Letter Box M 3D Mini Flowers

 

Build dimensional letter M composed of LID and BASE, 

then decorate with offset front panel accent. 

A flurry of posy flowers with leaf can cascade 

down the middle leg. 

Designed specifically as one of the 3D letter boxes 

that spell out BLOOM; includes the “wrap-over” 

front accent panel extension that creates . . . 

. . . a “pocket” tube to hold stem of Crocus 3D Flower. 

Measures approx. 4.125” wide x 5.5” long 

x 1.75” deep when assembled. 

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:

A LID letter box M front panel

B & C alt. accent fronts for BLOOM which form pocket

D accent posies (6)   E accent leaves (3 left, 3 right)

F-I - LID boxing strips

J BASE back panel for M

K-N - BASE boxing strips

NOTE the tiny symbols that are cut into the boxing strip

tabs or end flanges which assist in knowing how they

connect together. Study the following diagram to know

where the strips attach to the LID or BASE main 'M' shape.

2. Prepare the LID main shape and boxing strips by bending

back on edge flange tabs, multiple wedge tabs that

attach along curves, etc. Re-direct the bend of the segments

to match the main shape edge, either before attaching,

or as assembly progresses.

3. Use a rod tool such as this 5/16" diameter dowel

to add curl to the multi-tab segments to assist

the boxing to conform more easily and consistently

to the letter edge.

4. Position the front lead edge flange along the lead

edge of the LID main shape (locate the tiny numeral 1

on the boxing strip end - this end is positioned at

bottom end of lead edge). Adjust so that boxing ends

or perforation lines align as precisely as possible

along letter panel, with letter straight edge overlapping

boxing strip tab to perforation, and glue in place.

5.  Bend the next segment into position, adjust,

and glue in place to the next (corresponding) edge

of the M letter panel.

6. Shape the first curved arc of boxing strip to match

the corresponding edge of M, adjust to match edge . . . 

. . .apply glue, and attach in place.

7. Repeat step 6 for the second lobe.

8. Identify the next strip end that should attach

to the first strip by matching symbols, then

overlap straight edge across tab to perf line,

and glue seam.

9. Position the next segment edges and glue in place.

10. Prepare the under-arch portion of the next strip

(identifiable by multiple wedge tabs) by adding fairly

tight back curl (right sides of strip curl back toward

each other) using the dowel tool.

TIP: it will help the curl to be tight enough to match

the M letter edge by rolling the strip tightly around the dowel

and assisting the strip to conform closely

through fingertip pressure.

11. Identify, position and join end seams to attach

the first under-arch strip to the assembly.

12. Position and attach the first long straight portion

of strip in place. Then, position and attach the arch edge,

and finally . . . 

. . .  the remaining long straight edge.

Bend the end segment to align, and attach.

13. Position and attach final strip at end seam, then

repeat step 12 to position and attach the second

under-arch strip edges.

As the final segment is bent into position, also

position and attach the final strip end tab and complete seam.

14. Repeat the LID assembly process with

M back panel and BASE boxing strips.

15. Fit the BASE inside the LID (this is a tight fit)

and work partially in to place, then apply quick-grab

glue such as Fabri-Tack or hot melt along the inner

edges of BASE boxing before pushing fully in to place.

Or, flex the LID to allow applicator tip to apply glue

after the two forms are together.

Apply fingertip/palm pressure all around to

help the LID and BASE walls to fit properly

together to create a tightly fit-together letter box.

16. If using the optional accent letter front panels

for the BLOOM ensemble, add backward curl to

the front leg between the bend perforations

using the dowel tool. 

17. Position and attach the rectangle lead leg accent

shape first. Then position and attach the arch/legs

main portion on the front of the M letter box assembly.

18. Form the tube pocket by pushing the lead edge

back toward the main accent to align and attach

the front straight edge of accent along the straight

front edge of the rectangle accent.

19. If your plan is to add brads as flower center accents,

use a spike tool to push holes through LID front at

accent hole positions. (If using stud accents,

this is not necessary).

20. Use shaping tools to add roundness to

petals of the 6 posy flowers, and also to leaves.

21. Position leaves onto box assembly with tips

outward in alternating order as shown,

with end eyelets aligned at holes, and glue in place.

22. Position and attach flowers over holes,

and glue in place. Add studs or push brad prongs

through holes and glue in place securely.

This image shows how the stem of the 3D crocus

can be tucked into the tube, and glued in place

at desired height.

The Garden Hat miniature can be positioned

over the rear hump and glued in place

for the BLOOM ensemble.