Recycled Box

I am involved in an online art group that is currently going through a great book called Raw Art Journaling - Making Meaning, Making Art by Quinn McDonald.  One of the suggested assignments is to make a box for 'found words' that can be used as journaling prompts.  Several have suggested making an origami box, but I have made a simpler box with my students that is made out of recycled greeting cards.  Others who see the finished product often ask how the box is made, so I decided to post a mini-tutorial with pictures.  Can you tell that I'm a visual learner?   :-)

To make a box, you will need a ruler, pencil, scissors, tape, and nice rectangle greeting card with the focal point of the picture, somewhat centered.

Separate the card along the fold, and then trim the back of the card by 1/8th to 1/4 inch along one side and along the top or bottom.  Do not trim the front.

Then, line your ruler on the back side of each piece from point to point and draw a short line in the middle. Repeat from opposite points and then draw a dot where lines intersect.

Fold edges into the center dot to meet- open back up and repeat from opposite direction.

Turn card lengthwise and cut on the fold lines to the first fold line.  Repeat on other end.

Fold in side flaps and fold over end flap and tape.

If you trimmed the back of the card enough, the top of the card should fit nicely over the bottom to complete your box.

You will quickly learn what cards work and which ones do not.  The cards need to be rectangle, not square, no overlays, etc. but it is really fun to experiment.  Have fun and feel free to ask questions!