You asked, and here it is! So many of you wanted to know how to make the Top Note box that I shared in this post. I made it recently at a Stampin' Up! demonstrator event I attended.I took some time over the weekend to adjust the measurements for the box so that it could comfortably hold a gift card, made a new one and snapped some photos along the way.
To get started you'll need:
-
Big Shot & Top Note Die
- 2 - 4x5" pieces of thin cardboard (like the white cardboard that comes in the Designer Series Paper packs - a manilla file folder would make a good substitute)
- 2 - 8.5x11 pieces of cardstock for the lid & bottom (Top Note pieces)
- 1 - 8.5x11 piece of cardstock for the box top & bottom
- a 4x5" piece of patterned paper
- sticky strip
- adhesive (I recommended Anywhere Glue Stick)
- glue dots
- ribbon if desired, about 5.5"
- embellishment for top such as flower, die cut, punched or stamped image
- dimensionals
Cut the 2 sheets of card stock for the top & bottom (Top Note shape) into four 4x5" pieces
Adhere these four pieces of card stock to the top & bottom of both pieces of the thin cardboard. The Anwhere Glue Stick is perfect for this, as you can cover the whole piece of paper without warping. You'll also be able to slide the paper into the perfect position before the glue starts to set. Set the covered cardboard aside to let the glue set up for a few minutes.
Run the 4x5" piece of patterned paper through the Big Shot with the Top Note die. Be sure to place the side of the paper that you want to show on the top of your box against the die - there's a definite 'right' and 'wrong' side to the image after it's been cut.
Trim the edges from this patterned paper Top Note shape by carefully cutting along the perforation. If desired, smooth any rough edges with a sanding block.
If you're using ribbon, place it across the patterned, trimmed Top Note and adhere the ends to the back side using Glue Dots.
Place a piece of the thin cardboard (covered front & back with cardstock) on the Top Note die and run it through the Big Shot. It will be tight, but it'll go through. Repeat with the second piece.
Adhere the patterned paper trimmed Top Note to one of the Top Note pieces that's been covered in card stock (Anywhere Glue Stick recommended).
Now for the box: from the single piece of 8.5x11" card stock, cut one 4 1/4 x 5 1/2" piece. Cut another piece to 4 3/8 x 5 5/8". Score both pieces at 1" from the edge on all four sides. Sharpen the creases with a bone folder. Cut along the creases where indicated in the picture. The straight lines are score lines; the squiggly lines are where you cut.
The larger piece will be the lid. If desired, cut a little half circles on each of the short ends using a slot punch or a small circle punch.
Turn the creased card stock upside down (you can now see where the bottom of the box will be - you want this side up). Use Sticky Strip or another strong adhesive as indicated in the picture. Remove the lining from the short cut ends ONLY & adhere these to the inside of the long edges of the box. Make sure to rub briskly after adhering the card stock (if you're not sure why, see this post with a great adhesive tip).
Repeat with the other piece of the box.
Determine which box piece is smaller - this will be the bottom of the box. Remove the liner from the Sticky Strip in the box center & carefully place the box in the center of the wrong side of the card stock-covered Top Note. (The 'wrong' side will be slightly rough where the perforations were cut through; the 'right' side will have a crisper, cleaner look). Rub briskly to set the adhesive.
Place the lid on the box. Remove the Sticky Strip liner, and carefully line up the Top Note with the patterned paper on top, making sure that the edges of the top & bottom Top Notes line up nicely. Press the Top Note onto the box lid. Remove the lid & place it upside down. Rub briskly to set the adhesive.
Add any desired embellishments to your box, such as flowers, die cuts, or stamped / punched images.
Here's my finished box. Have fun!
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Great tutorial Lisa! I'll be sure and make one soon...tfs!!!
Posted by: Jackie | May 04, 2009 at 05:07 PM
What a great idea for gift cards!! It is wonderful that you put it on your blog!! I may have to give it a try!!
Posted by: Cindy | May 04, 2009 at 10:42 PM
Wonderful tutorial! Thanks for this!
Posted by: Rhonda L. | May 06, 2009 at 02:43 PM
Thank you Lisa for the dimensions! I kept meaning to do this, but I didn't have the dimensions for the box!! Can't wait to try it
Posted by: Stasia Sloma | May 09, 2009 at 09:10 AM