July 4th Dimensional Box Card

You can create this to send,

but why not make one for your own summer decor?

Full of fun celebration elements,

it also has a colonial kind of flare.

Bottomless box "frame" is built and decorated

with box sides and flaps accent shapes

to allow you to use that fun patriotic print paper.

Two bridge strips span the interior

where the other elements can be attached.

It still can be folded flat, but once opened,

all the fun jumps out to be enjoyed,

including USA and stars on back flap,

fireworks burst and 1776 scalloped circle,

simple star flag and firework rocket,

July 4th plaque.

Design available soon from SnapDragon Snippets

through SVG Attic or Silhouette America online store.

CONSTRUCTION:

1. Identify and cut the pieces. The accent pieces on upper right are the "flap" shapes. Those in the lower center are the "box" accent shapes.

2. Add the box accent shapes to the front side of the box body, as "offset" or interior echo shapes (that is, they have a narrow margin of box body showing around the sides and top).

3. Add the flap accent shapes to the inside surfaces of the box body, also as offset shapes. The shorter trio have bottom straight edge that aligns at the flap perforation line. The center flap also has small star cutout accents that should be glued in place.

4. Fold the box body into a tube by folding at the vertical perforation lines. Join the side seam of the box body by folding tab under, overlapping the opposite box lower side straight edge. Take care that the lower straight edge is aligned correctly so that the bottom edge is continuously a straight edge.

5. Fold the tabs back on each end of both bridge strip shapes.

6. Apply glue to the tab surfaces that will touch the interior box sides. Position and attach the first bridge strip 1/3 of the distance from box front to box back, with upper edges of bridge and box flap perforation edges even, as shown. Hold the tabs against the box sides until they are barely attached, then move to the next step to test while they can still be adjusted.

7. Fold the box into its flat position as shown, then pinch the bridge fold connection(s) between fingers to make slight adjustments as necessary to make sure the bridge fits and folds correctly. Then unfold to it's regular box shape.

8. Attach the second bridge as for the first in step 6, placing it halfway back in the space between the first bridge and the back of the box interior space. Perform the gluing, holding until lightly secure, folding into flat shape and pinching to make the adjustments, if necessary.

9. Prepare the decor shapes. Here they are all shown layered to their completed form. NOTE that the firework "burst" shape in the center has a decorative glitter front layer and a second layer behind in a matched color cardstock to give it body and strength.

10. Attach the stars trio with base shape at the top of the back flap. Attach the USA layered shape below it.

11.  Attach the fireworks burst shape behind the back bridge, centered. 

12. Prepare the 1776 medallion and attach it in front of the base part of the fireworks burst shape. For added dimension, I am adding foam dimension squares to the back of the medallion before attaching it. 

13. Attach the rocket and mini flag to the front of the first bridge as shown.

14. Prepare the July 4th plaque to the front flap.

This image demonstrates one way to help with the individual cut letter positioning. Save the cut-out "weeding" scrap from your cut process, position it over the plaque and secure with masking or other temp tape. Apply adhesive within the letter spaces, position and press the letters in place until lightly attached, then peel and remove the guide.

15. Attach the plaque centered and near the top of the front flap so that the stars row shows well.



















16. If you are planning to enclose this card in the SnapDragon Snippets envelope especially made for the dimensional nature of these cards, be sure to position the decor pieces so that they are all contained with a 7x7 in square when the box is folded flat, as is shown here.

Here is a side view of the box card to get a good view of where the decor shapes are attached. Of course, you are welcome to come up with your own arrangement.

Here is the completed box card.

Hope you enjoy creating and displaying it.

If you have suggestions or ideas for other event or occasion box cards,

leave your ideas in the comments section of this posting.

You may see your idea "brought to life" in a future card design.