Needles 'n' Knowledge: Frame Box 3D with Lid for 5x7 Card

Dimensional rectangular box is specially sized to showcase

decorative 5x7 purchased card front print art

(not included in the cut file).

Lid fits snugly over base with full depth side walls.

Top frame has whole panel and frame cut-out layers

built up and pressed flat while drying for a rigid lid,

with overlay members that enclose the card art to create

miter seams at corners.

Lid has overhang detail (a simple L-style stand

is included for empty box upright display); alternatively omit

the frame layers to mount the card directly on lid.

Measures approx. 7.75” tall x 5.75” wide x 1.25” deep.

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:
A main LID hull (one piece)
NOTE: if cutting from smaller card stock, the LID
would be composed of front panel, 2 side walls, 2 end walls
B hull side wall accents
C LID overhang backside base layer with guide marks
D LID build up layers (5)
E top frame base layer
F inner frame layer div. 2 pieces - buffer/guide for 5x7 card
G miter members: 2 long sides; 2 short top & bottom
H main BASE hull (one piece)
NOTE: if cutting from smaller card stock, the BASE
would be composed of bottom panel, 2 side walls, 2 end walls
I opt. inner liner

2. Prepare the LID main hull shape by bending back

on all the perforation lines for panels and tabs.

Identify the triangle 'up' symbol that shows that

this is the LID.

NOTE: if building the LID from smaller stock,

position and join the side walls to the sides of plain

front panel, short end walls to ends of panel, etc.

3. Bend the walls back to align/overlap the straight
edge over the corresponding tab to join each corner seam.

4. Bend the flanges inward and glue in place
('dry' tape style adhesive recommended) to wall
inner edges.

5. Position and attach the offset long and short wall

accent shapes (dry style tape adhesive recommended).

6. Repeat Step 2 for the BASE shape (except

the BASE will NOT include the 'up' triangle symbol).

NOTE: if building the BASE from smaller stock,

position and join the side walls to the sides of plain

bottom panel, short end walls to ends of panel, etc.

7. Repeat Step 3 to join corner walls.

8. Repeat Step 4 to bend flanges inward and
attach to BASE inside walls.

9. Separate the 5x7 card along fold line between

front and back. Optional: mount the back panel

onto the offset, rounded corner inner liner shape,

then position and attach into bottom of base.

(NOTE: the liner has more function when building

the box with separate side walls, which will have

bottom flange tabs showing on the inside.)

10. Prepare the front frame by positioning the short

end miter members and long side miter members

over the frame base, taking care that edges and

corners line up as precisely as possible (here and throughout).

11. Once glued up, press the frame assembly under

one large or several smaller flat heavy weights

so that it will dry flat, without curling or warping,

and leave in place until completely dry.

12. Identify the LID build up bottom layer, which

includes offset corner guide mark cuts that will assist

in positioning of the LID tray box.

13. Prepare the build-up frame layers by positioning
and gluing together the first two layers of rectangles,
taking care to align the cut edges as precisely as possible.
14. Continue to add additional layers below the top two,
following the same careful alignment and glue up.
Refer to Step 11 above, then press under a heavy flat weight
to prevent curling or warping until completely dry.

15. On the top layer of the build up, position and attach

the buffer 'L' shapes (or the whole shape if preferred)

taking care to align outer edges and corners precisely.

Press the assembly under a flat weight until dry.

16. Position the bottom layer (with guide marks)

face away at the bottom of the build up stack,

and glue in place, aligning edges and corners precisely.

Place under the weight until completely dry.

17. Once the build up is dry (several hours),
position the card front inside the buffer frame . . .

. . . where it will fit and should be flush with buffer frame.

18. Position the frame/miter members assembly
over the top of the card front layers, and attach
in place. NOTE: if you wish to protect the card to
be able to remove it at some future date unharmed,
"dry fit" the card in place, then glue the frame front
to the buffer frame ONLY.
Place under a flat weight until completely dry.