Secret Box
 

I saw a picture of a box like this made of wood and set to working out a template for myself. It seems it's a hit, and there are many people asking for the instructions. The attached file, is not pretty, but it gives you the most critical measurements/scores/cuts to produce the framework. It's only what I recorded for my own edification when I was developing the template.

Now, I'm pretty sure, no one else has created this yet (at least I've never seen one), and with that in mind, I am offering the template for general consumption.

The only thing I ask, is if you make one of these treasures, please give design credit where credit is due. After all, it's free. :p

For your convenience, I'm also including reference links back to my gallery:

Secret Box Closed

Secret Box Open

The box I made is shown below.

Instructions:
Cut:

(1) 6" x 9" and score/cut according to the diagram
(1) 6" x 11" and score/cut according to the diagram
(3) 4 5/8" x 4 5/8" and score at 7/8" on all four sides and cut 7/8" in on both sides on both ends to form the flaps.

NOTE: on the 6" x 11" piece, you will notice there is an extra flap piece on one end. Fasten that to the OUTSIDE of the piece you will fold and fasten from the 6" x 9". If you fasten it to the inside, the box trays will not fit well. For my box, I added another 3" x 3" piece to cover the shortfall.

TRAY BOX TIP #1: after you have cut the flaps for the boxes, look at it and figure out which side of the flap will end up at the top of the box. Trim it at a slight angle before fastening it to the box side panel. The reason for this is to ensure that the flap does not reach higher than the 7/8" that you scored earlier.

TRAY BOX TIP #2: It doesn't matter which half has 2 trays and which has 1. The bottom tray is glued at the very bottom and the top tray is glued at the very top. Then to find the center placement of the opposing box, cut a piece of CS that was 1 7/8" x 4". This will give you a mark for where to line up the center box. Lay this piece of CS inside the empty half box and mark guides at the front and inside of where the bottom of the box will be to ensure that you get your tray in straight and also to make sure it won't collide with the opposing trays when the box closes.

BOX TOP EMBELLISHMENT: Cut one 3" x 3" CS and dry emboss, if you like, then cut in half corner to corner. Cut a second piece of CS 2 7/8" x 2 7/8" and do the same as previous.

Embellish as you wish.

I hope that you enjoy this project and that you reference back here to show off your creation.

Hopefully the instructions are clear enough to follow as well. I look forward to seeing what you all come up with. ;)

This is AMAZING!!! Thank you for sharing - I can't wait to try!!!

Awesome! Thank you for sharing.

So happy someone might make one. I'd love to see them. :)

Oh, my goodness! This is wonderful, thanks for sharing!

I've been looking for a cute way to give some of my co-workers some Valentine candy....I think we have a winner!!! Thanks so much for sharing...

You're ever so welcome! The beauty of this little project is that it's so quick and easy. I had mine done in under 2 hours. That's super quick for me! LOL I do hope you share your finished projects with us here. :)

This is awesome!~ I am definitely going to do this one!! and Wenchie... even more then your box, I LOVE LOVE LOVE your signature... Just a bunch of vending machines and garbage cans.. I read it too my daughter and she just howled! She love the idea although she says we will need a small microwave so we can have a larger selection in the vending machine.. Gosh now I can hardly wait for my next house..

LOL @ you Lizzi! Ya, that should really say vending machines, garbage cans and a microwave. Be sure to show us your finished box if you get to making it. :)

Wow...I hope i have some time to try this!
Thanks for sharing!

Wow.. I'm definitely going to give this project a try.. TU4S