We were very excited to learn recently that 2 of our designs have been published in a special edition of Cardmaker Magazine titled, "A to Z Embellishments for Cards"!! It has just come out on newstands and contains an unbelievable number of really amazing ideas. This Lavender Cube can be found under "T" for Twinchies on page 117.
We have already received several requests for a "pictoral" version of the instructions detailing how to make a basic cube. You might want to bookmark these instructions, because once you get going on all the different types of cubes you can make, you won't want to stop!
After trying many, many different types of adhesives and glues we recommend Glossy Accents by Inksenntials. Many know this product as a clear, dimensional embellishment, but who knew it was the perfect bonding medium. We love it because you can control the amount of application (you only need a tiny bead line for the cubes) and it is so quick drying you don't have to hold the parts together but for a few seconds.
Tip: If you look carefully at the photo you will notice we have replaced the lid with a stainless steel quilters pin. These are perfect for 'capping' the applicator when using the product frequently without having to screw on (and off) the lid. Be sure and use stainless steel pins so they won't rust.
While you can use any of our 3 sizes and 7 colors to make these cubes we recommend you start first with the white 2" Twinchie Squares and then work up to 'cubing' with the 1" Inchie Squares.
As you become accustomed to how the cubes go together you may find it helpful to lay out the squares, and label them. And, if you follow this sequence of assembly it really makes things simple. There are two 'bookends' labeled 1 and 3. Then two 'side panels' labeled 2 and 4. And a top and bottom.
Begin by drawing a very thin bead of glue along the actual edge of side panel 2
Now join side panel 2 to bookend 1. The Glossy Accents dries so quickly you will only have to hold it in position for a second or two before you can leave it to stand on it's own.
Next, apply a bead of glue along the edge of side panel 4 and join it also with bookend 1.
On the 'inside edges' of bookend 3, place two strips of Glossy Accents. Line the bottom of the bookend up with the edges of the two side panels and stand it up to form the 4 walls of the cube.
Apply that same tiny stripe of adhesive to the top edges of side panels 2 and 4 (they are opposite each other as you see in the picture).
Gently lay on the top piece and use your fingers to line it up so 'it fits'. It's not an absolutely perfect fit due to the fact that all of the squares are exactly the same dimension, but it's close enough that it won't impact any design work, stamping or coloring that you may apply.
Finish the cube by flipping it over, applying adhesive to the edges of side panels 2 and 4 (like you did for the top) and gently add the bottom piece.
Once you feel confident with the steps to assemble the cube have fun experimenting.
A few tips and ideas....
- always stamp and color the panels BEFORE you assemble them
- try filling the cube with aromatic ingredients as we did with the Lavender Cube, punch holes in the lid and glue it down
- create a collection of memory cubes; whether it's pictures from your Mom's garden or photos from a family vacation
- stamp and color the panels and fill with a tiny gift before adding a removable lid
Wow I love these cubes, they are such a great idea for an extra special occasion! You've made it look so easy, I'll definitely be giving these ago soon (a shame I've just missed out on Mothers Day!).
Posted by: Fiona @Pinchofcraft | March 31, 2014 at 01:23 PM