Delicious Apple 3D Box Tutorial

Not your average gift box,

this realistic delicious apple goes together as full-length "lid"

with octagon cylinder "core" that can be filled with loose candy,

limited size treat, or rolled paper money.

Available from SnapDragon Snippets through

the Silhouette America online store

and soon through SVG Attic and the SnapDragon Snippets website.

Eight segment "wedges" are prepared in pairs, then joined.

Finger space at top opening is eventually covered by

stem "hat", and a mid-height finger hole helps with manipulation,

then is covered by a peel-matching cover

or by the layered artisan sign that can hold the recipient's name

of a message.

Options for decorations include wedges to substitute

that include the hold punch for the brad to hold the sign tag in place,

of a wedge that contains a slot for inserting the bottom "zigzag"

of the wide-eyed bookworm.

Core cylinder has a finger hole opening to aid construction

which can be covered with an octagon paper shape

(or left with hole showing to assist opening later).

CONSTRUCTION:

1. Identify and cut the shapes:

A Left wedge sections

AA Left wedge with finger hole

B Right wedge sections

BB (not shown) Right wedge with worn slot

C Finger hole cover

D Top apple recess shape 
(this one should be cut from red)

E Stem shapes (3)

F Stem base

G Name tag front and back

H Leaf layers (top and bottom)

I Worm (assembled here)

2. Wedge sections A (or AA) and B will go together in pairs to form apple quarter sections. Identify the B left side and A right side of the pairs by looking at the bottom where the "contour" construction tabs and perforations are. the angled tabs will come together to form the apple contour bottoms. 

Straighter edges will be joined between the quarter sections. 

Here, the A section shown is the AA with the finger hole that will assist construction access for applying pressure to seam areas.

"Extra" shapes in the cut file include the B left and A right wedge shapes that have the optional cut slot for holding the bookworm assembled shape. 

You can choose where in your apple you would like the slot for the worm to be placed, such as just to the left or to the right of the finger hole where the layered tag can be placed. 

Or, alternately, near the front center of the apple, with the finger hole to the back, covered by the plain finger hole cover. 

Of course, the book worm and slot can be left off completely by using the "whole" wedge shapes that DO NOT include the slot.







3. Bend the side tab perforations of the first B (left) wedge back. Fold the horizontal perforations slightly between the sections on the wedge.

4. Fold the bottom two tabs forward.

5. Fold and crease the contour diagonal perforation line so surfaces are face sides together.

6. Bring the bottom contour straight edge to align at the bottom section tab perf line and glue in place as shown.

7. Repeat the folding process for the A (A with slot shown here) right section, including the bringing together and gluing of straight contour edge and opposite tab perf line.

8. Bring the center edges of the B and A together, and line up the long edge of the contour A right lower portion (that is, the second section from the bottom upward) with its opposite B tab perf line. Glue this tab-to-edge seam.

9. Adjust to align the bottom section tab perf line with opposite straight edge, then join with glue.

10. Continue to join the two wedge sections moving upward, one seam section at a time . . .

. . . until all the sections are attached.

11. Join three more B and A pairs to complete four quarter sections.

When working with the finger hole section, take care to fold the narrow side areas at the perforation, so that the seam edges will correspond during the joining process.

12. Align and join two quarter sections in a similar fashion, aligning the second to bottom tab and edge first, then bottom, then working toward the top.
















Since this seam is less flexible than the wedge-to-wedge seam, you may need to "splay" the seam edges apart slightly and gently force the glue applicator tip between the edge to apply glue to the tab. Applying glue to multiple tabs ahead of the actual section being joined may be a good solution, if you can work fast enough, and carefully to avoid smearing glue undesireably.

13. Continue aligning and joining the seam until it is completed. Inserting fingers through top opening will allow reach to all portions of the seam. 














Use the side finger hole for further assist.

14. Form the apple top into a ring by folding slightly on each of the radiating perforation lines. Overlap the straight end edge at the end tab perforation line and join, taking care as always to make sure top and bottom edges of each side align as accurately as possible.

15. Prepare the shapes for the three-part stem. Begin by folding the lower tab end portion on the angled perforation lines as outward folds that create side flanges. Also fold the vertical perforation as an outward fold.

16. Apply adhesive to the upper stem halves and to the lower side flanges that will come together then join the backs of a pair of the stem pieces. Add the third stem, with adhesive on all of its halves and flanges. Press the three upper sections and the lower flanges together until glue is secure. 

17. Bend the bottom mini-tabs back, then straighten again.

(Apologies for the lack of focus here!)


18. Insert tab end of stem through triangular opening of stem base, and bend tabs back flush with underneath surface. Glue in place.















19. Fold center tabs of the top apple recess shape inward. Apply adhesive to the stem base, then position and align edges of each as shown, and hold in place until glue is secure.

20.  In a similar process, fold the apple top opening inner tabs toward center, apply adhesive to the under side of top recess shape then position and align and hold in place. Reach fingers through side finger hole to help direct outer and inward pressure to help this shape attach securely.

21. If you are not using the front name tag arrangement, you can prepare the plain finger hole cover. NOTE: this image shows the brad punch, which would probably NOT be needed or used for this simpler construction of the apple.

Apply glue to the edges of the plain shape, position centered over the finger hole and hold in place against the side of the apple form until secure.













22. For the name tag version, center smaller tag and attach to the outer tag with hole punches aligned. apply adhesive to the edges of the tag, then thread a brad through tag hole and then through apple. Reach in to secure brad back prongs once the tag is securely attached in place.









23. Prepare the "core" base or inner box. Fold the shape on the vertical perf and tab lines. Fold the top rim tabs back, then unfold the one opposite the hollow attached octagon on the bottom edge of the shape.

Leaving the end tab unfolded will help side seam construction in the next step.

24. Form the core into a tube, overlapping the straight edge to the opposite tab perforation line. Make sure top and bottom edges of both are lined up properly, then glue in place.












25. Fold the final rim tab back and glue in place

26. On the bottom of the core, fold the tabs to the center and apply adhesive to each. Fold the hollow octagon bottom flap over the tabs and attach. (See next image for more info about this.)

27. Insert finger tips through circle punch out to help apply pressure to tab and octagon edge until each is secure.

You may find it useful to align and attach the side opposite the pre-attached side first, then "squash" adjust the remaining edges to align quickly before adhesive is too dry on remaining edges.












It will also be helpful to insert the flat eraser end of a fairly new pencil into the tube to press from the inside against the tabs and end inside. Place the assembly bottom-down on a flat surface first.
















28. Apply adhesive to the hollow octagon shape, then position the bottom whole octagon cover over the core end, align edges, and hold until secure.
















29. Insert the core into the bottom opening of the apple body. 

It will push all the way flush with apple bottom, so if you plan to use this as a gift box with contents that won't fall through the hole, consider leaving the base whole shape off to allow recipient easier opening access.













30. Layer the leaf halves, then add some curl to the leaf shape.

31. Glue the end of the leaf stem to one of the faces of the stem. Prepare and attach a second leaf if desired.













31. Assemble the book worm, then insert the bottom "loop" of its body into the slot. Glue in place as desired.

Here is the image of the completed dimensional delicious apple.

Hope you had fun!

3D School Bus Box Tutorial

Celebrate going "back to school" in style

with this wonderfully realistic and detailed box composed of base and lid.

Measuring 9.5" long x 3.75" tall x 3.25" wide,

this box can sit on a shelf, act as a table center decoration,

carry gift cards and goodies to your favorite and deserving educator

or help those school kids in your life get excited about

their on-going education.

Available from SnapDragon Snippets through
the Silhouette America online store
and soon through SVG Attic and the SnapDragon Snippets website.

It may look complicated, but it is not really!

(Just a lot of details including the 16 or more windows

with liner shapes, layered hubcaps and tires, dimensional bumpers

side mirrors and more.

Follow the illustration images and descriptions on this tutorial

to create your own fleet soon.

CONSTRUCTION:

1. Identify and cut the shapes:

A Base bottom

B Base right side

C Base left side

D & E Wheel boxes

F Base front

G Base back

H Lid roof

I Lid left side (with mirror)

J Lid right side (with mirror)

K Lid front

L Lid back

M Lid back bumper box

N Lid front bumper box

O Back license plate liner (attaches to G)

P Windows (front, back, left side and contrast liners; cut right side set also) & side stripes

Q Fenders, head and tail lamps, door and door liner

R Wheels and hubcaps

Not shown: "SCHOOL BUS" lettering and interior supports, license plate rectangle

 2. Position and join the base bottom (center) with base right and left sides, base front and back, overlapping the straight edges to the corresponding tab perforation line.

3. Position and attach the grill contrast shape aligned at  the base front shape, shown here. Also glue the license plate base contrast shape aligned at the bottom of the base back shape.

4. Build the two wheel boxes. Fold the sides and ends downward to form the box shape, then join the back section straight side edges to the corresponding side tab perf line.

5. Insert the wheel box tab through the slots on the bus bottom.

6. On the underside of the bottom, fold the wheel box tabs outward (not behind the wheel box itself because it will be easier to add pressure to the tab against a flat surface this way) and glue in place.

7. Form the base into a box by bringing the back tab perforation to align with the side straight edge, then glue in place. Repeat for the opposite corner.

8. Join the base side and front edges in the same manner, bending and adjusting the front perforation folds to match the angles of the side contour at base front edges.

9. Position the lid center (roof) with sides, front and back. Align and join corresponding straight edges with tab perforation lines.

10. Add the details to the lid assembly while it is still flat. Decor details include: fenders, windows (white) layered with liners (black); side stripes (short on the right door side); back and front windows; door with liner; head lamps; wheels and hubcaps.

NOTE: side windows top liner edge will be placed approx. 3/8" below outer roof perf line; back window slightly higher.

11. Form lid into a box by folding the side straight edges to align with the front tab perforation lines, then gluing in place (one at a time). Repeat for each side of the front piece.

12. Repeat the process to join the lid side edges to the back.

13. Prepare the front and back bumper boxes by folding on the perforation lines and attaching side straight edges to end tab straight perforation lines.

Here is the back bumper box being formed.

14. Insert the bumper box tab through the slot in corresponding front or back lid. Apply adhesive to the back surface of the bumper box so that it will attach to the grill liner. On the inside of the lid front, fold the tab down and glue it in place. The front bumper box is shown in this photo.

(Oooops! This construction image shows the lid front NOT attached at the side seams yet, though our tutorial sequence advises to have that step completed before attaching the bumper box.

15. Prepare the inner support by folding the tabs of two shapes outward, then gluing the centers (non-tab portions) together for a double-thick shape. Apply adhesive to the 6 tabs, then carefully slide it into position between the wheel box tabs so that the bottom perf fold edges are flush with the box bottom and hold in place until glue is secure.

16. Insert the base into the lid and slide together until the lid front and back contours match up with the contrast liners of the base.

17. Position the wheels under the fender/wheel bay cutout and with the bottom edge of the wheel flush with the bottom of the wheel box.

18. Prepare the mirror shapes by folding in half and gluing halves together, then folding tab portion back. Position and glue in place a little below the bottom of the driver's window. Repeat attachment for the opposite side window in the same position.

19. Position and attach the "SCHOOL BUS" lettering on each side of the bus below the stripes. (This can be done as part of the construction of step 10, if preferred.)

Here is the completed bus images.

3D Book Box Gift Card Holder Tutorial

Create this miniature but very realistic 3d book box gift card holder

to express thanks to a teacher or school administrator,

or to wish your student (young or old) good luck

for the scholastic new year.

Construction moves quickly, with inner cover liners with positioning guides,

inner spine strips for realism (use a contrast two-sided cardstock),

lid (front) and back "page" boxes, and inner liner to hold card.

This box looks so realistic, you'll want to make complete library!

CONSTRUCTION:

1. Identify and cut the pieces. 
A Book outer "cover"
B Front inner cover liner
C Back inner cover liner
D Inner spine decor strips
E Front inner "box"
F Back inner "box"
G Card insert

NOTE that if A is cut from a card stock paper that has the appropriate contrast backside color, the finished box will have a more realistic look. The paper in our sample has a yellow back side.

2. Position B front inner and C back inner cover liners on the backside of A cover so that outer three edges line up. 

(In this image, the "front" liner on the right is already in place, and the "back" liner on left is being positioned.)

3. Position the five decor spine strips in the space between the cover liners. These shapes simulate the look of a vintage book spine.

Slightly fold the spine perforation lines to give the binding section the rounded look of a real book. Fold the end perforations completely, so the covers will close when the book is finished.

4. Prepare the FRONT inner box :

a. fold tall end edge side and flange inward at perforation fold lines.

b. fold the side edge sides and flanges inward at perforation fold lines to a 90 degree angle.

c. insert side tabs between front and flange and glue in place.

5. Repeat the process for the short inner side, folding side tabs inward, then folding short side and flange to wrap around the tab, and glue short flange and side together.

6. Fold the side flanges inward into place and glue.

7. Repeat the process to prepare the inner BACK box, where all sides are of the same height. (See the completed back box two images further in the blog.)

8. Prepare the card insert in a similar fashion, folding the sides and ends inward, folding end tabs inward, then wrapping and gluing sides and ends inward to wrap over and enclose the end tabs. 

Here is the insert box completed.

And here are all the components completed to this point.

9. Position and attach the front inner box so that the outer corners align with cover triangle cut outs as shown. At the spine edge, the inner lower box edge will line up exactly even with the inner cover edge. 

10. Position and attach the back inner box so that the outer cover triangle cuts and the box's corners all align. NOTE that the inner edge of the back box will be offset inward slightly from the inner "spine" edge of the cover liner.








11. Position the insert into the back box recess as shown.

This image shows the gift card inserted into the corner cuts of the insert's surface.

Close the book by making sure that the front box's side and end walls slide over the outside of the back box smoothly.

Here are the finished images to compare.