Step 1 - start by cutting 2 shapes using the die. I've used single-sided pearlescent card as it makes it easier to see which sides you need to glue together. Using a bone folder, crisply fold and score along each of the perforated lines.
Step 2 - I would always recommend using wet glue for assembling boxes, and I've used the excellent Tonic Craft Tacky Glue for this project. Apply a thin layer of glue to the back of one of the top tabs, then stick to two tabs together. Wait a few seconds for the glue to grab and hold. Apply a small amount of glue to the first outermost tab, tuck it into the box and press together.
Step 3 - It doesn't matter whether you first started working anti-clockwise or clockwise, but whichever you choose, you will now carry on working in that direction all the way round the box until you reach the top again around the other side. Keep glueing and tucking in each to the outermost tabs. You may need to hold the two sides together for a few seconds for the glue to grab hold. When you reach the last tab, partially tuck it in before applying the glue (this will stop you getting into a sticky mess) then again, hold the glued sides together for a few seconds.
For ideas on how to decorate these boxes, have a look at my post Tonic Studios Star Box and Christmas Cracker Dies for more information.
To make a star topper, start as previously with a die cut shape from the Christmas Star Box Die. I've used pearlescent card again as it shows the scoring so well, but for a card topper, you can use a patterned paper instead of cardstock, in fact, I think a good quality designer paper works better than cardstock.
Step 1 - using a metal ruler and a craft knife, align the ruler edger against the perforated edge of the first side-tab on the die cut and cut through it to remove the side-tab leaving the star point cleanly cut (but don't start with the star point at the top of the die cut with the additional round tab).
Step 2 - Carry on around the star, cutting away the side-tabs. When you reach the star point that also has the round tab, you are going to need to cut both sides of that star point, to remove the round tab and leave a perfectly shaped star point. You can see in the first picture below the two cuts you need to make, I've marked them in pencil for the purposes of this step-by-step guide. The last picture shows what the die cut looks like when you've fully trimmed it.
Step 3 - Using a Scoreboard and a scoring tool, you will need to score all the way through the each point of the star from top to bottom. Again, I've marked the score line in pencil in the first picture to demonstrate where the score needs to be. Repeat for each of the five points, then use a bone folder to crisply crease each scored line.
Step 4 - Once you've completed this folding a scoring, your star will already start to take on dimension. Finish off by pinching together adjoining star points (this will help create the valley folds on the shorter scored lines). Once you have done this for each point, you will have a fully dimensional star topper.
I like to decorate my star shapes with a glitter edge and maybe, top off with a button or other adornment.
And here's a PDF of this Tonic Studio Christmas Star Box Tutorial and Fancy Folded Star, please do use this tutorial to create your own projects but please also credit this blogpost if you then blog them.
Hope this step-by-step guide has been of use, please do leave a comment if it has so I know I'm not just speaking to myself!
