Snowflake 3D Luminary Box with Handle

Rustic box has outer panels that are layered to be thick 

for strength (and weight) with a front panel that has 

a snowflake cut-out. 

Top box rim is .375” deep to simulate wooden walls. 

U-shaped “decoration only” handle can be pivoted 

with ends that fit into side holes 

with turned-look handle that is built up in offset layers

yo simulate dimensional “turned” spool shape. 

Luminary measures approx. 6” tall x 3.75” wide 

x 3.75” deep without handle. 

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:

A hull front (with snowflake cut out), side

& bottom

B hull back & side

C front contrast overlay (4 for build up thickness)

D, E & F sides and back contrast overlays

(4 each for build up thickness)

G handle base (6-8 for build up thickness)

H turned handle base (2)

I turned handle overlay layers #2 (2 sets of 3)

J turned handle overlay layers #3 (2 sets of 3)

K turned handle overlay layers #4 (2 sets of 3)

2. Prepare the hull shapes by bending back on

all perforation lines, except upper edge tabs, which

bend forward as "valley" folds.

3. Position and join the hull shapes at center seamline,

taking care to adjust top and bottom of straight edge

and tab at perforation line.

4. Layer the front, back and side panels for thickness

build up, and glue each into a stack, taking care to

align all cut edges as precisely as possible.

Immediately press each glued-up stack under a flat heavy

weight such as this fabric-covered repurposed free weight

bar, or a thick book or something similar, and leaving

in place until the stack is completely dry. This may

require several hours or overnight, and is critical to

assist the shape to remain flat, without curling or warping.

5. Position and attach in place each glued-up stack

onto the appropriate hull panel, with slight offset margin

all around (snowflake window should align exactly).

Position heavy flat weight on top of each panel again

to assist proper adhesion until thoroughly dried as before.

6. Form the hull into a tube to bring plain straight edge

to overlap opposite flange tab to perforation line,

and join second side seam. NOTE that the hull's

symmetry will allow it to be laid flat to apply fingertip

pressure along the seam.

7. Identify the dashed guide line inside the hull walls . . .

. . . which will assist with positioning of the top rim

end fold edge. Apply adhesive to the end flange

of SIDE walls, then . . .

. . . bend inward until the fold is aligned at guide mark . . .

. . . and the two perforation lines form a rim that is

perpendicular rim edge. Press the end flange until

fully secure.

Top rim edges should be level with each other

and at a right angle to hull walls.

8. Prepare the repeat the rim wrap process with

front and back wall tops by applying glue to backsides

of end flange tabs, and also adding a dab of glue at

ends of previously-positioned rims where the miter

edge will overlap (on both ends of both rims) . . .

. . . then bend the rim flange to inside of hulls

to attach end tab perforation line at guideline, as

before. As this is completed, the angled ends cut edges

will overlap side wall rims to form the miter seam.

9. At bottom of hull, bend flange tabs inward,

bend hull bottom panel into position, square up

edges with walls, then glue in place.

10. Layer and glue together the handle layers,

aligning all cut edges precisely. Immediately

press under a heavy flat weight until completely dried.

11. Position and attach the turned handle overlay

to front and back faces of handle assembly.

Press under flat weight until dry.

12. Layer and attach handle layers 2, 3 & 4 for build up

thickness; press until dry.

13. Position and attach layer #3, then . . . 

. . . layer #4 onto layer #2 to complete an assembly 

for front & back of handle; press until dry.

14. Position and attach each overlay assembly

onto front or back handle assembly. Press.

15. Carefully insert bottom handle end into side wall

slot, then . . .

. . . flex as slightly as possible to swing the handle

into position to insert the opposite end into its slot.

Here is the completed luminary box.

(Continue further for final anchoring steps

to ensure handles can stay in upright position.)

16. Prepare the handle lock shapes by bending back

the interior "window" opening tabs.

Locks are designed to fit over the handle ends

as shown here, but wait until handle is in place

before attaching them.

17. With handle ends inserted, apply glue to

backside surfaces, then position over the end

of handle inside of box. Reposition the handle into

upright position, then press lock in place, adhering

the tabs to handle surfaces, and the rounded base

to inside wall of hull.

Here is the model luminary with an LED

short candle placed inside.