Firecracker Stars Stripes Boxes Trio

 

Square column box composed of LID that fits snugly 

over top of BASE. A trio of stars are featured on 

LID side panel overlays (with matching solid top overlay). 

BASE side panel overlays consist of corner wraps 

with separate strips at center. 

Twisted and glued jute twine pokes out of LID 

to suggest the firecracker’s wick. 

Functions as both a gift box or holiday décor. 

Each of trio measures approx. 2.85" wide x 2.85" deep.

Approx. heights: tall 9.6”; medium 7.7”; short 6".

Combine the trio of sizes for a decorative ensemble 

or centerpiece.

NOTE: All three box sizes are constructed in practically

identical manner, except that tallest box base hull has

separate bottom panel that needs to be attached.

Short box is used for this tutorial demonstration.

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:

A base box hull

B center stripe strips (4)

C corner (double) stripe strips (4)

D base neck collar reinforcement

E lid box main shape

F star side panel overlays (4) and center overlay

G interior wick attachment/concealing disc

2. Prepare the base hull shape by bending back

on all perforations for panels, side flange tab,

bottom tabs and panel.

3. While the hull is flat, position and attach each center stripe

onto a side panel, using cut-in dash lines for alignment

up center, with bottom edge of stripe aligning

at bottom perforation line.

4. Form the hull shape into a tube to bring side plain edge

to overlap the opposite side flange tab to perforation line,

and glue seam.

NOTE: hull can be pressed flat to apply fingertip

pressure along seam to help secure it.

5. Bend the bottom flanges inward, bend bottom panel

down into position, adjust position and hull shape,

then glue the three seams.

NOTE: reach fingertips into hull interior to

bottom to apply fingertip pressure along three sides

to help attach bottom panel edges.

6. Bend each of the corner double stripes back

along perforation lines. Apply adhesive to underside

of stripe, then position at corner, with bottom edges

aligned, and press into position.

7. Prepare the base hull top opening collar shape

by bending the edge flanges forward (upward).

8. Apply adhesive to the backside of 

side flanges, then . . .

. . . insert the collar into the hull top opening as shown

(tabs upward), and slide down into position where . . . 

. . . flange edges align with top edges of hull.

Apply pressure to flanges all around to attach securely.

9. Prepare the main lid shape by bending back on

all perforations for panels, tabs and flanges.

10. While the shape is flat, position (offset) and attach

accent panels within corresponding panels as

defined by perforation bends.

11. Bend the side panels down into position,

with side tab inward, to bring the plain side edge

of a side panel to overlap the adjacent side tab's

perforation line, and attach. Repeat for all 4 corners.

12. Bend edge flanges inward and glue securely.

13. Prepare the faux wick/fuse by cutting a 4" length

of jute string.

Bend jute in half . . . 

. . . and apply quick-grab clear-drying adhesive 

around loop, leaving 1/2" of ends unattached. 

Press the loop sides together, then twist tightly

to attach the "two" plies together . . . 

. . . with the 1/2" ends remaining free. Keep the twists

tightly former until the adhesive dries completely,

and the wick looks like one length.

14. From the underside of lid, insert the top end

of wick through the center hole . . . 

. . . and push through to outside, stopping . . . 

. . . at the position where the ends can be bent away

from center and glued to lid underside.

15. Apply glue to the concealing disc, then position

over the wick ends and glue securely in place.

16. Insert contents (if using as a gift box), position

lid over base . . . 

and slide on and fully down into place.