What's Up Crafty? Say-it-in-Masculine-Style!

Hello dear Crafters,

Its me (Bipasha) with you,presenting an interesting tutorial.

The other morning as I was sipping my morning coffee,a thought hit my mind why is it hard to think of ideas for masculine cards? Or may be the case is with me!! There are so many ruless: NO BRIGHT FLOWERS(the most irritating one for me :P)!! Lots of paper ripping, lots of metal and twine. Keep the colours muted and simple… browns, blues, greys etc.Masculine cards are always so
difficult for me to create, not always sure just how much to add to the layout! However recently I made something musculine,and quite unbelievingly I liked it the way it came out....so thought of sharing with u guys as a tute !

 (A detailed picture loaded post...so sit back munching your favourite snack and read it along ;))

(CLICK ON THE PICS TO ENLARGE)

Step 1:

We will divide the project in two parts:

Cut out the pieces from the medium weight chipboard of the following measurements:

Step 2:

(Main box component)

a)2-Main side pieces 2-3/8 x 3-5/8

b)Spine piece 1-3/8 x 3-5/8

c)Bottom piece 1-3/8 x 2-3/8

Using the Kraft card stock, apply tape, glue to the back side of the bottom piece and subsequent pieces of the precut chipboard pieces.

Leaving a 1/8 inch gap between all pieces, place your spine piece right above the bottom piece. Add the two Main Side pieces to each side of the spine piece making sure to leave a 1/8 inch gap.

Draw a 1/2" line around all sides of the adhered chipboard pieces. Using scissors or a craft knife, Cut on the lines creating a border that will be the tabs used to make the box.

Slowly bend the pieces into a box shape. Next, pull the tape from one side of the 1-3/8" piece, align the two sides together former a corner and adhere the tab to the side piece. Repeat for right side.

Step 3:

(Top Lid Component)

d)Top side pieces 2-1/2 x 1-3/8

e)Top piece 1-3/8 x 2-1/2

f)Front piece 1-3/8 x 1-3/8

g)Back piece 1-3/8 x 1-3/8

We will basically repeat step two for the lid, using the remaining chipboard pieces, Gluing them in place, leaving 1/8 gap, cutting out a 1/2" border, applying the structure strips for strength, cutting into the corners, mitering the border corners, apply score tape and adhering the lid together.

The lid should be 1/8" larger to slip over the end of the main box.

Step 4:

Matting your box

Paint or ink all edges and interior if desired.

Next, from patterned paper(I used Kaisercraft PPs) measure and cut out all of your exterior mats pieces and adhere to all sides using glue,or Scor-Tape.

Insert some memory tags(customise it with memory keeper elements...in any elegant way-sky is the limit!).Fill the pages with pictures and the tags with written memories....

Finally,the overall look:

Hope you enjoy making this smart masculine memory keepsake tag storage!Happy crafting :)

Would love to read your comments and answer your queries if any !

Sionara,
Bips.