Large Journal - Book Box Mash Up

 

When your mind seems to always be thinking of ... hmm, what can I do to make this just a bit different!  What I love about Eileen's dies are the way they can be really versatile with a little rethinking.  The scoreboard dies especially lend themselves to many ideas because they can cut so many different types of materials. 

To make this stationary box, I combined the large full size journal with the components of the book box. It wasn't enough to just make it from mat board, it seems an idea struck to give it a "faux" wood look, but maybe see if a form of "real" wood could be used.  Then inspiration struck again ... why not combine a small amount of woodburning onto the wood veneer. 

****My inspiration for this box came from a project I created many years ago that I will share at the end of this post.****

Inside box finished with decorative paper and a fabric bottom.

• The process for combining each of the dies to create this type of box is not difficult but takes a little manipulation to  create two longer sides with the original box pieces. 
• By using the black mat board to construct the large journal and side strips for the box make a good foundation to work from. 
• Cut the full size large journal from black mat board, the front and back covers.
• Cut two of the longer sides pieces from the book box die (the piece that measures 6 1/4" long) from black mat board.
• Cut four of the shorter side pieces (the piece that measures 5" long) from black mat board.
• Two of the short side pieces will need to be connected to each other to form one long side of the box portion. 
• The same process will need to be repeated for the other longer side before connecting them to the other side pieces.  NOTE: These two connected sides should measure about 8 1/4".
• Lay the two pieces together, mark them to the 8 1/4" measurement and cut away the unneeded section.  
• Join them with masking tape on both sides of the mat board to hold together. If desired a little glue could be added between the cut before taping together.  
• These two longer sides may a little unsteady.  To help stabalize the box, cut a bottom from mat board to approximately 8 1/8" x 5 7/8".
• I covered this base with a piece of batting  (cut to exact size) and then black fabric. The fabric covered bottom is then glued into the box frame. 
• If desired, glue a cord of choice around the inside edge. 

• Decorative paper covers the inner covers, spine and inner box sides. 
• Cut two outside cover panels, a spine and side pieces from the thin wood veneer. Cut the covers and spine with the large journal die and Big Shot. 
• Cut sides with a metal ruler and X-acto knife on a cutting mat.  NOTE: Cut two 8 1/4" x 1 1/8"; cut two 6" x 1 1/8". 

• Stamp the images lightly onto the wood covers. 
• With wood burning tool, trace over stamped design. 
• Lightly mark dashes with a ruler and pencil on side pieces and around designs on the top and bottom. Wood burn the dashes. 
• Adhere the  covers, spine and side pieces of wood to the mat board. I used a combination of double-sided adhesive and glue (Beacon 3-in-1).  
• Place a heavy book on top and set aside to dry well.
• Lightly shaded all the edges with ink. Allow to dry.
• The finished stationary box can be coated with a clear matte varnish.
• Add a closure of choice if desired.

Bottom view of box with woodburned design

This wooden lap desk was the inspiration for the project above. This  lap desk was made about 20 years ago for a submission to a magazine. 

• Six different cards are created using sets of blank cards with matching envelopes.
• Decorative patterned papers with coordinating solid card stock are used or the face of each card.
• Die-cut the solid card stock with the snail mail thinlit.
• Trim the the printed papers about 1/4” larger on all sides for the first layer on the cards.
• Add a strip of ribbon if desired onto each die-cut piece of card stock. 
• Layer print paper then solid paper onto card front with adhesive tape.  
• Continue to decorate with die-cut felt flowers and paper leaves.
• Finish with a die-cut salutation. 

Materials

Full size journal #665589

Book box #665873

Black mat board

Thin wood veneer sheet

Decorative paper

Black fabric/batting

Cording

Wood burning tool

Double sided adhesive

Glue

Eileen Hull Designs Stamp images/ink

Masking tape

Button/black elastic

Cropadile/paper brads

Cards (6):

Snail Mail thinlit #665869

Various flower, leaves, salutation dies

Card / envelope sets 4 x 6

Decorative papers

Solid card stock

Felt

Glue

Ribbon