty Bitty Banners (Sale-a-bration freebie)

Ink: Midnight Muse

Card stock: Naturals Ivory, Marina Mist

Punches: 3/4" circle punch, corner rounder

Other: Print Poetry designer paper stack, Simply Scored + metric board, Daffodil Delight taffeta ribbon, white bakers twine, paper piercer, paper snips, bone folder

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Aren't boxes brilliant?! I remember one year, our washing machine broke just before Christmas (these things do pick their times!) and the replacement arrived in a very large box. I can't remember what presents we'd actually bought the children that year, but I do remember that box being an enormous hit. We cut windows with panes and doors that actually opened using a stanley knife and I drew a holly tree outside the front door with marker pens - it was called Holly Cottage. Sigh... what uncomplicated days those were!

I'll be back very soon with more crafting fun. Have a wonderful weekend!