Paper Patchwork Baskets

Paper Patchwork baskets today. Choose from Hankie-Point or Hex-Top. These simple-to-make containers are custom-designed to fit the patchwork blocks on the Hot Off The Press Paper Patchwork 2 template:

(Or, you can use the freebie bonus shapes that I've given you - hexagon block below, other shapes in yesterday's post. I didn't think that it was fair to give you my containers without being able to complete them properly if you didn't have the plastic template. Having said that, the HOTP Paper Patchwork templates feature some all-time classic patchwork blocks!)

Here are your freebies:
HankiePointBasket.pdf 
HankiePointBasket.svg

Hexagon-ToppedBasket.pdf
Hexagon-ToppedBasket.svg

HexagonBlock.pdf
HexagonBlock.svg

Same handle for both basket shapes!

Your freebie hexagon block.

Paper Patchwork Baskets

Both baskets are made in the same way. They differ only in the shape at the top of each side.

To make up:

1. Make the layered patchwork blocks.

2. Cut out the basket pieces. For each basket you need two body/base pieces and a handle. Score and crease the folds.

3. Glue a patchwork block onto the top of each basket side. Turn one basket body/base piece 90 degrees. Place it on top of the other body/base piece and glue the bases together. Next, glue the adjacent basket sides.

4. Carefully pierce a handle hole on opposite sides of the basket. Attach the handle with brads, handle ends placed inside the basket.

All done. Enjoy your paper patchwork baskets. They are ideal for gift-giving if lined with a square of tissue paper. Lined with a paper napkin, they make fun containers for party snacks, like totilla chips.

By the way, if you enjoy historical novels, The Last Runaway, by Tracy Chevalier features patchwork quiliting aplenty. Tracy Chevalier always writes so well about women and their handiwork, whether their craft is a hobby or a vocation.


 

Patchwork Block Gift Boxes

I just love paper patchwork - no seams to sew or fabric to fray, and I can play around with prints and plains and geometric configurations to my heart's content. Also a great way to use up odds'n'ends of paper.  

My second Paper Patchwork papercraft template has just come out from Hot Off The Press:

Paper Patchwork 2 template 7420 from Hot Off The Press, Inc.

The template has a new batch of quilt block patterns to make, each block sized about 2-1/2in square. If you think it looks like a lot of cutting - behold the secret of these "pieced" designs:

The design elements are attached, keeping cutting to a minimum and facilitating easy layering.

Okay, so now you've got a batch of very lovely paper patchwork blocks that you've whipped up in no time. What do you do with them besides make cards? That's where today's blog post comes in. In fact, in my next few posts, I'll be featuring a collection of boxes and baskets all made to fit 2-1/2in square paper patchwork blocks.

Today's project is Patchwork Block Gift Boxes. Why? Because I like puns and visual jokes. (Patchwork Blocks, geddit?) Also because they are easy to make and a useful size. The ribbon handles (trendy seam binding, actually) remind me of the handles on boxes of animal crackers. 

Here's are the Patchwork Block Gift Boxes:
PatchworkBlockGiftBox.pdf 
PatchworkBlockGiftBox.svg 

 
And because I'm nice, I'm also giving you three free patchwork blocks:
QuiltBlocks.pdf 
QuiltBlocks.svg 

The "stitching" is printed on the block components, so you can overprint them onto patterned paper, then cut them out.

Now for the how-tos:

Patchwork Block Gift Box

1. Cut out the box body and the lid and the base. Glue the lid and the base to the box body as indicated by the arrows. The tapered ends of the lid and the base are the gluing flaps. The notched ends are the closure flaps.

2. Score the folds and crease them.

3. Make six paper patchwork blocks and stick them onto the block faces, like so: 

The scored folds aid the positioning of the patchwork blocks. It looks best to have adjacent squares in contrasting colours. 

4. To assemble the box, join the side flap on the last block onto the first block - you've now got a cube.

5. Handle: carefully pierce holes through the patchwork blocks on opposite sides of the cube (location of holes is indicated on the template). Cut a piece of ribbon about 35cm (14in) long. Knot one end, thread the ribbon in a tapestry needle. Pass the ribbon through a hole, knot on the inside of the box. Thread the ribbon through the other hole, knot the ribbon on the inside and trim off the excess. Your Patchwork Block Gift Box is now complete.

Here's a coming attraction for the other paper patchwork containers I'll be featuring:

And here's a link to the original Hot Off The Press Paper Patchwork Template.  

Printable Cards & Envies

One last bow today for my Matisse-y scarf prints - some printable cards and matching envelopes. A bonus project - nothing fancy in the paper manipulation department (there's enough going on with the print), but very handy to have on hand. You never know when you are going to need a Thank You card or an all-occasion greetings card. Be prepared!

There's a border-print feature on the envelope flap. There's also an name/address panel on each envelope - blank space in a sea of print.

Here are your free printables:
GreetingsCardBlue.pdf 
EnvieBlue.pdf 

ThanksCard.pdf 
EnvieOrange.pdf 

Enjoy the cards & envies.