BLOG 160

 

TISSUE BOX

PREPARATION

The first thing to do is to measure and write down the dimensions of the box as they vary in size from one brand to another. My box is a bog-standard Boots.

Actual measurements:- Base: 4 ¾” x 4 ¼””, Height: 4 ¾”

Base cardboard: Base: 5 ¼” x 4 ¾”,  Sides: 2 at 5 ¼” x 5 ¼” and 2 at 5 ¼” x 4 ¾” (add ½” to actual measurements)

Lid cardboard: 5 ½” x 5”, Sides: 2 at 5 ½” x 1” and 2 at 5” x 1” (add ¼” to base measurements)

 

                                            Dimensions

 

Then you need to get hold of some mounting card. I sometimes buy it as a full sheet but this is getting more expensive nowadays. So if you know a friendly framer, ask him what he does with his off-cuts (he usually has to cut away large centres to make the frames). Sometimes you get them for free but eventually the framers cotton onto the fact that they could be saleable and they start to charge! I bought the bundle below for £4:00.

                                           Card off-cuts

Cut each individual cardboard shape. Measure accurately to make sure that they fit snuggly together and then label each piece.

                                    Measure and label

Cut out accurately with a rotary cutter and suitable ruler. I score the card first against the ruler to create a ditch and then I cut more strenuously.

                                         Cut accurately

 The card for the sides of the box should fit around the base and the same around the lid top.

TIP: Do not throw away the push-out piece of card from the top of the tissue box. This will be used to create the hole in the lid.

                                    Box base

                                        Box lid

The next step is to choose your fabrics, one for the lining and one for the outside. Although the outer fabric is the one on view, make sure that both are compatible ……. And this is where I come to a standstill as I haven’t got enough of the right coloured fabric for the project. I will be going to the Festival of Quilts this week so we’ll choose some there. You will need ¼ metre for the lining and ½ metre for the outside.

ASIDE: Trying to find suitable fabric, I found myself sorting out the storage drawers and what a job!! The problem is that many of the fabrics are in strips or scraps and they are difficult to tidy. These are the coloured drawers so far!.

                       Tidy drawers

 Today is our granddaughter’s birthday, 4 going on 20! Her parents did a wonderful barbeque lunch which we just managed to eat in the sunshine. Here’s Ella blowing out her candles.

                                     4 today

And what do you do with a pile of her drawings on fabric? … you make a wall hanging.

                                          Ella’s drawings

 Drop in again next week and see what I plan to do.