Blade Rubber Stamps: How to make Boxes

HOW TO MAKE A BONBON BOX

Techniques by Susie Jefferson - based on a Class given at Blade Rubber

TRIANGULAR BONBON BOX IN TWO SIZES

This is an adorable style of box, very suitable for sweeties, little pieces of jewellery, and perfect for little bridesmaids to carry (think pearlescent card, silk flowers and lots of organza ribbons). Change the colour, change the size... and hang these on your Christmas tree!

For the samples in this article, I have used the Eazi Score board, so all directions use the reference marks on the board. If you have a different board, you will find the measurements will be fundamentally the same, but the lines referred to may be termed differently.

THE BONBON BOX

Using the Eazi Score board as a guide, score, then cut A4 card in half vertically, using A5 Half Fold (Line 6) as your guide. Also mark the centre points with a pencil using A5 Gate (Line 3) at top and bottom. Turn the card sideways, and score firmly on A4 Half Fold (Line 7). To make the final triangle shape, lay the card on the board and line up the mark at the top to the central score line, then score with your bone folder.

Repeat for the opposite side, then turn the card around to mark the folds at the opposite end. This will result in a diamond shape with a fold line through the middle.

Do any artwork at this stage. If you want to emboss a design on your box, you will achieve a better result if you fold at the score lines as soon as you have embossed, whilst the powder is still warm. The embossing will remain flexible (it sets rock hard when cold) and will bend quite happily around edges without flaking or cracking. If your chosen stamp has a definite direction, stamp from the top of the box down to the central fold, then turn the box around and stamp again, from the top down to the central fold line, so that the design can be seen the right way up.

Fold in half (the horizontal line) then fold up the sides to form the triangular bonbon shape. The side flaps will nest inside each other. Open one pair of sides and punch a hole at the top - right through both pieces.

Repeat on the other side, then thread ribbon through the holes (use a tapestry needle, with a big eye) and tie.

If using purely as decoration, you might prefer to glue the sides of the boxes closed before threading with ribbons.

THE CHEESE BOX

To make a bigger box which looks rather like a wedge of cheese, use A4 card and score on A4 Half Fold (Line 7) and mark at top and bottom on A5 Half Fold (Line 6). The side edges will be much wider, and will leave a gap at the top - more like a bag in effect, and ideal for popping in some fabric flowers. If you don't like this effect, pinch the sides together at the top and tie tightly, and it will pleat slightly and give a "pillow" effect - also very attractive!

To make tiny boxes, keep to the general proportions - a narrow oblong. Score across the middle and mark at top and bottom at the halfway mark. Score from the marks to the middle score line. Of course, this needs a little careful measuring with pencil and ruler - which is why I like using the score board - I hate measuring!

IDEAS AND INSPIRATION

I hope you have fun with this shape - it's unusual and it's fun, and very adaptable.
Try some of these ideas:

For children's parties, use the Cheese Box as a little gift bag - pop paper windmills in the top, so the stems will sit inside and the windmill part peeps out at the top. Great for little dolls and toys, too!
Christmas parties: candy canes and crackers can peek out of the top.
Tiny little boxes to hang off a tree.
Pop a luggage tag inside the box, decorated to match - with a pair of earrings or a brooch attached. You can bet the jewellery will be kept in that box until it falls to bits!
Pop a lipstick inside (or a rubber stamp).
Stamp tissue paper and crumple up, pop inside the box with just a little of the edges peeping out the top.
Use silicone glue and stick fabric flowers around the top and trailing down the front of the box.