Templates for the tissue box

• Check the edges of the cardboard are straight by using a set square (if it isn't, cut it so it is).

• Using a ruler, mark out the following templates:
  
  • 2 large sides (A): 23.9cm x 7.6cm (9-3/8 x 3 inches)
  • 2 small sides (B): 11.8cm x 7.6cm (4-5/8 x 3 inches)

  • 1 base: 23.4cm x 11.8cm (9-1/4 x 4-5/8 inches) in which you can cut a window of 15 x 3 cm (5-7/8 x 1-3/16 inches).

    NB: this window will be the hole for the tissues. You can make it whatever shape you like. 
  • Cut out the templates. 

• Transfer the interior/exterior outline of the top of the box onto the manila card.
• Cut out (including the window) before putting it to one side. 

Assemble the tissue box 

• Stick two bands of double-sided Scotch tape onto the shorter sides of template B. 

• Attach Scotch tape to the edge of the shorter side of template A and stick to the shorter side of B. 

• Go over the Scotch tape again and smooth down. 

• To hold everything together, pur a piece of double sided Scotch tape on the inside corner. 

• Repeat this to assemble the 4 sides of the box.
• Attach Scotch tape all around the inside perimeter and put the lid in place. 

• Push down firmly and let it dry.

Decorate the exterior of the tissue box

• Adding 3 cm (1-3/16 inches) to the height of the box at 7.6 cm (3 inches), cut a 10.6 cm (4-3/16 inches)high strip of fabric according to the width of the side in question.
• Draw a line across, 1.5cm (9/16 inches) from the edge.

• With a roller, paste one chosen side of the box and place it 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) from the edge of the fabric, aligning the box against the drawn-on guideline. Flatten out any creases and pockets of trapped air.
• Cut off to 45° the excess fabric which will cover the top of the box.
• Cut off to a right angle the fabric which will fold inside the box, leaving a small margin.

• Continue by sticking down the small strip of fabric, and repeat for the next 2 sides.
• Place the final side on the fabric and trace the outline.

• Cut around the inside of the line and stick down.
• Remove the upper corners with scissors and stick down.

• Cut off the lower corners of the fabric to the level of the edge of the box, to a length of 2.5 mm (1/16 inches) i.e. the thickness of the card.
• Extend the arms of the V so that the cloth can be folded over inside the box.

• Stick and smooth down the fabric on the edge and on the inside of the box with a bone folder.

Window for the tissue box

Take into account the measurements of your own window!

• Cut out a 3 x 15 cm (5-7/8 x 1-3/16 inches) strip of paper, the length of the window, and fold it 1 cm (3/8 inch) from the edge.
• Paste the card and position the folded strip of paper, flattening out any creases and pockets of air.

• Paste the edge of the window and the surrounding card, and pull the paper up and over.
• Smooth down any creases with the bone folder.
• Repeat to cover the smaller sides of the slot.

• Take the Bristol board base that was made and put aside earlier, and place in the bottom of the box to check that it fits. Adjust the edges if it doesn’t!
• Paste it with the roller and place on the back of the cloth.

• Cut out and remove the central window, leaving a margin of about 1 cm (3/8 inch) around the perimeter.
• Smooth down any creases or air pockets.
• Remove the outer corners.
• Cut the cloth bordering the edge of the window, making a bisecting incision at each corner.
• Fold over the edge of the cloth around the rim of the window. 

Decorate the inside of the tissue box  

• Stick the covered card to the inside of the bottom of the box, sticking the excess cloth to the sides.

• Leave to dry after placing something heavy (eg. A few books) on the covered card.
• Measure the smaller sides of the box and cut out some pieces of manila card according to the same dimensions.
• Cover them with the cloth, folding over the excess material onto the other side.

• Stick them into the box and leave to dry under a slight pressure.

• Cut out a piece of cardboard according to the dimensions of the top of the tissue box.
• Make a slot identical to the one on the box.
• Cover the piece of card, folding the excess material onto the other side, both on the outermost edge and the inner edge of the slot.

Finish off making the tissue box 

• Leave to dry under a slight pressure.
• Cut out pieces of Bristol board according to the dimensions of the larger sides of the box and cover them.
• Stick them inside the box and leave to dry under pressure.