Embellished Bottle Shaped Gift Card Holder

Classic baby bottle shaped card has offset, side fold front 

with partial back panel connected at perforation. 

Wrap band with scallop edges and pair of punch holes 

for narrow ribbon tie closure can be folded 

around a standard plastic gift card, then the band back 

attached inside back panel. Bottle front shapes include 

nipple with attached ring silhouette, ring with cutout slots 

and contrast underlay, bottle shape. 

Embellishments included: two-part fang point banners 

(for personalizing the card or including other stamped sentiments, etc.); 

three-part pacifier shape. 

Consider other embellishments including 

Baby Silhouette Mini Frame or Oh Baby word cut. 

Card measures approx. 7" tall x 3.25" wide when closed. 

(This tutorial is under construction.

Please return soon to view

the completed assembly guide.)

Reindeer Candy Cane Treat Box

Flat rectangle box lid holds two medium size 

classic candy canes "back to back" to suggest antlers, 

with front overlay face panel with oversize highlighted nose, 

star cheeks, eye and smile cutouts with contrast backer panel. 

Top scalloped oval and plain oval overlay label 

is stacked on silhouette ears, leafy antlers, 

providing a place to pen or stamp a greeting or name. 

Insert helps hold cane ends in place. 
Use the "standard" medium size canes that are
approx. 7" to 7.25" long.
Box can also be filled with additional loose candies 
or gift card, etc. 

Measures approx. 5.25" tall x 3.25" wide 
x .625" deep when closed. 

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:
A main box hull   
NOTE: a substitute hull shape is also provided
without cane openings in case you wish
to make a version that doesn't use them
B front face overlay
C bottom insert to hold cane bottoms
D star "cheek" shapes 
E nose contrast underlay    F nose
G ear-medallion base  
H antler base   I & J medallion base and contrast rim
K canes center wrap band

2. Prepare the main hull shape by bending back

on all perforation lines for panels, flaps, etc.

3. Form hull into box shape in "tube" formation
so that plain side edge overlaps opposite flange tab
to perf line, and glue side to side flange.

4. Prepare top closure by bending side
tabs inward, bottom flap over so that
flap tucks into box, and . . . 

. . . . glue flap in place (unless using as
a more conventional treat box where top lid
will need to remain unglued to be opened;
use the optional non-cane hull shape).

5. Prepare bottom insert by bending side flanges

back (downward).

Also bend wedge tabs at cane end openings

inward, except  at center opposing triangles

which are NOT tabs, and remain as part of 

the top panel.

This can be done easily by inserting the shaft end
of a rod-like tool such as this spatula.

6. Insert platform-end first into bottom of hull . . .

. . . and push in until side flange bottom edges

are flush with bottom hull edge.

7. Bend side tabs inward, bottom flap into position 

and insert edge flange into hull.

Glue in place.

8. Position contrast face underlay behind the eyes

and mouth openings (and nose as well), and

attach in place.

9. Layer nose and contrast underlay and
glue together.

10. Position and attach cheek stars to face panel.
Position nose unit into nose recess and attach.

Position face panel, centered, on box hull

front panel, and glue in place.

11. Position and attach the inner medallion

to the scalloped medallion base.

Position and attach the antlers behind

the ears base so that the oval edges align.

12. Position medallion unit over the ears base . . . 

. . . centering so that scallop edge is a fraction
beyond straight oval edges
(best seen from reverse side of ears unit)
and glue in place.

13. Position antlers/ears/medallion unit,

centered, near top of face panel.

14. Position candy canes (in cello paper or without)

back to back, the wrap band around as tightly

as possible, overlap ends, and glue together.

This will help the cane hooks stay pointed outward.

15. Insert ends through lid openings and push

through hull until ends push through corresponding

insert openings and through to rest on box bottom

16. If desired, tie knot and bow with length of ribbon
around canes at band to help secure
and decorate canes.

Here is the finished reindeer candy cane box.

Santa Pillow Gift Box

Classic pillow or "turn over" style gift box for goodies

measures approx. 5.5" long x 3" wide. 

This design features layered Santa head with faux belt band.

A similar, companion design is 

the Reindeer Medallion Pillow Box.
(Shapes layout is provided below for this variation.
Assembly will be similar.)

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:
A pillow box hull
B belt strip  C head silhouette (shows thru as face)
D hat  E hat fur strip  F hat tassel ball
G eye shapes (black) and highlight underlay
H beard shape    I mustache shape
J nose  

Reindeer Medallion Gift Box shapes:
A box hull   B medallion base
C medallion accent rim  D medallion center
E head with antlers base  F head with ears
G face shape   H eye contrast & nose

2. Prepare the box hull shape by bending back
on the panel edges and side flange tab perforations.
Also carefully bend back along the curved perforation
lines at each end for front and back end flaps.

3. Fold the flange tab back, fold the box hull
in half and glue the seam.

4. To close the ends, fold one of the flaps inward . . .

. . . then fold the other. This bending back is different

from a straight edge fold and will involve a

sort of "snap" action.

4. Prepare to assemble the santa head by

laying out the shapes.

5. Layer the eye shapes (black) over the contrast

(white) underlay with edges even (or white concealed)

and glue together.

6. Position and attach the beard shape on
the head building silhouette. BEFORE the nose
edge of beard shape is attached, 
position and tuck the eye shapes under slightly.

7. Position and attach the hat and mustache shapes.

8. Position and attach the nose, fur brim and

top tassel ball.

9. Preview where you will attach the head assembly

on the box front so that you can determine where

the belt strip will be positioned, then . . . 

. . . center the strip across the front of the box
as shown, and glue in place. Then . . . 

. . . wrap strip ends around to back, creasing
at box edges to match the hull bends,
and overlap ends, and glue in place.

10. Position head assembly, centered and overlapping
the belt strip as shown, and attach in place.

Here is the completed, closed Santa Pillow Gift Box.

And the companion Reindeer Medallion Pillow Box.

Birdhouse 3D Gable Style Box with Shield

Fresh take on favorite country decor, 

this birdhouse has features that won't disappoint. 

Slant "shake" roof shaping with overlays, 

hex shaped perch pole (with 3/8" wooden dowel inside),
low relief slat accents on sides,

 chunky base rims. 

Measures approx. 7.75" tall x 5" wide x 4.25" deep . 

Interior support triangle roof "beam", hull collar & tray 

make the structure sturdy for long-term storage and display. 

Optional separate designs can convert it 

into a patriotic decoration: "Freedom Layered Banner" 

and "Patriotic Shield Swag" 

(optional front hull and accent overlay included 

with punch holes to attach Swag). 

(Shield assembly begins in Step 2.
Birdhouse assembly resumes in Step 8.)

ASSEMBLY:  1. Identify and cut the shapes:
A & B hull front/side and back/side panels
(NOTE: choose FRONT panel with or without
shield decoration punch holes as preferred.)
C roof "beam" triangle box shape
D circle opening reinforcement build up rings (4-5)
E hull reinforcement interior panel
F hull bottom reinforcement tray
G hull bottom concealing cover
H perch post   
I post collar strips (help hold post in place)
J hull front accent shape
K hull sides accent shapes (2)
Not shown: hull back accent shape
L optional side accent raised panels (6 sets)
M bottom rim shape
N rim bottom concealment cover
O roof base with slots
P shake roof with tabs
Q roof accent shapes (2 sets)

2. If decorating the birdhouse front with

the Freedom banner or stars and stripes shield,

these are the shapes that are used:

A freedom "word cut" with bottom, 

mid & top banner layers

B shield base shape

C & D cascade shapes

E shield assembly silhouette

F stars panel for contrast show-thru

G stars panel overlay

H stripes panel base silhouette

I stripes overlay (trim to size of H)

3. Position and attach stars face overlay

onto show-thru liner.

4. Position stripes overlay centered on top of shield base
silhouette . . . 

. . . so that header is above top straight edge,
then attach stripe backsides to shield where both touch.

When glue is dry, trim away excess stripes overlay

so that cut edges are even with shield shape.

NOTE: it is easier to see the shield edge to follew
when working from the back.

5. Position the stars panel at top of shield assembly silhouette
and the stripes panel on bottom.
NOTE: it is possible to leave off the assembly silhouette
and simply place the two components directly onto
the offset shield base shape, if desired.

6. Position and attach the shield assembly 

onto the offset shield base.

7. Add the side cascade shapes (left and right)

behind the shield layer

with punch holes lined up, then add mini brads

through holes or place studs over holes.

8. Prepare front (shown) and back hull panels by

bending back at edges of panels, also flange tabs.

9. Position hull shapes together with straight side edge
of one overlapping the side flange or the other,
bottom edges aligned, and glue side seam #1.

10. Prepare the reinforcement ring build up for
round opening by layering and gluing together
the ring shapes, taking care that all interior
cut edges line up as precisely as possible.

NOTE: it will be helpful to use a flat weight

(here and with other stacked and layered 

built-up components) placed on top of the stack

until the unit is completely dried, to keep

shape flatted and avoid warping.

11. On the backside of the front hull, position

the ring build up stack to align with circle cutout,

and glue in place. (Use flat weight if possible.)

12. Prepare to add the hull accent side and front

(and back) accent panels by identifying the slat

build up alignment guide marks on the top

and near bottom of the side accent panels.

Position and attach accent panels to hull assembly.

13. Prepare the slat build up units by layering
and attaching the 4-5 strips exactly on top of
each other, taking care to align all edges as
precisely as possible. Prepare 6 total slats.

NOTE: the sample project shown here has a contrast
top strip layer which is also added to the stack.

14. Position and attach three slat units

on top of the side accent panels, 

aligned at top of accent shape, using

guide marks. Flatten with weights if possible

during drying.

NOTE: the strips have been shortened in

the final cut file to eliminate interference

with bottom rim.

15. Form the hull into a tube to bring straight side

edge to overlap opposite flange, and complete

side seam #2.

(NOTE the symmetry of the hull will permit

it to be laid flat to apply pressure along the seam

while attaching.

16. Prepare the beam box shape by bending

back on all perforation lines.

17. Form the beam shape into a triangular tube

to bring straight front edge to overlap opposite

flange to perforation line, and glue seam.

Fold side triangle wall tabs inward, then tuck

into the end openings and glue in place.

Complete both ends.

18. Prepare to attach the beam to gable line
of hull assembly by applying glue to ends . . . 

. . . and also to hull flange areas that
will overlap beam, then position between
hull front and back walls at crest, and
glue in place.

19. Apply glue to the hull flange faces on

right side, and right half of beam, then . . . 

. . . bend roof panel over into position to 

attach securely, taking care to line up

roof panel edges with hull gable edges.

20. Repeat for left side.

21. Prepare the perch post shape by bending back

on all perforation lines, flange, hex and triangle tabs.

22. Use a 3/8" wooden dowel as a press-against

form. Wrap the post shape around the dowel,

overlapping the straight long side edge over

the opposite flange perforation line, and glue

in place securely, moving finger pressure

along the length of the seam to ensure even joining.

23. With dowel inserted and aligned at hex base
on one end, mark opposite end at hex base edge
to determine cutting length, then cut dowel to size.

24. Bend tabs inward, and . . . 

hex end over top of tabs, and glue in place.

Complete both ends.

25. Prepare the attachment collar shapes (2)

by bending back on all 5 tiny perf cuts.

26. Position one attachment collar over "back"
end of post, wrap so that perf bends align
with post shape angles, and glue in place.

27. Insert non-collared end through post opening
on hull back, push through hull interior, then
insert through front opening and push through until
collar stops the post. 

Apply glue to collar inside surface, then reach 

second collar shape inside hull to wrap around

and attach to post as close as possible to

the front hull wall.

28. Prepare reinforcement "collar" shapes by

bending side walls and flanges back.

29. Form each into a tray shape to join side wall
ends to opposite tabs. Complete all four corners
of each tray.

30. Apply glue to side walls and
insert the interior reinforcement into
the bottom of the hull, then . . . 

. . . push upward to a position just below post

and shield attachment punch holes,

and glue in place.

31. Insert the bottom tray into hull opening, then . . .

. . . push in until bottom is flush with wall base edges.

32. Position and attach the bottom cover.

33. Prepare the base rim shape by bending back

on all perforation lines, except bend edge tabs

forward and rounded side end tabs forward.

Identify the miter angle cut on the rim top panels

that will overlap side walls, as indicated by

pointing finger.

This image identifies the rounded end tabs
of side walls . . . 

. . .  which are bent forward to eventually

tuck behind front or back rim walls.

34. Bend each side wall inward to form a tube
as edge tabs are inserted into corresponding slots.

On backside, bend tabs toward center
and glue in place to rim base underside.

Bend end square tabs inward, as well as

rounded inside wall end tabs as shown.

35. Bend front and back rims toward center

in similar manner, taking care during the process

that the square and rounded end tabs insert

inside the front or back tube 

(apply dabs of adhesive first), with miter angled

edge overlapping side rim wall, as tabs are

inserted into slots as for side walls.

Add a dab of glue under the miter edge . . . 

. . . then push front or back wall completely
into "tube" position, and glue tabs in place on back
as for side walls.

36. To assist attachment of side rim end tabs,
insert a narrow rod tool end into into 
the corner openings to push and direct tabs behind 
corresponding interior wall surfaces until secure.

37. Position and attach rim bottom concealing cover.

38. Insert hull assembly bottom into rim recess,
push fully down, and glue in place.

39. Prepare the roof base shape be bending back

on center ridge perforation lines.

40. Prepare shake roof overlay by bending back

(mountain folds) at center lines, also on end flanges,

and on two other panel lines as shown in following

diagram.

Bend forward (valley folds) near tabs.

41. Position shake roof overlay over roof base shape
with center ridge lines aligned, then insert upper row tabs 
of overlay into corresponding slots in base.

On underside, bend tabs toward and glue in place.

42. Insert bottom row tabs into corresponding

slots, bend and glue in place as before.

42. Bend and wrap bottom flange of overlay
around base bottom edge, with edge at flange perf line,
and glue in place.

NOTE it will be helpful to insert a narrow rod-like

tool such as this knitting needle into the space

behind the flange to provide a "press-against"

surface to complete the seam.

43. Separate the roof base and overlay as much
as possible at ridge line to apply adhesive
to between along perforation line of one shape
or the other. Push together with ridge perfs
aligned, and apply pressure until the joint is secure.

44. Position and attach the concealing accent strips

to each roof level, with inner edge aligned along

tab perforation lines.

NOTE that widest strip is on top level.

45. Apply glue to the hull roof panels,
then position (centered front to back) roof unit
over the hull and attach in place.

46. Decorate as desired using one of several

layered banner designs (Freedom shown;

America, Liberty also available in size that fits)

and the stars and stripes shield.

Use dimensional foam squares under banner

if desired.

Here is completed project,

sturdy enough to display, then store until

next appropriate holiday for years to come.