L or I 3D Letter Box

 
Build dimensional letter ‘L’ with long and short 
rectangular beams, each composed of LID and BASE, 

then fit them snugly together. 

Decorate the fronts with patterned or contrast offset overlays. 

Designed specifically as one of the 3D letter boxes 

(long box alone as ‘L’) that create 

the BLOOM 3D Letter Box Ensemble. 

Measures approx. 4.5” wide x 6” tall x 1.75” deep assembled. 

Long box by itself can also be used as a platform for 

other dimensional designs or decorations 

when tipped on its side. 

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:

(NOTE this tutorial will assume that the L Letter box

being assembled will be used for the BLOOM

ensemble; if using for a different project,

cut the box panels accordingly and ignore other

directions for the daffodil 3D stem, etc.)

A upright LID box front panel with side and top

B upright LID box side and bottom panel

C leafy overlay with accent contrast panel behind

D upright BASE interior support strut

E upright BASE box front panel with side and top

F upright LID box side and bottom panel

G stem bottom anchor squares (4-5 to glue into stack)

H leg LID boxing

I leg BASE boxing

J leg leafy overlay with accent contrast panel

Locate and identify the tiny symbols cut into 

top tabs to differentiate LID boxing (no symbol) 

from BASE boxing. Also NOTE that the LID main

shape (with attached front panel) only includes

the center square cutout in TOP panel.

3. Position anchor squares 

into a stack with interior openings aligned 

as precisely as possible, and glue together

To assist the glued-up stack to remain flat, avoid

warping or curling, place it on flat surface and press flat

with a heavy flat object such as this thick book

until thoroughly dried.

4. Prepare the LID panels by bending back on all

perforations for panels and tabs.

Identify the top end of box which has a slightly

larger stem square opening. 

5. Position the two panels with straight end edge

overlapping top panel tab to perforation line,

adjust ends and join seam.

6. Bend top panel into position to align and attach

to short end of attached front panel, and join seam.

7. Continue around the front panel to join edges

to front panel. For final edge and panel,

position, attach end and side seams in one operation.

8. If the 'L' letter box upright box will NOT be holding

the 3D Daffodil flower stem, you may choose to

prepare the (optional) interior reinforcement strut

strip. Prepare it by bending cross perforations in 

zigzag direction as shown. Also bend side tabs back.

Insert the reinforcement into the BASE, arrange

so that the angles reach nearly to sides

and as far towards ends as that will allow,

then glue tabs in place.

9. For the stem opening version, locate the larger square 

cut out to identify the BASE top.

At the bottom interior, position the stem opening stack

(from Step 2) so that the openings line up precisely

and glue in place. This will provide more substantial

surfaces to eventually attach the stem end in place.

10. Position and attach the contrast overlay panel

behind the leafy cut out panel.

Position (centered) and attach the overlay assembly onto

the front of the LID, taking care that the leaves point

UPWARD toward the top of the LID (with square hole).

11. Insert the BASE inside the LID shape (make sure

BASE top is oriented toward LID top. Apply glue

between side and end walls, then press together

to ensure final box as a tightly-joined block.

12. Identify the shorter "leg" box shapes by locating

the half-circle tab end edge cutout, which is the BASE.

Prepare the panels by bending back on all 

cross lines and tabs perf lines.

13. Begin shaping the LID by bending the panel

at right angle, bending the boxing strip to align

first tab perf line to match the attached front panel

straight edge, tuck tab under edge, adjust,

and glue the seam.

14. Continue in similar manner to upright assembly

to bend, align and glue seams for remaining wall

segments. Also repeat for BASE.

15. Position and attach the short leafy panel on top

of the contrast panel, then position and attach

to short LID front. 

16. Insert short leg BASE into LID and glue together

in similar manner as for for upright.

17. Create the 'L' capital letter box by positioning

(and joining as desired) short leg next to upright.

18. For the BLOOM letterbox, the 3D Daffodil flower's stem

is inserted through the top openings, then pushed inward

through the box. Apply glue in the opening, then 

"fish around" until stem end finds the hole openings 

for reinforcement stack and end bottom, and push

through into place until flush with bottom edge,

and glue in place.

Here is the upright (only) of the 'L' box with daffodil

attached in place.