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Printable Miniature Tote Box with Removable Lid
By Jay Steele
This
mini tote box is modeled after a data processing forms box I get at work. In real life it holds 8 1/2 x 11 pin fed forms, but it makes a great storage box for almost anything. Tall enough for comic books, great for paperwork and tough enough to stack about 6 high.
This is a 1/12th scale version of the box (other scales available by request) and If I say so my self - it came out pretty well.
Good Luck and Have Fun!
P.S. As with most of my tutorials, you can click the pictures to view a larger version of the thumbnail picture.
Like all projects the first step is to choose what you want to build - I currently have 5 different tote box designs to choose from so it shouldn't be too hard of a choice. Click the links below to view in a PDF Document format.
For this tutorial I've chosen the Yellow plastic look -- personally it looks more green than yellow to me.
Tools Needed:
A good straight edge with a sharp edge. A Craft Knife with a pointed and sharp blade Some Glue. 110 LB Paper.
The first step is to cut out a top and a bottom for the box. I've given you 2 extra tops, as I keep losing them on the real one, and figure an extra top won't hurt.
The print is light, so you may need a magnifying glass to see all the white that needs to be removed. Don't mistake the grey for white - the grey isn't removed.
Also note that the handles are not completely cut-out as they remain connected by the top edge (see example below).
Using your straight edge cut away the white around the tote box until all you have left is the small bits of white to remove.
When you're cutting out the thin dividers between the flaps of the
mini tote box -- I found it easier to fold the cut section to the back and slice off with the craft knife. This also prevents cutting into the pattern of the box.
When cutting out the miniature tote box handles -- remember to leave them connected at the top edge -- the way it is on the real box, this folded over piece reinforces the handles so the box won't tear.
The little tabs at the end of the top are easy to cut - just make the edge cuts first, then cut halfway through the section these cuts make -- turn the top around and finish the cut from the other direction. This prevents you from cutting too far.
The finished cuts should look like the picture to the left.
Once you have completed removing all the white areas from your printable, compare it to the enlarged picture to the left. Just click the picture to enlarge. Take a close look at what has been removed, and what hasn't.
Folding Method 1
Using the edge of you're straight edge and a scrap piece of heavy paper, fold the miniature tote box away from the pattern. I use the divisions between the flaps to line up my straight edge. I then slide the heavy paper under the section to start the bend - I then rub back and forth with my fingernail to set the bend in.
Folding Method 2
You can also use your craft knife to lightly score the fold
lines, making the bending easier. I come back later and
apply a VERY light layer of glue into the score line to make
sure it doesn't separate where I don't want it to.
Use the method you prefer and follow that procedure for the bottom flaps and the top flaps.
Remember all folds are away from the pattern.
You should
now have two pieces that look like the picture to the left. Now its time to put the box together.
Start with the main box and glue the flap as indicated in the picture. You can square up the box later when the glue has dried.
Next glue the bottom flaps into place -- the flaps on the side of the box with the handle opening go inside, and the flaps on the sides without the handle make the bottom of the box. There is a gap between these flaps, but that is how it should be.
I set something on the top of the miniature tote box to hold the bottom flaps in place while they dry.
Your completed box should look like this.
Enlarge the picture to the left by clicking it to see how the top is made. The sides flaps are on the inside of the top and the grey flap is folded over them to hold the top in place. I glue the tabs and the grey flap and use the edge of a flat tool to press it into place.
When completed the top should look like this.
Your box is almost complete - all you need to do now is cut a small piece of the scrap paper to fit in the bottom of the box -- this blocks the hole left by the flaps.
