Book Box Card Technique for Eileen Hull

Happy May Day!

At the beginning of each month Eileen Hull's Inspiration Team share card techniques.  May is my month and I have chosen a book box card technique.  A book box card is one that is shaped like a book, with a compartment inside to put small gifts, notecards etc.

The team has also been using some wonderful Kunin felt (manufactured in the USA in a 100% Polyester fibre made from recycled plastic bottles).  I covered my book box with this felt, it makes it wonderfully tactile!

I gathered the materials I wanted to use and started by cutting my base card and 'book' elements.

1.  Cut two pieces of card 5" x 4" and score along the long side at 1/2" intervals.

2.  Cut two pieces of card 5.3/4" x 4" and score along the long side at 1/2" intervals.
3.  Cut a piece of card 11" x 6" and score at 5.1/4" and again at 5.3/4".
4.  Fold along all the score lines on the four smaller pieces, use a bone folder to crease well.
5.  Take one long side and one shorter side and weave together as shown above and glue the edges.
6.  Add the two remaining folded pieces and glue the edges, to look like the picture below.

Check that the accordion shaped piece fits inside the book box before moving to the next step.

Cover the front with felt, gluing it in place with Multi Matt Medium.  Using one of Eileen Hull's Word Stitchlit dies (Sizzix 661904), die cut the words 'Happy Birthday' and use wool and a back stitch to embroider the words.  I do this first so that when the book box is lined, the stitches will be hidden inside.

Prepare the lining by cutting a large piece of paper 11" x 6" and a smaller piece 6" x 5.1/4"
To make the frame for the inside, cut a 3/4" frame in the smaller piece.  I usually mark the inside of the smaller piece and use a sharp knife to cut the frame.

To line the book box I used Eileen Hull's new HeARTfelt paper pad (Sizzix 661946).

Before I glued the larger piece of paper to the inside of the book box I attached a piece of ribbon to act as a closure.  I glued the accordion part to the card and then attached the cut out frame to complete the inside.

Eileen's paper pad also includes some lovely little envelopes, mini note cards and sentiments.  I used one of the little envelopes to form a gift card holder.  I used some of the left over felt to create the rolled flowers.  The leaves on the inside and outside of the box were cut from Eileen Hull's Stitchy Flowers & Leaf die (Sizzix 661903).  

The flower on the front of the box was cut from the Stitchy flower die mentioned above.

Apologies for the long post, but I wanted to give as much detail as possible!  I do love making these book box cards, they really do make a statement and the Kunin felt was a dream to use.

I hope you have enjoyed my 'how to' and that it will encourage you to try making one too!

Thanks so much for your visit, I will be back later in the week!

Hugs, Anne xx