Swan Figure Tray

Diminutive and elegant with triangle base, 

swan form and number 7 tag can represent 

the “Seven Swans Swimming” 

for Twelve Days of Christmas giving, 

or other gifting occasions. 

(Top view is shown here.)

Tray form can hold goodies as a favor box or 

place card holder. Design features mask accent overlays, 

double wing layers, extra side “tail feathers” inserts, 

slightly curved back panel that attaches to inside 

of side panel to form a tray. 

(Back view is shown here.)

Included in the file is a plain edge disc base, 

with triangle platform to provide a “riser” – a stage

around which embellishment feathers and purchased flowers 

can add additional flair - especially when placed atop 

the separate design “Box 3D Geometric Sides” 

as a combination container.

Swan measures approx. 3.75” long x 2.25” wide 

x 3.5” tall; base disc measures approx. 3.75” diam. 

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:

A main swan hull (sides, triangle base, 

back joined panels)

B & C left and right side under-lays for tail feathers

D & E left and right upper and lower wing overlays

F & G face mask accent overlays

H optional base interior reinforcement panel

I opt. disc to hold riser "stage"

J opt. riser "stage" boxing and triangle platform

2. Prepare the main hull shape by bending back

on all perforation lines for triangle panel, tail tabs,

and bending forward for lower neck and head

perforation lines.

3. Position and attach left and right interior "underlays"

for extra back tail feather details, taking care that . . .

. . . bottom-most tail feather edges align, AND that

the bottom straight edge aligns slightly above

the hull triangle perforation line, so that the hull can

properly bend into position.

If possible, place this assembly under a flat heavy

object such as a thick book while the panels

are being glued in place and glue allowed to dry.

4. Pre-bend the wing layers at front perf lines.

5. Position and attach each over wing on top of

each larger base wing, aligning the matched upper

cut edges where they correspond. Press under

flat weight until dried.

6. Position and attach the optional triangle base

reinforcement panel within perforation lines,

if desired - advisable if the swan will be used

as a container.

Also arrange the three large curl feathers so that

they overlap front to back (shortest over middle,

over front).

7. Carefully add some forward curl to the back tail

panel, taking care that the side tabs do not tear.

Use a rod tool such as this wooden dowel to

draw across the tail panel, as shown.

8. Locate the curved dash guide lines on the inside

face at tail end of underlays, bend sides and tail

panels into final "container" formation, then . . . 

. . . bend tabs inward and apply glue to the outward

surface of tabs. Position the tail behind the side panels

with the curve side edge matching the curve dash lines . . .

. . . then reach inside the mail hull compartment

to press the tabs in place to attach tail in position.

Repeat the positioning and attaching of tail edge

tabs for both sides.

NOTE that the top side tail "feather" extensions

should poke through the opening between largest

feather curls when in proper position.

9. Apply glue to backside of one swan head/neck area,

then press the two layers together with edges

aligned as precisely as possible, and hold/press

until fully attached.

10. Position and attach each wing assembly onto

appropriate swan side panel, matching upper cut 

edges and lining up the wing tip perforations with neck

perforation line.

11. Position and attach the face mask over

the corresponding lower portion of head and beak

of main hull.

Here is the completed swan tray.

12. Prepare the number tag (for use when using

the swan as a gift in the Twelve Days of Christmas

sequence) by laying and attaching the cut out number

on top of the tag base.

13. If the swan tray will be part of the combination 

project with swan atop round platform of

 "Box 3D Geometric Sides", consider preparing

the triangle platform to raise swan a bit and provide

a margin to attaching feathers or other embellishments.

Prepare the platform shape by bending back on

triangle attached edge, upper tabs, and short wall

perforations, and forward on bottom tab/flanges.

14. Form the walls of platform into a triangle frame

with end tab tucked under, and complete the short

side seam.

15. Bend the upper tabs inward, and the top

triangle panel down to adjust and arrange, attach

underside of platform to two flanges.

16. Align the circle with triangle cut out over the platform

then slide into position . . .

. . . and press triangle edges down completely to

rest at tabs perforations . . . 

. . . then bend tabs outward and glue in place

to underside of circle.

17.  Apply adhesive to platform top surface, then

position and attach the base panel of swan

on top - hold in place until secure.

17. Position the platform/triangle centered 

on top of the scalloped circle (shown here without swan

glued on top of platform) of the geometric box, 

and glue in place.

18. Apply adhesive to the top square panel of

geometric box, then position the layered scalloped

circle platform so that square cutout guide fits

precisely on top of the box top panel.

Here is the geometric box with scalloped circles

platform on top - shown with swan on platform

and decorated with no. 7 tag tied onto neck with twine,

and with white feather, paper roses, buds

and berries added as embellishments.