Making a box is simple, really!

I always thought that making pretty boxes was out of my league, but when I started papercrafting, with the help of the internet of course, I learnt that making boxes is actually really simple. 

I've tried to write the instructions below, but as you know that is not my forte, but hopefully it makes some sense.

This is the final product. pretty I think and great to small Christmas gifts.

I used a belly band and a decoration from the left over paper.

The box size I wanted was 8" x "2 x 1" 

Here is how I worked out the size paper I need; started with the base (8x2) added 1" sides on the top of this and bottom, then I knew I needed a top of 8 x 2 so added that as well and then added the lip of a further inch.  I then wanted my box to have sides, and knew it would be 1" to match the other sides, so added 1" to each side.....hope this makes some sense, if not just let me know!

So the final piece of paper had to be from the bottom 1+2+1+2+1= 7" and from the side 1+8+1 =10

Paper size therefore 7" x 10"

By working out the box size in its components, it makes it really easy to figure where to score!

Short side (8") score at 1", 3", 4", 6" 
How did I get that you might wonder?
Well, from the top to bottom we know the side is 1" (so first score) base is 2" above that so score at 3" (1 +2) and then another side so +1" = score at 4"; then another 2" for the top of box, making it
4+2 = score at 6" and the left over 1" makes the lip of the lid.

Hope this makes some sense and you can work our how I used my working on where to score. 

Long side (10"), score at 1" and 9"

Where to cut?

The orange triangles you show you where to but - along each of the sides to the first score mark on the long side; ie 1" cuts.  I have shown the to be triangles as it makes it much easier to get a nicer finish and you don't have as much paper to make the box bulky.

 With the cuts all made

 

Where to glue?

You want to make sure that the outside of the box is lying against your desk and then add glue to each of the tabs- do make sure you fold the tabs in, otherwise you'll be gluing them on the outside of the box and that wouldn't look too good.

 

How to make the box up.

I tried to colour coordinate where to affix the tabs too, but got a bit muddles on the bottom left (looking at the picture) - those marks should have been on the side panel NOT the box.

Anyway hope it makes some sense, you need to attach two tabs to the bottom sides and 1 to the top to make the lid.

I really really hope this makes some sense and apologise for the photo quality, seems that our main camera isn't working and the one I used obviously isn't up to the job!

Making a box, will hopefully now be easier and if you know how to work out the components of the box, you should be able to make boxes of varying sizes - but if you do get stuck please get in touch and I can hopefully sort it out for you!

Cheers
Sarah