Stationary Box Tutorial

So, I've finally got these directions and diagrams done up for the many people that have asked me for them...sorry that I took so long! lol :) In the next post, I will add the pics and a diagram for the 'One Sheet Wonder' cards that go with the stationary box. I just have to re-make the diagram...slight accident with my original copy involving a child's shoe and some mud...

Stationary Box:
You will need a piece of matboard (used for picture framing) the size of 18" x 18" square.

First measure in 6 1/2" and score on each side of the matboard. Then, carefully cut out each corner that's 6 1/2" x 6 1/2". An exacto knife is probably the easiest to get an accurate cut with, so as to not cut in too far.

After all the cuts are made, you are going to end up with a piece of matboard that looks like a plus sign. You should have an area in the middle of the plus sign that measures 5 " x 5 ". Each flap that comes out from this square should be 6 1/2" high x 5" wide. Please note the diagram below for the stationary box.

Stationary Box Lid:
Using another piece of matboard, cut out a piece that's 7.25" x 7.25." Score all 4 outside edges at 1.5." Then, cut out corners as shown in diagram below. Fold scored edges down and tape on outside of lid. You won't see the tape, as you're going to cover this lid with hand stamped patterned paper that you're going to make.

Outside of Stationary Box:
You will need 4 sheets of white wrapping paper (size 5' x 6.5"). I used Stampin' Up! white wrapping paper, but you could probably also use just a light weight white cardstock. Using the SU Watercolour Garden set, ramdomly stamp the large flower, using SU Elegant Eggplant, over your white paper. Add leaves to the sides of the flower using SU Certainly Celery. For the centres of the flowers use SU Barely Banana. Then, using the speckled background stamp from the SU Itty Bitty Backgrounds, fill in any blank spaces between the flowers using the three colours mentioned above.

Repeat the above method for the piece that will cover the top of the stationary box lid. This piece of paper should measure 5.75" x 5.75." just enough extra paper to wrap down over the edge then add a strip for the sides of the lid that measures 1.5" x 23.5." These pieces should be stamped, as well, before being adhered to the box with the modge podge.

Using Modge Podge, cover the back of your stamped white paper and adhere to the outside flaps of your matboard box.

Punch holes on each of the sides of the flaps, measure down 2" from top and .25" in from edge. These will be for the ribbon; to hold the sides of the boxes up and to hold the cards and envelopes in place on the inside. You will require 4 strips of eggplant coloured grosgrain ribbon. Each piece should be 18" long and cut on an angle at the ends to prevent fraying.

Now, you'll need 4 pieces (3 6/8" x 3 6/8") of SU Elegant Eggplant cardstock. Centre the pieces vertically on the sides of your box flaps. Make sure you place the pieces closer to the bottom of the flaps to allow room for the lid to go on the box and to still be able to see the entire decorative layer. Now cut out 4 pieces (3.5" x 3.5") of white cardstock. Stamp a design on the white cs, then centre these pieces on your eggplant layers. Note close up pic below of decorative layers for side of box.

There, the outside of your box is done! It really is very straight forward to do the box, if you're a visual person like me, just look at the diagrams that I've made and that should make things easier for you to follow.

I found a recipe on http://westwood.fortunecity.com/ghost/818/craftshomedecor.htm for making your own Modge Podge. I haven't tested it, but hey, it's worth a try. I copied the following from their site.

Here are recipes for making your own Modge Podge Glue. Cheaper than buying, has the same results.

Modge Podge Glaze

Mix 3 parts white glue (elmer's or any cheap brand) to 1 part water.

Add more or less water to get the desired texture and thickness.

Add 2 Tbsp. varnish, for shine. Put into container with screw on lid.

Just Like Modge Podge

1/4 c. sugar

1/4 c. non-self rising flour

1/2 tsp. powdered alum

1 3/4 c. water

1/4 tsp. oil of cinnamon

In medium size pan, mix together sugar, flour and alum.

Gradually add 1 cup water, stirring vigourously to break up lumps.

Boil until clear and smooth, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Add remaining water and oil. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Put into container with screw on lid.

I hope this was informative for you all and that you have as much fun making your stationary box as I did! I will add more pics of the cards that went with the stationary box along with the diagram for the 'One Sheet Wonder' in my next post.

Thanks for stopping by!