I couldn't resist using the Sleigh template that comes in October's Bubbly Funk Kit to make a 3D version which could hold tiny gifts or sweeties.
You'll need
from the October Kit: Sleigh Template, Card, Patterned Paper
from your stash: Extra plain card, Stickles, Inks
To Make:
The first thing I did with my templates was to scan them - this means I can print out further copies and resize the shapes to give even more scope for using them.
Because I'm not very good at cutting out neatly, I then converted the various pieces so that I could cut them with my Craft Robo.
Obviously you don't have to do this, but if you do have access to a scanner it's a good idea to at least do the scanning bit. You can resize from there to print the template in other sizes ready for you to cut out. Plus, if you lose, or make a big mistake with one of the pieces you've got your saved copy to print out!
For my little lilac sleigh, I resized so that the length of the sleigh fits along the width of a piece of A4.
Then I made a second version in plain card at the size on the original template so that I could do more photographs to show how it was made
1. You'll need the pieces marked A & B
2. To make the sleigh strong enough to stand up and be used as a container you need to make a couple of extra "stiffening" pieces.
First make some extra "runner" shapes - draw around the runners of the sleigh on plain card so that you end up with a shape like the first one on the next photo. Cut two of these runners in any card as the won't be visible
Next draw around the whole sleigh, again on a piece of extra card. This time re-draw the upper section as in the second shape on the photo below. Cut 2 of this shape in a colour to match or contrast with the main sleigh sections - these pieces will be the inner, lower areas of the sleigh so you will be able to see them on the finished item.
Cut two of the whole sleigh shape in the lilac (outer side) card. Remember that you need to mirror the design on the second piece.
3. Using the runners piece as a guide, pencil and fold a line on the middle shape as indicated above.
4. It's a good idea to mark the inside of the two main sleigh pieces so you don't get muddled later. You need the two pieces to look like the photo below when they are lying on your desk
6. Keeping the folded up flap clear, glue the inner section in place sandwiching the the runners piece between the "flap" piece and the main section.
Repeat for the other side of the sleigh, so that you end up with something like this.
At this point it's a good idea to ink around the edges, especially of the runners - if you used white card for the inner stabilising runners a bit of ink will cover up any white that shows.
7. Cut a rectangle from lilac card using the diagram as a guide - you may want to "tweak" these measurements a bit - it's worth getting your ruler out and checking the length and depth you've got to play with, especially.
8. Cut into the score lines, fold the corner flaps and stick them in place to form a tray 9. Apply glue to one long side of the tray and fis to the inside of one of the sleigh pieces so that the supporting flap fits underneath the tray - make sure the tray is straight and will be level when you stand it up.
11. Turn the sleigh upside down, apply glue to one of the flaps and adhere it to the base of the tray, repeat with the second flap, the underside of the sleigh will now look like this:
12. Something I forgot to do on the lilac version of the sleigh is to add an extra piece of card to the back. To do this, cut a piece of lilac card which will fit perfectly into the narrow side of the tray and be almost as high as the sides of the sleigh.
Apply a line of glue (I used Glossy Accents) down each side of this card rectangle, and some more to the inside riser of the tray, press the lower edge in place, then gently squeeze the sides of the sleigh to attach the edges of the card to the edges of the sleigh, hold for a minute or two until the glue is dried. Leave the whole thing to dry completely before carrying on
12. Using the other pattern piece (marked piece B on the pink page above) cut 2 pieces from patterned paper - don't forget to turn the pattern piece over for the second one or you won't get two matching shapes.
13. Ink the edges and glue in place.
14. Go made with your Stickles and make your sleigh as glittery as you like.
15. Add any further decoration that you like. I can't decide whether to add any ribbon, snowflakes, flowers etc, so until I do, I'm leaving it like this!
I must apologise for the rather poor photos of the finished sleigh - purple shades are notoriously difficult to photograph, so please take the colours shown here with a pinch of salt lol
There are lots of templates to inspire you coming in the October Kit, this is something different for Bubbly Funk and I think you'll like them - templates, papers, card and lots of lovely embellishments all in one bumper package, Caroline does spoil us, doesn't she?
The rather beautiful "Indeed" Prima papers in the October kit are actually not Christmas themed, although the colours are really soft and pretty and do make fab Christmas projects. So next time I'm taking a break from Christmas stuff (oh yes I am!) and using this fabby kit to make something completely non-Christmassy!
The October Bubbly Funk Kit goes on sale today, so click HERE to head over to the shop
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?
In the lane, snow is glistening
da do do do dooo.....da do do do dooo.....
Happy Crafting
Kathy xxx
all text and images ©Kathy Black 2009
