Cantilevered Storage Box

Easy-to-make cantilevered storage box, similar to a thread chest

Materials: 6 boxes, 12 strips, 36 brads

You will need six identical small boxes.  These must be the type with a removable top or sleeve, like a jewelry box or matchbox.  I’m making mine using the Sizzix Tim Holtz Curio Box die, but you can easily make these with no die.

To make a similar box with no die, cut lightweight cardboard into a rectangle 5” x 6”.  Score around all four sides at 1”.  Cut a slit at each corner at the score line on each long side.  If you are making your own boxes, it’s easier to decorate and punch the holes before assembly.

Pierce each box in three places in a row on each long side.  Use a 1/8” hole punch for mini craft brads. Carefully measure and mark so the holes are in the same spot on each box. The holes must the large enough to allow the brad to turn.

Next you will need 12 strips of cardstock or lightweight cardboard to make the mechanism.  8 will be shorter, joining two boxes.  Four will be longer, joining three boxes.  Stack three boxes and measure from the top left hole to the bottom right hole for the long strip, allowing a little extra on each end.  Measure from the middle end hole to the middle bottom hole for the short strip, cutting eight.  

Use the brads to join the strips to the boxes.  The brad legs can’t be closed down too tightly, preventing movement.  I know we normally use brads to join paper together so the impulse is to tighten those right down, but fight the urge!

Cut a base to set the stacked boxes onto.  Measure the bottom of two boxes side-by-side to determine the size.

Add feet if desired.  These can be cardboard or a large bead.

For my Curio Box Bigz die-cut boxes

The punched holes are at 1/2”, 2”, and 3 1/2”  

The strips are 3/8” wide and 4 1/8” long (longer) and 2 1/4” long (shorter)

The legs are a 1” square of lightweight cardboard scored each way at 1/2”

The base is 3” x 8 1/4”

Short process video: https://youtu.be/1TN-b18d_bE