Crafting A Unique Round Wedding Card Box

Wedding card boxes are a great way to add a creative and personalised touch to your big day. They can be used to hold greeting cards and gifts from guests and are often decorated to match the wedding's theme and colour scheme. In this article, we will explore how to make a round wedding card box, offering a unique and memorable addition to your special day. From choosing the right materials to adding decorative touches, we will guide you through the process of creating a round wedding card box that is both functional and stylish. So, get ready to unleash your creativity and add a personal touch to your wedding with this fun DIY project!

Choosing the right materials

When creating a round wedding card box, selecting suitable materials is essential to ensure the box's durability, aesthetic appeal, and functionality. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the right materials for your project:

Cardboard or Wood: The first step is to decide on the primary material for your card box. Cardboard is lightweight, easy to work with, and can be painted or decorated to match your wedding theme. Look for sturdy cardboard, such as corrugated cardboard or cardboard specifically designed for crafting, to ensure your box is durable enough to hold the cards. Alternatively, wood offers a more robust and long-lasting option. Plywood or lightweight woods like balsa or pine are suitable choices that can be easily cut and shaped. Wood provides a natural and elegant look and can be stained, painted, or decorated to match your vision.

Fabric or Paper: To cover the base material and give it a refined finish, you'll need to choose between fabric or paper. Fabric, such as silk, satin, or lace, adds a luxurious and elegant touch to your card box. Consider the color and pattern of the fabric to ensure it complements your wedding theme. Paper, on the other hand, offers a wide range of options, from plain cardstock to patterned scrapbooking paper. It can be an excellent choice if you want to create a more intricate design or add delicate details to your box.

Embellishments: Embellishments are key to adding a special touch to your card box. Ribbons, lace, pearls, and rhinestones can all be used to create a romantic and elegant feel. If your wedding has a rustic theme, consider using twine, burlap, or dried flowers as embellishments. For a more modern look, you can incorporate geometric designs, metallic accents, or bold colors. Think about the overall style of your wedding and choose embellishments that enhance the theme.

Adhesives and Tools: Selecting the right adhesives and having the necessary tools on hand is crucial for a successful project. Hot glue guns, craft glue, or fabric glue may be used depending on the materials you choose. Ensure you have the proper tools for cutting, such as a craft knife or scissors, and consider whether you'll need additional tools like a ruler, paintbrushes, or a stapler.

Remember to take into account the overall style of your wedding and choose materials that will complement your theme. Whether you opt for a simple and elegant design or something more extravagant, carefully selecting the right materials will ensure your round wedding card box is a beautiful and functional addition to your special day.

Building the box frame

Step 1: Cut the Dowels for the Box Frame

First, you will need to cut the 3/4" square dowels to the required lengths. Cut four 14" sections for the widest parts of the front and back frames, four 9-1/2" sections for the tallest parts of the front and back frames, and four 10-1/2" sections to connect the front and back frames.

Step 2: Assemble the Box Frame

On a flat surface, build two identical frames for the front and back of the box. To do this, lay out two 14" sections and separate them with two 9-1/2" sections. Square up the corners with a framing square. Apply wood glue to the ends of the 9-1/2" pieces and secure them between the 14" pieces with clamps.

Next, use a brad nailer to nail all four corners together with 1-1/4" brads. Stand the two frames up and separate them with two 10-1/2" pieces, applying wood glue to both ends. Ensure they are square, then nail all four corners together. Flip the frame over and repeat this process on the other side.

At this point, you should have a finished frame measuring 14" wide by 12" deep by 11" tall.

Step 3: Cover the Wedding Card Box with Plywood

Using a table saw, cut 1/4" finished plywood to the following dimensions: one 14" by 12" piece for the bottom, two 11-1/4" x 12" pieces for the sides, and two 14-1/2" x 11-1/4" pieces for the front and back.

Nail the plywood onto the frame in the following order: attach the bottom piece first, then the side panels, and finally the front and back pieces. The only visible plywood edges should be on the sides of the finished box. If desired, use spackle to fill in these exposed edges, then sand the entire box until it is smooth.

With these steps completed, you will have a solid and secure frame for your round wedding card box. Now you can move on to cutting the lid, decorating the box, and adding any final touches to create a beautiful and personalised card box for your special day.

Adding plywood

Cutting the Plywood:

Firstly, you'll need to cut the plywood sheets to size. Using a table saw, cut the 1/4" finished plywood to the following dimensions: one 14" by 12" piece for the bottom, two 11-1/4" x 12" pieces for the sides, and two 14-1/2" x 11-1/4" pieces for the front and back. The plywood edges will be concealed, so ensure precise cutting for a seamless finish.

Attaching the Plywood:

Now, it's time to attach the plywood to the box frame. Apply wood glue to the bottom of the frame (14" x 12") and secure the corresponding bottom plywood piece with brad nails. Turn the box on its side and apply wood glue to one of the 11" x 12" ends. Attach one of the side panels using 5/8" brad nails. Repeat this process for the opposite side. Next, attach the front and back plywood pieces following the same steps.

Finishing Touches:

If there are any exposed plywood edges, you can use spackle to fill them in. Once the spackle is dry, sand the entire box until it's smooth, ensuring a seamless finish. This step will give your box a polished and refined look. You can now proceed to the next steps of cutting the lid, painting, and adding any additional decorations.

Remember to take your time, work in a well-ventilated area, and always follow safety precautions when using power tools and adhesives. With these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and sturdy round wedding card box with plywood.

Cutting the lid

The lid of the box is an important component, as it will keep the wedding cards secure and prevent them from falling out. Here's a step-by-step guide to cutting the lid for your round wedding card box:

Step 1: Measure and Cut the Plywood

Using a table saw, cut the 3/4" plywood piece to a size of 14-1/2" x 12-1/2". This will serve as the lid for your round wedding card box. It's important to ensure that your measurements are accurate so that the lid fits snugly on the box.

Step 2: Mark the Outline for the Card Slot

Take a pencil and a straight edge, and carefully mark the outline for the card slot on the plywood. This will be the opening through which guests can insert their cards. Make sure the outline is straight and centred for a neat finish.

Step 3: Drill Pilot Holes

Drill pilot holes inside the outline that you've drawn. These holes should be just large enough to accommodate the blade of your jigsaw. This step will make it easier to cut out the card slot in the next step.

Step 4: Cut Out the Card Slot

Now, it's time to cut out the card slot. Line up the blade of your jigsaw with the outline and clamp a straight edge to the board as your guide. This will ensure that your cut is straight and precise. Carefully cut along the outline to create the card slot.

Step 5: Sand the Inside Edges

To ensure a smooth finish, wrap sandpaper around the cut-out plywood piece and sand the inside edges of the card slot. This will remove any rough spots or splinters, creating a polished look.

Step 6: Apply Edge Banding (Optional)

If you want to hide the exposed plywood edge, you can apply edge banding to the lid. This step is optional but can add a nice finishing touch to your box. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying the edge banding, and then sand the lid and edges smooth once it's in place.

Painting the box

First, you will need to choose the right type of paint. Spray paint or flat paint will work well for this project. You can choose any colour you like, but it is recommended to select a shade that complements your wedding colour scheme. If you are painting a wooden box, you may also want to consider staining the wood to bring out the natural grain.

Before you start painting, it is important to prepare your work area. Set up a small spray shelter or work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling paint fumes. Place the box and lid on a flat surface and elevate the lid on a small box to make it easier to paint.

When you are ready to begin painting, start with the underside of the lid. Spray or paint in a sweeping motion, ensuring you get inside the card slot. Be careful not to apply too much paint at once to avoid drips. Allow the paint to dry for at least one hour before turning over the lid and spraying or painting the top and sides.

Next, paint the bottom of the box first and allow it to dry. Then, paint the top edge and inside frame of the box. If you plan to paint the inside of the box a different colour, such as black, as mentioned in one source, now is the time to do so.

Once the paint is dry, you can add personal touches such as your wedding date or names. You can use vinyl letters or stickers, or try your hand at calligraphy with glass markers or vinyl adhesive sheets. If you make a mistake, don't worry! You can always paint over it and try again.

Finally, apply a clear coat of sealant to protect your paint job and ensure it lasts long after the wedding.

Now you have a beautifully painted round wedding card box that is sure to impress your guests and add a special touch to your big day!

Frequently asked questions