7.28.2013

3D Arrow Boxes • Colorful and Dynamic

The cutting file should be appearing at the Silhouette Store some time on July 29th.

Project Description: 

My design work took a left turn yesterday and I created this arrow shaped box.......and then I created 3 more in a color gradation. This project is a simple 3D construction file. When finished, the arrow stands about 7.5" tall. The file contains the parts for a top and bottom to create the arrow box. Its visual complexity comes when you make multiples and display them together. This pattern is both Portrait and Cameo friendly.



I was immediately taken by the strong graphic elements and the display potential. Yes, they are boxes and can be used as such. 


But they can also be displayed as wall art.......



In more than one orientation!


Or as table decor....

So cool.

3d Arrow Box Tutorial:

Note: I am a new Silhouette Contributing Artist. Both my Silhouette files and this website are the beginning. Send along any suggestions, problems, ideas or photos as we learn to create together. I'd love to hear from you!  Marji Roy
eMail: ashbeedesignemail@gmail.com
Tutorial assembled using Silhouette Software Release 2.7.18. This tutorial assumes you already know how to use the Silhouette and Silhouette software.

Supplies Needed:

  • Template from Silhouette On-Line Store here.
  • Glue dots 3/16"
  • Silhouette Cameo or Portrait
  • 2 sheets of 8.5 x 11" Card Stock for each arrow

Steps for completing the 3-D Arrow Box project:

1. Download the cutting file for your Silhouette Cutting machine from the Silhouette Online Store here.






2. Prepare and cut the file.
  • If using a Cameo, copy and paste the Outside box pieces to a new file. Each set will fit on one 12 x 12" page.
  • If using a Portrait, copy and paste each arrow base into its own file, and each pair of sides into their own 8.5 x 11" files. Each box will take four 8.5 x 11" pieces of card stock.
  • Use card stock. Cut settings will depend on your card stock thickness. I used speed of 3, depth of 33 and blade set at 3.
  • Here are the cut shapes for both the top and bottom of the box.


  • Look carefully and you will notice notches on one tab of each piece. They do not line up but identify which pieces go in the same set.
  • The 3 pieces with 1 notch go together, and the 3 pieces with 2 notches go together.
  • The pieces have a slight size difference but otherwise match so it is important to pay attention to the notches.



3. Fold and assemble one box half.
  • Note each cut file has dotted cut lines. These are fold lines. 
  • Fold all the tabs and sides of the arrow up and in.
  • Using glue dots, glue the tab at the point in place.
  • Be careful to keep things square.


  • Next add one side piece. It folds in a zig zag as shown with the tabs folded in.


  • Start at the end near the point and glue the side seam together.
  • Then glue it to the base arrow.


  • Continue attaching this piece by gluing the long side in place.

  • Glue the bottom edge of this side in place then start on the other side.
  • Fold the piece before gluing to make sure everything goes in the correct direction.


  • Attach the second side in the same order as the first.



  • Glue the last tab at the bottom center in place.


  • Do this to both the left and right sides of the chair seat front.

4. Fold and assemble the other box half.
  • Complete the second half of the box following the same steps .
  • The half with one notch is slightly smaller and goes inside the half with two notches and the semi-circles finger holds..



The finished box can stand on its own.




4. Make more for interesting arrangments.





**********
© 2013 Marji Roy, Ashbee Design



2 comments:

  1. You say you are new to this silhouette stuff but you sure look like a pro! Congrats, this is an awesome project.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Torrie. I am getting to be more experienced now. I've had my Silhouette since November and been a contributing artist since June. I just love this tool!

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