How Did I Get That Tree in a Box?

How did I get that tree in a box? Or maybe the better question is, "How did I get that Box around that tree"? This is a project I first showed you last week during the Control Freaks October Blog Tour -- a 3-D tree in a box. I promised that I would eventually get some instructions posted for how to make this (and I've had a lot of reminders from my faithful blog readers), so this seems like a great time to show you how to make this project for yourself!

Are you ready to make a tree in a box? Let's go ... (click any photo for a larger image)

1. Cut four pieces of Whisper White (or another color) cardstock and four piece of DSP at 4x6". Adhere the DSP to the cardstock. Score at .5" on one end only.
2. Cut four pieces of contrasting cardstock at 4 x 5.5" and adhere to the opposite side of the flaps.
3. On a 4x4" piece of cardstock (I used Soft Suede), stamp your image (I used the Medallion stamp and Frost White Shimmer paint) to represent a tree skirt
4. Using Sticky Strip, adhere the four panels to the cardstock square, attaching the 1/2" tab on the end of each flap.
5. On the outside, the striped DSP in my sample, attach ribbon in the center of all four sides, running it from the bottom, up to the top. Cut another 4x4" piece of cardstock and attach to the bottom of the box to hide the unsightly ribbon ends and give it a little more weight and stability.
6. Cut and assemble your 3-D pop-up tree according to the directions that come with the die. I added an extra "triangle" of cardstock on the bottom to cover the entire bottom of the tree (you can do this since you don't need this tree to pop-up from a card.
7. Attach it to the center of your stamped image, using Crystal Effects. Use a Bone Folder to help press down the bottom of the tree into the Crystal Effects. Let dry thoroughly before completing the project.
8. Your box is complete. Now it's time to make the lid. Choose another DSP pattern (I used the snowflakes and Soft Suede pattern for the lid). Cut a 10 1/8" square of the DSP. Score at 1.5" and 3" on all four sides. Cut out the three corner squares on each corner (see the photo) and then with the remaining square on each corner, score diagonally. Fold the box flaps up at the 3" score line, fold in the scored diagonal and fold the final 1.5" flap to the inside of the box. Adhere with Sticky Strip and burnish to get a good, strong hold. Decorate the box lid as you desire. I used the same ribbon and ran it up on all four sides, so when the box is together, it looks like one continual line of ribbon. I tied a box on the top and hung some glittered snoflakes with silver metallic cord for a little extra interest.
9. Fold up the flaps on all four sides of the box and gently put the lid on the top. Use a bone Folder to gently push the sides out so the box looks straight and square. when you take off the lid, the four flaps of the box fall down, revealing your georgeous Christmas tree.

 
And that's how I got that tree in a box!

Happy stamping and crafting, everyone!

Comments

[Lauren]

HUGE THANK YOU for sharing the step-by-steps for this uniquely wonderful project---:) Your blog is fabulous---:)

[Kelly Mayou]

Congratulations! I just wanted you to know that your project will appear on the Yahoo Group Late Night Stamper’s blog finds of the day for Oct. 30. Want to receive your own copy of the blog finds of the day? Join us at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/stampinuplnstampers/

[Patti]

Thank you for coming up with this tutorial - I have made quite a few cakes-in-a-box but hadn't tackles the tree-in-a-box yet so this is a great help to get to the project itself. Hugs, Patti

[Krista Rill]

Gretchen,

I love love your work!!! WOW!!!!

Thanks for being such an inspiration and helping me step outside my box. I haven't tried the black craft yet but I am going to and will let you know.

Thanks again!!!

[Robyn Correa]

This is lovely Gretchen. I can tell you put a lot of work into it. Thanks for sharing.

Injoy Stampin',
Robyn
www.injoystampin.com

[Marge Waskiewicz]

Gretchen,
I really had a hard time with the tree. I finally accomplished it. Watched the video over and over, I knew I was missing something.
What inspired me to try the tree was your beautiful tree and box. Now I'll try that next. Thanks you so much for all your great ideas. The tree in the card would be good to learn too.

[Nance in Reno]

Gretchen, based on your project, I just ordered the Christmas tree die yesterday! I am wondering a couple of things:
1. I'm thinking about using 2-sided cardstock (wheeling a design or using background stamp), so is the reason you used the two-different papers on the main box for the weight?
2. Do you think instead of ribbon on the outside of the box I could use 1/4" strip of cardstock? I'd probably put a ribbon bow on the top but if I used the CS, I wouldn't have the ends to worry about on the bottom of the box.

THX for the great tutorial!

[Amber]

I just found your blog and am totally in love!! Thanks for the inspiration!

[Kathy Logan]

Thanks so much for posting the directions for this project! I made several during the holidays using your directions as my inspiration.