Pineapple "Aloha" 3d Box Construction Tutorial

Deluxe box will star at your tropical party

or island-themed event.

Made with removable lid, shaped body and lid side overlays

with square "scales" attached with 72 mini brads,

lush leaf topper, and separate "aloha" word cutout 

and tropical flower hanger tag.

(Or personalize with recipient name.)

Measures approx. 10.5" tall x 5" wide.

Also a good choice to convey "welcome" sentiments

as a new house warming gift.

CONSTRUCTION:

1. Identify and cut the pieces.

A center leaf

B first leaf ring

C middle leaf ring

D leaf base ring

E leaf base hex with slots

F leaf crown

G lid base

H base sections (2)

I lid overlays (6)

J base overlays

K base "scales" (54)

L lid "scales" (18)

M tag shapes

Not shown: base hexagon with circle opening & 4-5 full base hexagons

BOX BASE

2. Prepare the two base halves by folding on the perforations as shown. All folds are inward folds.

3. Join the two halves at the center perforation.















4. Join the end wedge seams by overlapping straight edge with the adjacent tab.

5. Form the base section into a tube and join the remaining side edge with the tab.

6. Fold the rim tabs inward and glue in place.

7. Position and glue the base hexagon with circle cutout over the bottom opening, using the circle hole to reach inside and assist with the alignment of tab perf lines with hexagon edges.

It may be helpful to attach one side, then the opposite side first, then adjust the tube to re-position the remaining edges until they align properly and attach to the tabs beneath.

8. Prepare the base overlay sections by adding some curl. This is done by placing thumb and fingers on opposite sides (front/back), then applying pressure while moving fingers in a curve. This is similar to curling ribbon, only gentler.

9. Prepare the "scales" squares for the base overlays. Fold face together in half, unfold, then refold on the opposite diagonal.

Make final shaping by pinching with four corners outward and the areas in between corners being pushed to the inside. The resulting shape is like a squared cup.

10. Apply a little adhesive around the overlay punch hole, position the shaped scale square "on point" and insert the brad through the hole and secure prongs on the back. Make a final position check before glue sets: square's points should be up/down as shown in the next screen.

Repeat for all 9 scale squares on each of the 6 overlay sections.

This image shows one completed section.

(NOTE the latch tab that can be seen here was eliminated from the final design.)

11. Position each overlay over one of the side sections of the base box. 

To do this, fold the top overlay tab inward, position centered and even with the fold edge at the box rim fold edge and glue in place.

Next, bring the bottom tab to the box's bottom and align the tab perforation with the bottom angle edge. When done correctly, this will result in curving of the overlay away from base box shape, giving the pineapple it's more realistic shape.

12. Prepare the base by gluing together 4-5 (or more if desired) plain hexagon shapes.

Position over the circle-cutout hexagon on the bottom of the base box, covering the overlay tabs around the edge.

This image shows the completed box base inside and top opening edges.

LID CONSTRUCTION
13. Prepare the lid base shape by folding on the perforations as shown. Most folds are inward folds, EXCEPT for the lower edge rim configuration as shown in the following two images.

14. Fold the rim sections back at the upper perforation line in the bottom sequence, as shown, then forward on the next perf line, then back at the bottom (non-tab) perf line. (See the next image for more clarification.)

Glue the narrow section in place to form the rim. Repeat for each segment of the lid edge except leave the side non-tab edge unattached for 3/8" or so in from edge to allow space for the side seam to be attached.






This image shows the folding direction from profile. Lid outer edge is at the left of the picture, and inner edge with tab as at the right, being helf by thumb/fingers.

15. Insert the inner tab into the body slot, one by one from left to right. As each successive segment is folded and tab inserted into slot, the rim extension edge of the right segment will overlap the segment on the left to form a miter joint.












16. As the overlapping at the miter joint progresses, apply a dot of glue to the mini-tab of the left rim extension edge so that when it is overlapped, it will attach to the corresponding miter edge and join. This helps give the rim some stability and strength.

17. Glue the tabs in place on the outside surface of the lid body.

18. Complete the lid seam by forming the lid into final tube shape and overlapping tab with straight edge. Complete the rim gluing that was previously left un-glued for the side seaming process.

19. Fold the top hexagon shape into position and glue in place. Again, it may be helpful to join the straight edge opposite the fold hinge in place accurately first, then reposition and attach the remaining edges.

20. Prepare the lid overlay sections by adding curl as done previously for base overlays.

21. Prepare and attach the "scale" squares to each lid overlay as was done for base overlays. NOTE: lid scale squares are slightly smaller than base scale squares.

22. Attach the overlays by folding the bottom edge tab back, aligning overlay fold at lid rim fold edge and gluing in place securely. 

Next, fold the overlay into position with top tab perf line aligning at top hex edge. When positioned properly, overlay will curve away from lid base face slightly, as was the case with the base body overlays.

Here is a view of the completed lid showing the inside and lower edges.

LEAF CROWN

23. Prepare the leaf ring layers. Form the first leaf ring into a tube and glue the tab to opposite straight edge.

24. Fold the middle leaf ring into a tube and join the tab to opposite straight edge in a seam.

25. Fold the base ring into a tube and join the tab to the opposite straight edge in a seam. Fold the bottom tabs inward.

26. Give all the leaves (except base ring) a slight curl by pulling and curving between fingers.



Shown here is the top leaf pair unit.

27. Insert the top leaf pair end tabs into the "V" slots at the center of the leaf base hexagon.

Fold tabs back on the bottom of hexagon and glue in place.


Apply a glue dot to the interior surface at the leaf pair side edge about half way down, and attach the leaf pairs "loosely" together.















28. Thread the first leaf ring tube over the top leaf pair tips and slide down until tabs can be inserted into hexagon slots.

On hexagon backside, fold the tabs inward and glue in place.

29. Repeat the threading of tube over previously-positioned leaf sections for the middle leaf ring, insert tabs into outer slots, fold tabs back on the underside and glue in place.

30. Apply glue to the backside of the base ring bottom tabs (that have been folded inward), then position leaf crown assembly inside, aligning hex edges with fold angles. Glue in place securely.

31. Fold the leaves of the leaf crown downward slightly, then position over the lid top hexagon, align hex shape perf lines of each, and glue in place.

32. Apply glue generously to the bottom of the leaf assembly, position over top of lid unit, align base hex edges with hex perf lines of crown, etc., and hold until firmly attached.

33. Complete the hang sign assembly, if desired.

Shown here are the completed base section, lid and leaf crown section and decorative sign.

The lid will fit over the opening of the base so that the base rim is covered by the lid rim.

Here is the assembled pineapple 3d box.
(Only 33 steps! That's not too bad, is it?)

Mermaid "Make A Splash" Pop Up Card or Invitation

This fantasy mermaid card in the shape of a shell

would make a wonderful invitation to a swimming party,

or an "under the sea" birthday party.

Banner shape with word cut outs adorn the card front shell shape.

Card inner liner includes the "pop up" sections that provide surfaces

for the mermaid and large & small seaweed shapes.

Bubbles embellish the backdrop, and a large oval

provides a place for party details

(who, what, when, where, etc.)

CONSTRUCTION

1. Identify and cut the shapes

from left to right - shell outer card with front

shell inner card (includes pop up cuts) & oval

front decor (top)

mermaid and seaweed decorative shapes

bubbles

2. Layer the banner base (includes lettering cutout silhouettes to assist with positioning, with decorative offset banner shape. Attach eyelets (optional). Position lettering, including extra 'S' shape, with optional low-relief dimensional foam dots for added interest. Position and attach the shell front shape with banner/letters unit.

3. Prepare the inner card shape so that the pop up "bridges" are in the required positions. The demonstration shape here will help the cuts and folds to be more visible. a) fold the card at the centerline perf dashes so that the face sides are coming together, while at the same time pushing the three bridges forward, folding the connecting edge perfs as "valley" folds, and their intermediate perfs as "mountain" folds. 

The results are two side tall bridges and a center shorter bridge.

Once the bridges are folding outward correctly, carefully fold the inner card shape completely closed/flat to help "lock in" the correct folds for all edges. Press well.

4. Open the inner card (now showing the actual patterned inner card for the sample card) and position over the inside of the main card base. Line up the center perforation of card base with the center perf dashes of the inner card, and glue in place.

TAKE CARE when applying adhesive to leave CLEAR the bridge sections. You CAN apply glue above and below the end perforations of each bridge area, BUT NOT the area of the actual bridge between the cut edges. DO glue the non-bridge space between the bridge cut edges.

(This is the trickiest part of this construction!)

As the gluing process progresses and BEFORE the adhesive is set, fold the card to make sure that the bridges are functioning as they need to, and not inadvertently glued down.

5. Attach the base shapes to both the tall and shorter seaweed shapes (smaller, right side unit shown here).

6. Position and attach the left (tall) seaweed base as completely as possible to the vertical "face" of the left bridge. Take care that the bottom edge of the seaweed base is even (not beyond) the bottom perforation of the bridge.

Once the seaweed is placed, and before the glue has dried, fold the card and apply pressure behind the seaweed's attachment area. This will help any adjustment needed to be made between the base and shapes.

7. Position and attach the right (shorter) seaweed decor shape to the right bridge's face in a similar manner, to the right of the center bridge's cut edge.

Once the shape is glued in place, fold the card and apply pressure behind the right bridge and decor shape, as in the second part of step 7, above.

8. Assemble the mermaid decoration. Shown here are all the individual shapes that compose her. The pink shape is the base for all the shapes above it, and it will be covered except for the face/neck area, midriff and arms. Once the main mermaid is layered, it is positioned within the larger, offset shape so that a narrow, even margin remains showing the aqua base shape.

9. Position the mermaid assembly in front of the center bridge face, taking care to align the tiny triangle cut out "registration" shape. The bottom straight edge of the mermaid shape should be even and not extend beyond the bridge's bottom perforation line. Glue in place.

Repeat the folding of card and applying of pressure behind the mermaid shape.

To help the shape attach while the bridge is "open" (the position to best see how the shape is positioned and not below the perf line, you may wish to insert a rod (like a pencil shaft) into the bridge tunnel to press against to join shapes.

10. Position the bubble base shapes (lighter blue here) and attach to the inside back of the card. Refer to the next photo to see suggested positions. Then, add the darker bubble single shapes over the corresponding portions of the base shapes.

11. Position and attach the information oval on the inside bottom of the card. Use the print and cut feature of the Silhouette software to include the "when, where, what" information about your gathering or mermaid party, or other sentiments if using this as a regular greeting or birthday card, etc.

If you don't have the print & cut option available, consider using a word processing program to layout your print information in a test document. Once it is adjusted as necessary, print a final "carrier" page, then center and temp tape (removable cello or masking) the cut oval over the printed area on the page, then re-insert this make-ready page into the paper supply of your printer, and print another copy. This time, the print will be made onto the positioned oval. Remove the printed oval, then repeat the process for all copies you need. (Test your printer to make sure this works for yours).

12. Use a short length of sheer narrow (or other of choice that fits) threaded through the clasp holes pair of bottom, then through top when card is closed, to secure the card or invitation shut until delivered and opened by the recipient.

Here is the finished card

in its closed position.

Flip Flop 3d Box

A thin lid and base box that looks like a miniature flip flop

can be a wonderful touch on a summer luncheon, bridal party,

birthday party, or tropical feast.

Angular shape makes it easy to attach the "boxing" flanges.

Embellish the side edges of the lid with contrast rectanges.

Toe straps tuck into slots to provide the arching dimension

of real flip flops. Three-layer flower is shaped and hold in place

with a regular size brad. Tiny tag can be name card.

CONSTRUCTION:

1. Identify and cut the shapes.

A lid body 

B lid boxing strips, upper and lower

C base body

D base boxing 

E lid overlay main shape

F decorative overlay

G straps & offset decorative inner shapes

H three toe strap flower decorations

2. Fold the lid boxing strips tabs back, and fold inward on all vertical perforation lines.

Apply glue behind the lower "rim" tabs, then fold back and glue in place, except leave the long strip left end tabs open for joining the two strips before they are folded down.

3. Align the first edge of the lid upper boxing strip tab at the first upper half edge of body shape, as shown here. Attach in place, taking care that the straight edge and boxing segment are aligned as accurately as possible.

4. Continue aligning each successive segment of boxing strip with the corresponding body straight edge and attaching, until all of the upper strip edges are joined.

5. Align the tab end of lower boxing strip behind the upper strip side edge and attach. Fold the remaining rim tab back to overlap the joint tab and glue in place.

6. Continue to align and attach the segments and corresponding edges of lower boxing strip and flip flop body until all are in place. As the final segment is being attached, also align and glue the end tab behind the adjoining strip end edge. Fold the rim tab down and glue in place.

7. Position the decorative overlay centered on the main overlap shape (offset within slightly), adjust and glue in place.


8. Position the inner strap shape within the main strap shape and glue in place.

9. Shape the flower decor shapes by overlapping end petals forming a slight cupping shape, and glue in place. Repeat for all three flowers.

10. Thread flowers in order onto a regular size contrast brad. Position strap over overlay assembly with punch holes aligned, then thread brad prongs through hole and bend prongs back underneath.

11. Add some curl to both of the strap ends to give dimension and a realistic look to them.

12. Insert the strap end(s) through the corresponding edge slots until the perforation mark is at the slot level.

13. Fold the end under and glue in place securely. Repeat for the other strap.

14. Position and attach the overlay assembly over the lid, matching edges exactly.

15. Add the side decor shapes to each segment of the lid boxing. NOTE that these are offset in from the upper and lower edges slightly, but should reach to the end perforation lines of the boxing strip.

16. Repeat the boxing strip joining process to attach upper and lower strips to the base main shape. 

17. Fit the lid over the base shape to close the box. 

18. Prepare and attach the small name ID tag if desired.

Here are two views of the finished box.