I am new Subscriber for BDJ Box but so far, I was happy with the two boxes that I received.
Just last November 15, 2013, BDJ Box Editorial via Nicole Romero with the help of Beam Mariano of shopartwine.com showed a DIY tutorial on how to recycle your BDJ Boxes since they are quite sturdy and really functional.
Already some had the intention of recycling it, but only a few decided to actually refurbish it into something that would deviate it from the normal BDJ Box look. I, myself, just let it be and use it as storagefor all the make-ups I acquired.
In this editorial post, Nicole challenged all subscribers to create their own kikay kits and/or functional boxes using the BDJ Boxes that we have acquired over time. Being the crafty and creative (says my daughter :)) that I am, I took on the challenge.
I was supposed to do a multi-layered, side-swinged compartment type but due to lacking boxes (I only have 2 boxes as of now), I opted to do a stackable functional box instead. I wanted to do a video tutorial, however, due to limited lighting and time, all I have are illustrations for now, Just ask questions should you need clarification.
This box features a 3-layeredfunctional box with divisions and a complementing mirror.
To learn how I did this, please continue scrolling down :D
For the materials, most of them are recycled. I don't throw away stuffs easily even if I could not use them thinking that they may have other uses aside from what they were intentionally made for :)SInce I am a crafter of some sort, I basically have most of the tools that i need :D .. if you don't have one, you can always improvise. All materials used were readily available at home and are just waiting to be used so I had no problem acquiring the materials I needed.
For this project, you would need the following:
BDJ Boxes. If you don't have one, you may use other boxes as well.
Old nail polishes.Will be used for painting.you may opt to use other coloring materials or paints, I just wanted to take my hands off these almost dried polishes :)
Cloth.For covering the box. You could use wallpapers or giftwraps. I just preferred cloth since it will add reinforcement to the box and will act as a binder too from accidental tears over time. In this project, I used a black ECO bag. If you were a previous follower then you would know that I literally have a LOT of Eco Bags that I acquired over time. 1 Large box holds these ECO bags. They crumble over time when not in used so I decided to either give some away or put them into good use. What I like about the fabric is that they don’t fray so I didn’t need to do some sewing on the edges.
Colored Cardboards.In this project, I used a black glossy paper bag. Same with the ECO bags, I also have a boxful of paper bags which I don’t throw if still deemed functional :D
Styro or any sturdy foam. You can get this from the box of a certain appliance that you bought or leftover materials from your artworks using storyboards. Aside from these, you may use other materials such as wood, tubes or practically anything sturdy which can be used as a bridge later on.
Scissors , Cutter
Used illustration board or anything similar
Double Sided tape / Clear Tape
Glue stick / Glue Gun
Embellishment.Will depend on what you have and on what you intend to do with the design.
Old Compact mirror
Ribbons
Instructions:
We will first prepare the parts so that assembling later on will just be a breeze.
Step 1:
Measure the boxes. You will use this information later on. For the BDJ Box, approximate size (in cm) is 18 x 13 for the pink box and 19 x 14 x 4.5 for the cover.
Step 2:
Using the information above, Cut strips of solid foam or styro foam to be used as bridges or stoppers. For the lower box, you would need 2 strips of approximately 19 x 3.5 x 1.5 in size while for the pink box, 2 pcs of 18 x 1 x 1 styro strips. Set the strips aside for later.
Note: The sizes would vary if you are using another box.
Step 3:
Get 1 box cover and pull out the flap from the inside. To create a division, Fold the flap inwards depending on where or how big the division is. Fold it again outwards with a length of about 3.5cm and fold again the remaining (if there is) inwards then let it stand. This will serve as your first division. Let us call this as Box 1 to avoid confusion later on :D.
Step 4:
Get the other box cover and pull the inner flap all the way out and fold it outwards towards the rim of the cover. This will be Box 2.
Note: If the boxes you are using doesn’t have inner flaps, you can always improvise by gluing thin cardboards (from shirt packaging) making it seem as part of the box.
Step 5:
Using an illustration board (it doesn’t matter if it is used or not since this will be covered later on) cut out 2 pcs of 13.1cm x 13.3cm and a 13.1cm x 19.4cm rectangular board.The 13.1cm is the height of the board.
Step 6:
Get Box1 and cover the whole box with the black cloth. You may omit the inner part of the box if desired. Secure it firmly. It is better to use a hot glue to ensure it wouldn’t fall off.
Step 7: Box 1 Assembly (1st layer)
Get the 2 styro/foam strips of approximately 19 x 3.5 x 1.5 in size. Measure the width of the divisions and slice the strips into 2 so that when inserted in the box, the division is in between two foam strips. You can opt to cover the strips first with the same cloth material just like what I did just to make it more presentable and neat :D
These side strips act as a stopper or bridge for the second box so it wouldn’t get pushed all the way down just like any other stackable containers.
Inside, I had a foam and a used black felt paper. I made some slits in between which act as a ring and earrings holder. The narrower division is for watches, bracelets or necklaces.
Step 8: Pink Box 1 Assembly (2ndlayer)
No need to do much on this one. Just put it on top of the 1st box and it will fit like a Lego :D It wouldn’t go all the way down because of the bridge. I just added a cut-out container from a Ferrero chocolate box :D … yum! You may of course omit this and do your own divisions. Just leave about 1cm from the lid for the stopper to be placed on the 3rd layer.
Step 9: Pink Box 2 Assembly (3rd layer)
For this box, you would require a stopper. If you would notice, if you put this on top of the second layer, it will just fall off since they literally have the same dimension. To prevent this, get the 2 pcs of 18 x 1 x 1 styro strips that you prepared earlier. Flip the box so that the bottom part is facing you. Glue the stips on the sides leaving about 0.2cm of space from the edge on both sides. You may color this strips or cover them with art papers later on so that the foam won’t be that much visible.
Try stacking the 3rd Box into the 2nd Box making sure that the stoppers goes inside the 2nd Box. If you will notice, the 3rd box is not going anywhere anywhere. The principle is very simple and basic for stackable containers having the same dimensions (bottom part is always a little bit narrower)
Again, you may opt to do your own divisions.
Step 9: Box 2 Assembly (topmost cover).
I like the concept of padded footstalls :D So I got a used bubble pack and folded it until I achieve the desired thickness. Better to use soft foams if you have one. But since I didn’t, I used bubble packs instead (which I got from Parcels I received occasionally). Glue or attach this on the topmost outer cover.
Once done, Cover the whole box with the same Cloth you used on Box 1. Ensure that the flap is not covered since this will be pulled out later on.
Pull out the flap. If you want, you can paint or cover the inner part of the box. In this case, I used s glossy black cardboard which I cut out from a paper bag. I also covered the Flap from the inside since I didn’t want for the original color to show in order to maintain the color theme.
Once done, you will get this classy padded cover.
Step 10.
From Step 5, line up the cut boards having the largest in the middle making sure that all of them have the same height (13.1cm). Leave at least a 0.2cm gap in between. Using tape (I prefer electric tapes since they can withstand constant bending aside from the fact they are black), Tape the boards together. Just ensure the 0.2cm gap in between. It should look like one large rectangular board. Once done, cover the entire board again with cloth. (another option, cover one side with cloth and the other side with a black cardboard, it’s your choice).
You should be able to bend the board which is why there is a need to have a gap in between.
Step 11. Functional Box Assemby
We are almost done.
Get Box 2 (cover) and glue the entire flap on the largest board section from the last step. Just make sure that rim of the cover is barely touching the top most portion of the board. This would allow the cover to be flipped back and forth.
Next, get Box 1 (first layer) and glue one of the longest sides to the bottom of the board making sure to cover the edge of the flap. Secure it firmly. Your assembly should initially look like this.
Step 12:
To make it really functional, I got two small boxes (I got this from a sachet product which came in a box where you can just flip the cover with the perforation). I just painted the box with my almost dried polishes (finally…I got to throw away the containers..)
Glue each of the boxes on the outer sides of the board. This will serve as holders for ballpens, brushes or liners.
Step 13: Lock
Get a ribbon and glue each end to each side of the flaps.
At this point, the functional box is as good as done. Just layer the compartments and stack them together. However, I added a few more stuffs to make it more presentable:
Decorations:
1. To make it personal, I crafted a mini picture frame on the inside flaps of the side boards so when it opens, you have a nice view on your most treasured moments.
2. From an old compact, I pulled out a mirror and glued it inside the top most cover. If you are putting on make-ups, this will come in handy.
3. Of course, I placed embellishments on some parts of the box.
That is about it guys.. The instructions may have come out long, but it is really easy to do. All you need is a bit of imagination. Create something that would fit your personality and what would make you happy.
FYI.. As usual…my daughter got dibs on this project..lol! She already declared it as hers…
What do you think of my first DIY craft post. Are you interested in seeing more? Tell me your thoughts. Comments and suggestions are always appreciated.
Till my next post guys.xoxo
