Valentine Candy Tin from Card Stock Assembly Guide

Create this classic Valentine treat box with lid
from card stock using the 
purchased and downloaded cut file, then decorate it with 
the "scalloped large heart with ribbon lacing & embellishments 
(design no.54655 in the Silhouette online store).
NOTE that the box and lid embellishments
come together as sets in the SVG Attic store
and through SnapDragon Snippets.com (soon).

View the candy tin embellishment inspirational post here.

ASSEMBLY GUIDE:
1. Identify and cut the shapes:
Cut one main heart for base 
Cut one main heart for lid (slightly larger)
Cut one each of wide strips for base
Cut one each of narrow strips for lid

Cut one lid and one base liner from heavier card stock or chipboard (as shown).

2. Prepare the base boxing strips by folding upper edge 'rim' tabs back (this edge has narrower "V" cuts between sections), connector edge tabs back, and folding inward (mountain folds) on all vertical perforations, EXCEPT for the top center perf line with the 'C' next to it, which will have an outward (valley) fold.

Rim tabs will be glued in place LATER in the assembly process. Leave them simply folded at this stage.

3. Prepare to attach the TOP CENTER STRIP to the base heart by lining up the 'C' center perf line at the center top of the heart as shown.

The heart shape is face down and the strip is face outward.

The tab of the first section is folded under, adhesive applied to the face of the tab, then the per fold edge is lined up exactly at the heart shape edge, with the endlines exactly at the heart center and at the "corner" where the first and second section of the right half meet. Position, adjust, hold until secure.

4. Bend the next section tab into position to align section tab fold edge along heart section edge, with next vertical perf line exactly at the "corner" where the next section starts. Position, adjust, adhere.

Continue in this manner to attach the remaining two sections of this half of the strip.

5. Repeat the positioning and attaching process for the other half of the top center strip in the same manner.

6. Join the RIGHT SIDE STRIP to the right end of the strip in place. (This image shows the last section of the first strip before it has been attached in order to indicate the existence of the matching symbols, which in this case are "addition sign" cutouts.) 

7. Attach the newly-joined strip sections to corresponding segments of the heart shape, and join the bottom center strip (match the 'equal sign' end symbols) and attach tabs at heart edge.

8. Join the left side strip (match the circle symbols) and attach tabs to heart edge.

9. Before joining the the final section, prepare to join the remaining left side strip end (square symbol) to the first end of the center top strip, then position and join final segment and strip ends in one operation.

10. Fold the rim tabs toward the box interior and glue each in place.

11. Repeat the strips attaching process for the LID using the narrow strips. During the process, join the TOP CENTER right end (square) to the RIGHT strip, which joins to the BOTTOM strip (circle) which joins to the LEFT strip ('X')  which joins back to the TOP CENTER strip (triangle). Fold rim tabs and glue in place.

12. For rigidity and strength, cut liner heart shapes for the lid and base from chipboard (use as heavy a weight as your digital cutting machine will allow; sample project uses Silhouette brand chipboard). Double the shapes if needed for strength.

For identification, the BASE heart shape liner has a '+' at the top center.

Apply adhesive to the backside of lid and base liners, then insert into position and apply thorough pressure to complete the joining of liners to inside of each lid or base.

Here is the completed box with the lid in place.

And finally, a view of the completed box components.

Toasting 3d Stem Glass Assembly Guide

This 3d stemware replica is created from card stock,

clear acrylic shapes (on the inside of open panels),

and jewel embellishments.

Measuring life size, it is approximately
10" tall x 2.5" diameter (bowl) x 3" diameter (foot), 
and can be used as a display element,

a way to toast the New Year, to hold a wedding or engagement favor,

and for decor at many other special occasion celebrations.

Cut file is available (soon) to be purchased

and downloaded from SnapDragonSnippets.com,

SVG Attic, and Silhouette America's online store.

ASSEMBLY GUIDE:

1. Identify and cut the shapes:

A bowl

B stem tube

C bowl support collar

D stem support

E rim decor strips (6)

F foot upper circle

G foot assembly circles (5 graduated)

H foot lower circle

Not shown:

I clear acrylic 'pane' shapes for upper and middle bowl sections

J inner bowl hole cover shape

2. Prepare the bowl shape by folding all tabs, side sections, mini tabs, rim tabs, etc, back as "mountain" folds, EXCEPT bottom long tabs found outward as "valley" folds.

3. Form bowl by overlapping straight section edges over adjacent tabs exactly at perforation lines and gluing in place.

Here the middle sections seam is being aligned and then . . .

. . . joined, using pane frame openings for finger access to apply pressure to complete the seam.

Also position, adjust and join the upper sections the same way.

Complete all the side-by-side section seams in this fashion, including the lower sections which have not been pictured here yet.

4. To attach the clear acryllic panes behind the bowl section cutout frames, apply clear permanent adhesive strips at section edges for upper rectangular sections and middle trapezoid sections.

The sample project is using "KOOL TAK" 1/8" wide strips which have a red liner to assist with tape application. Strips are positioned then cut to size. Strips are applied around each opening EXCEPT the straight edges (shown on the right of the assembly here) where the final seam tab will be joined. Once that seam is complete, the final adhesive strips will be applied.





5. Remove the red strip liners, then position the cut pane shapes into the sections.

(The final upper and middle panes will not be positioned until after the final bowl seam is joined.)

6. Form the bowl into a tube to align the lower, middle and upper straight edges at the corresponding tab perforation lines and join.

7. Add final adhesive strips and attach panes into final section.

8. Fold back and glue each rim tab in place. 

NOTE: since the tabs will fold to enclose the tops of the upper clear acryllic panes, it may be helpful to use more of the clear adhesive strips here.

9. Fold the optional rim accent strips at each end, then position even with upper fold edge and section side perforation lines and attach in place.

Rounded tab end will overlap the preceeding strip. TIP: attach only half of the first strip on the opposite side of the rounded tab to allow the positioning of the final strip, then complete the unattached end so that rounded tab can overlap.

10. Fold the stem strip on the long perforations. Form a tube with the straight edge overlapping the long tab (tab section has angled ends) and glue the seam. Use a standard pencil inserted inside the tube as a pressure surface to help complete the seam. 

Apply pressure continually all along the seam until it is completely joined.

11. Fold the bottom end tabs outward.

12. Insert the stem tube through the bottom of the top foot circle (includes the support slots).

Slide the circle down completely until it is seated at the bottom tab perforations.

Apply glue and attach the tabs in place securely.

13. Fold the stem support shape on the vertical perforation lines. Overlap the straight edge to the opposite tab perforation line and complete the seam.

14. Insert the stem through the support tube and slide the support down . . .

. . . until the tabs can be inserted into the foot circle slots.

15. Fold the tabs outward and glue in place on the backside of the top foot circle.

16. Identify and dry fit the five foot circles for the foot assembly. They are slightly offset to give the completed foot a slightly beveled edge appearance, so take care that the top circle is the smallest (slightly larger than the upper foot circle from step 15 above), and that each successive circle is slightly larger.

Position and glue each of the five circles together, taking care to line up the center hexagon openings exactly and otherwise center each circle that is added to the stack.

17. Position and attach the stem assembly over the foot circle assembly, taking care to align the center hexagon opening as before.

(Keeping the hex openings aligned will allow for the optional insertion of a pencil or rod to provide strength and rigidity. See step 23.)

Lower foot circle will be attached at the end of the assembly, if a support rod will be inserted. See step 24. If you are NOT using a support rod, the lower circle may be attached at this point.

18. Fold the bowl support collar on the vertical perforation lines as "mountain" folds, and also fold the tiny bottom tabs outward (valley folds).

Form a bowl shape to bring the straight end to overlap the end tab, adjust and glue the seam.

19. Slide the collar onto the stem as shown.

20. Apply adhesive to the outer surfaces of the bowl bottom tabs, then insert these tabs into the top of the stem and glue in place.


To assist with this gluing . . .

. . . insert a pencil through the top of the bowl into the stem, then apply pressure at the tabs position. 

Take care as this gluing is being completed that the bowl is positioned in vertical alignment with the stem. It may be helpful, while the pencil is still in place, to stand the assembly upright on a flat table surface, then use a tall book or other perpendicular guide to check the verticality and make adjustments before glue is completely dried.

21. Apply glue near the base of the bowl, then slide the collar up into place and hold with pressure until joint is secure.

22. Fold the side sections of the hole cover slightly upward, apply adhesive then drop into position on the bottom of the bowl. Use a rod tool, tweezers, etc., to make sure the positioning is as exact as you can get it before glue grabs, then apply pressure to side sections to assist with joining in place.

23. OPTIONAL: Insert a cut-to-size pencil or rod into the bottom of the stem tube and glue in place.

24. Position, center and glue the lower foot circle in place.

25. OPTIONAL: Add jewel strips to the outside of the bowl sections for extra glamour.

For this sample, Gemstone strips were cut from the larger sections of the original product, then positioned at center of each vertical side margin of all six faces of the goblet bowl.

Here is the complete stemware glass replica

with tiny decor balls acting as the "bubbly" drink contents.

Nativity Scene Box Card Construction Guide

Create this miniature and dimensional

nativity scene as a card that can fold flat to send,

then "pop out" to use as a seasonal decoration.

Three bridges place the manger with baby Jesus,

Mary, and Joseph at different depths

for a realistic perspective.

Post and rail partitions decorate the side flaps,

straw or hay spills from the top of the front flap

with delicate "O Holy Night" letter cutout.

Back panel is a see-thru stable with star and star burst.

Cut file is (soon) available from

SnapDragonSnippets.com, 

and Silhouette America's online store.

ASSEMBLY:

1. Identify and cut the shapes:

A box card base

B front accent panels in position

C back section overlay (cut 2 sets, optional)

D stable roof with star and burst layers

E front flap overlay with O Holy Night cutout

F side flap overlays with rails

G hay assembly with base and pieces

H Baby Jesus figure with bridge strip

I May figure with bridge strip

J Josph figure with bridge strip

2. Position and attach front box accent panels, and optional backside stable overlay with roof.

3. Assemble the hay unit. NOTE that this sample has the BASE hay shape cut from color 1 darkest tan, four spikes from color 2 second darkest tan, three spikes cut from color 3 deep yellow, and two spikes cut from color 4 yellow. 

You may choose to use more colors.

Here you can see the final assembly. NOTE that some of the base shape (color 1) is still exposed.

4. Layer the side flap accent rail/post base shape with rails on top. Position these over the side flaps offset within the shaped edges of the flaps. Assemble the plaque shape with hay extended beyond perf line, and word cutouts on the card front flap.

NOTE that these shape assemblies are being attached to the backside of the card base, since the front side was where the shapes were attached in step 2 above.

5. Layer the star beam base and accent shape offset centered over the top.

6. Position the beam assembly behind the top of the back flap (stable and roof are the front, as well as being on the inside of the finished box). Glue in place.

7. Position and attach the layered star assembly over the front of the stable roof.

8. Form the box base (with all its assembly) into a tube to bring the side edge and flange tab perforation line together, apply glue to the tab, overlap straight edge to tab line and apply pressure until the seam is secure.

9. Fold bridge strip end tabs back. 

Assemble the figures over their base shapes. NOTE that Joseph's staff will be layered UNDER the robe, sleeve and hand.

10. Position and attach figures on their bridge strips, overlapping approx. 1/4" of lower figure edge at strip top. JOSEPH: left as far as possible, front of strip. MARY: right as far as possible behind strip. BABY JESUS: centered, with exposed base margin behind strip (manger lower edge will abut at strip edge).

11. OPTIONAL: for better visibility, consider careful inking of eye cutouts. Use fine stylus or push pin tip "dipped" into pen ink for baby.

12. With end tabs back, apply glue to tabs, then insert Mary bridge into box interior and CENTER it front-to-back. Press tabs to attach in place to box interior sides, and apply pressure to secure.

BEFORE glue is completely cured . . .

. . . fold the box assembly into its FLATTENED position and apply pressure in the area where the tabs are joined behind layers.

This allows the bridge ends to adjust a bit so that the card will be able to be flattened to send.

(Repeat this folding flat/adjustment step as each bridge is positioned and joined.)

13. Position the Baby Jesus bridge assembly half way in the space forward of the Mary bridge, following the same procedure as in step 12 above.

14. Position the Joseph bridge assembly  half way in the space behind the Mary bridge following the same procedures as in step 12.

Here is the card folded into its flattened position ready to insert into a sized-right envelope.

Here is the completed box card opened.