Angled Sides 3D Box

Simple “square” footprint belies the complex 

visual interest conveyed by this interesting container 

composed of lid and base. 

One-piece cut shapes are embellished with rounded

 corner offset accent shapes to mix and match. 

Create an alternate version by stacking scalloped circles 

for a platform – then add plain circle accent. 

Box is designed as companion container to act as 

pedestal for the “Box Swan 3D Tray” for 

a show-stopping ensemble for Twelve Days of Christmas 

giving (or other worthy occasion!). 

Box top or bottom panel measures approx. 2.25” square; 

center perimeter measures approx. 3.25” square; 

container height measures approx. 3.625”. 

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:

A lid main shape

B lid top accent square 

C lid large triangle accents (4)

D lid isosc triangle accents (4)

E lid inner reinforcement frame

F optional scalloped circle platform top (1 shown red)

and interior (2-3 shown beige)

G optional scalloped circle bottom with registration 

square window cut out

H base main shape

I base floor reinforcement square (2)

J base isosc triangle accents (4)

K base large triangle accents (3)

2. Prepare the main lid shape by bending back on

ALL perforations for square top panel, side triangle

panels, long tab flanges and short end tabs.

3. Position and attach the top square accent square

with narrow offset margin all around, centering it

within the square space defined by perforation lines.

Also position and attach the lid accent triangles

and isosceles triangles within their respective panels

as defines by perforation lines or cut edges.

4. Bend the side panels into position, one at a time,

to bring straight edge of one to overlap the adjacent

tab flange edge to perforation line, and glue in place.

5. Bend the short wall edges into position to

overlap straight edge across tab to perf line,

and glue in place.

6. Repeat steps 4-5 for remaining 3 seams

to complete the lid dome.

7. Prepare the lid interior reinforcement frame by

bending back the four edge flanges.

8. Apply adhesive to the outward surface of each

of the four flanges, then insert the frame into the lid

interior and . . . 

. . . push gently into position so that the perforation

crease fits snugly into the corners where angled

walls begin.

Insert fingertips to press the flanges against

the inside surface of the lid until each is secure.

9. Begin base assembly by bending on perforation lines

in manner similar to lid as shown in step 2. 

Stack and glue together the optional base bottom

reinforcement squares.

10. Position and attach the reinforcement square stack

onto the inside bottom panel, within the area

defined by the perforation lines.  Press the entire assembly 

under a heavy flat weight until glue dries.

11. Follow the second half of step 3 to position and attach
 the accent triangles onto their respective panels with 

narrow offset margins all around. 

NOTE that the base main shape has small 

semi-circle "bites" in the long flanges

as a means of identifying it as base.

12. Follow step 4-6 to join the long angled and short

end seams to complete the base dome.

13. To close the box, fit the lid rim over the base rim

and gently push together until the base rim

stops when it touches the lid's interior

reinforcement frame structure. NOTE that the two

components fit snugly together.

14. If desired, prepare the top platform by layering

the interior and top (whole) platform scalloped circle

shapes one by one, taking care to rotate for

precise scalloped edges alignment, until all

are attached in a stack.

15. Position and attach the bottom layer with

outer cut edges rotated for precise alignment.

Press the stack under a flat heavy object such as

a thick book (possibly with something else heavy

on top) until the glue is completely dry, to avoid

curling or warping of the glued-up stack.

(Drying may require hours or overnight.)

16. Position and attach the accent whole circle

if using exclusively with the angled sides box. 

Then . . . 

. . . apply glue to the underside of the platform assembly

within the square alignment area, then position on top

of the lid, with lid top panel fitting within square window.

(When the circles platform is used, the box's top square

accent shape can be eliminated.)

17. If pairing the angled sides box with the swan tray

for a combination project, replace the whole accent

circle with the triangle platform/circle assembly,

to position and attach it to scalloped circles stack.

Then, once the circle platform assembly is attached

to top of box's lid, position and attach the swan 

to the triangle riser, and proceed with embellishment

and other decoration . . .

. . . as can be seen here in this image of the decorated

swan and box ensemble.