Planks
are assembled as low profile rectangular “boxes”,
and then joined with end
tabs. Trunk “box” is inserted
upward through cutout window in base cross beam.
Eyelet tab can be attached under top convergence of panels,
extended downward
into frame where ornament
such as “Snowflake Hearts Ornament” or
“Votive
Pendant Candle Holder” (separate designs)
can be suspended on links, wires, or
twine.
Accent panels decorate beam surfaces.
Add .625” washer stacks in trunk
for stability and weight.
Frame measures approx. 10.5” tall x
6” wide (tree
base width) x 1.5” deep.
ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:
A & C left and right side beams with accent overlays
B & D interior strut support strip pairs to join
E base beam with accent overlay
F base side interior strut support (2)
G trunk box H trunk interior strut support
I eyelet hanger tab (2) J top connector cover
NOT SHOWN: top connector accent shape
2. Prepare left and right side beam shapes in similar
manner, bending back on all perforations for panels
and tabs, and forward for the inward bottom
rounded tab. (NOTE: only right beam in shown in
these prep steps - prepare left beam in same;
left beam is mirrored shape with only minor differences
near top connector tabs.)
3. Position and attach the accent shapes with narrow
offset margins within the panel areas defined by
perforation folds. Press flat while glue dries,
if using liquid adhesive.
4. Prepare the side beam interior strut support strips
by bending the bottom tabs forward, the end tab
of the lead strip (left in image) forward. Also bend
the vertical perf lines in accordion or zigzag fashion.
5. Place the LEFT side beam shape face down on work surface
with the shorter/inward wall closest to you.
Position the strut strip (with glue applied to bottom surface
of all tabs) between end tab and hanger slot*, with
end segments directed into panel corners.
Quickly adjust the bends of strut so that "corners"
do NOT extend beyond panel bends at top
and bottom, then press to connect tabs in place.
*NOTE that the RIGHT side beam inward panel
does not have a hanger slot, just the end of panel
to act as top end boundary.
6. One way to check to make sure strut is positioned
correctly is to immediately bend the long flange on
one side and the narrow wall on the other.
7. Form the wall beam shape into a tube or box
with strut enclosed to bring the straight edge to
overlap the long side flange until it aligns at
flange perforation bend, and glue in place.
Complete both left and right side beams.
8. Prepare the base beam shape by bending back
on all perforation lines for panels and end tabs.
NOTE that the accent shapes should not be
added to the base beam until after it is attached
to side beams. (See step 20.)
9. Prepare the base interior strut strips by bending
the bottom tabs and center crease forward.
10. Position each strut on one side of bottom/outward
panel (includes trunk cutout) so that the arm ends
lie between end tab crease and cut out, so that
they don't interfere with bending of narrow walls,
end tab or trunk insertion through cut out, then
glue tabs in place.
11. Form the base shape into a box enclosing
the strut strips, so that straight edge (no accent strip
in place at this point of assembly) overlaps opposite
long flange to perforation line.
12. Prepare the hanger tab by bending the top tabs
forward. Then position backsides together . . .
. . . and attach in place, aligning all cut edges,
and ensuring that the top tabs remain unattached.
13. If your project will include hanging a dangler
in the interior, prepare an array of beads or links that will
extend approx. 1.5" longer beyond the punched tab end.
Without this extra length, it is difficult to reach into
the top interior angle to attach anything to the tab.
NOTE: the sample project uses thin floral wire
folded in half and twisted to form an eyelet end,
with ends threaded through the three graduated-size
wood beads, then attached to a large jump ring
which is opened to attach it to tab punch hole.
14. Position the left and right beams so that the top
panel end edge of left wall will overlap the top end
tab of right wall, adjust for alignment, then glue together.
NOTE that the narrowness of this seam space may
require the use of a flat blade-like tool such as
the spatula shown here positioned under the seam
(from top and from bottom) to provide a press-against
surface for fingertips pressure to join and secure seam.
15. Bend hanger top tabs back flat then insert
through the left wall slot . . .
. . . then upward through the top (connector) panel
slot. This may require the use of tweezers tool.
With hanger tabs extended through top connector
panel, apply glue to outward tab surfaces, then bend
outward and attach in place.
16. Arrange the top connector area for final attachment
by bending narrow wall top tabs inward, with
right wall extensions fit into the sliced/slots at top
of left wall so left wall overlaps. Apply glue where
the wall top inward corners will overlap, and also
where top connector panel will touch the top tabs.
Bend the two walls toward each other into final angle
until the tops prevent any further bending.
17. Immediately position and attach base beam
across bottom ends of side wall "legs" before
applying pressure to secure the top angle overlaps.
A) bend first base beam end tab back, and apply
glue to face of tab;
B) position behind the outward side wall end
and secure in place.
C) swing second end of base beam into position
to repeat the connecting end seam
D) push bottom beam fully into the side beam
wall angle; add dab of glue under narrow wall
where it overlaps base, if possible.
E) Return attention to top connection to apply pressure
and secure.
18. Position and attach top cover rectangle to top
of assembly to hide hanger tab construction.
Also position and attach top accent.
19. At bottom base side, apply glue to large
inward (side panel) tabs and attach to the inward
surface of base. Repeat for second side.
20. Position and attach the inward base beam accent
shape between side walls; also position and attach
narrow accents to narrow wall faces.
21. Prepare the trunk "box" by bending back on
all perforations for panels and tabs; also bend
the embedded tabs outward. Prepare the strut
support strip by bending bottom tabs forward
and vertical perforations to form strip into 'M' shape.
Locate the 'TOP' cut letters to identify top panel.
22. To provide stability and weight, glue 6-8 .625" diam.
metal washers into a stack using hot melt glue or
other appropriate quick-grab adhesive.
Prepare 3 weight stacks.
23. Turn the trunk shape face-down on work surface
and identify the bottom panel, then . . .
. . . position the strut strip with tabs downward
within the bottom panel area in similar manner to
other strut assemblies in this project; attach tabs.
24. Position and securely attach weight stacks
within the bottom triangle spaces, and center
top triangle space.
25. Form the trunk into a tube to enclose the strut
and weight stacks, overlap straight edge across flange
and glue seam.
26. Bend end tabs inward, apply glue, then bend
end wall into position to attach in place.
Repeat for second end wall.
27. Prepare to insert trunk into base by first adding
dab of glue to upward face of all embedded tabs.
Also apply adhesive to the TOP panel (quick-grab
glue is recommended here).
Insert top of trunk through cutout opening at
base underside . . .
. . . and push fully up until top surface is flush against
underside of beam wall, and tabs can attach to beam's
bottom face.
Apply fingertip pressure to all tabs to secure in place.
27. Position and attach bottom accent shape,
fitting it over trunk.
28. Complete your ensemble as desired,
attaching a dangler such as the hearts snowflake . . .
. . . or the hanging votive tealight.
Or use other ornament.
If planning to use the sitting version of
the votive cut, it can rest or be attached
to base (omit the hanging tab, if preferred).
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