Master Detective Curio Cabinet by Sandy Trefger Part Two

Hello again, Sandy here with Part Two of the tutorial on assembling my Master Detective Curio Cabinet with the hidden box on the back that you can see above.  The original kit for the cabinet is on the left and the add on box kit is on the right.  It is 3 inches deep and holds a very good sized folio album.  It is attached with hinges and closed with a metal latch.

In the August 2nd blog post here on Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts, I shared how I put my cabinet together with cardstock structure hinges.  I did find that the added paper made it a bit harder for the doors to swing open and closed and required a bit of sanding in the end and it also added bulk to the cabinet where the drawers go in and out.  On my next one, I will be assembling with just glue and painting the edges black.  You might want to consider that for yours as well.  However, for this next tutorial segment on assembling and adding the box to the back, I did use the structure hinges.

Supplies Used:

• Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts China Cabinet # B4A
• Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts Bonus Box for the #B4A China Cabinet - Custom Item, Contact the Store
• Black 12 x12 Cardstock
• 12" Trimmer
• 12" Score Board and Bone Folder
• Art Glitter Designer Glue (White Glue)
• 3-in-1 Glue
• Glossy Accents
• Black Masking Tape
• 3/8" Scor-tape
• Clear Transparency Sheets 
• Black Ink and Foam Applicator
• Halloween embellishments
• Assorted Ribbons-4 to 6 different colors and designs
• Basic Grey Magnet Snaps, small
• Metal hinges - 2 small and 2 mediuim
• Metal Latch - 1
• Small Brads and Large Brads
• Eyelets
• Assorted charms & chains
• Prima Flower
• Steampunk bottles and other embellishments
• Tim Holtz Mini Bottles
• Assorted Miniature Items
• Tim Holtz Door Knob (for decorative item inside cabinet)
• Fall Leaves and Mini Pumpkin Floral Pick

Let's get started!

Step 1:  Layout out your chipboard pieces for the box as shown.  Make sure to use a damp cloth or baby wipe to clean the laser residue from the edges.

  

Step 2:  Apply glue to the notches of the sides and ends and bring  them up to form the box as shown below.  Allow the glue to dry well.

Step 3:If you are using the black cardstock structure hinges to finish the edges of your box, cut several from 12x12 sheets as shown.They will need to be 12" long x 1" wide, scored on the 1" side at 1/2".  You will measure the box and cut the lengths to fit as needed.

Step 4:  Apply glue or scor-tape to one side of the hinges on each 1/2" section.  And attach a hinge to all the edges as shown on the inside and outside of the box.  If you do not want to use structure hinges and you have assembled/glued the box together well, you can choose to paint all the seams and edges black.

When finished attaching the structure hinges, your box will look like the photo below or all the black hinge areas will be painted black if you went with that option.

Step 5:  Pattern the outside of your box and carefully line it up with the curio cabinet.  Use a ruler and marker to mark the placement holes for your hinges.

Step 6:  Drill or punch the holes that you marked and use Glossy Accents plus brads to attach the  hinges to the box and the cabinet.  Carefully open up the prongs on the inside of both the box and cabinet. Make sure they are tight and use a bit of Glossy Accents to secure if needed.  You will add two hinges on the same side.  Also use a marker to mark the holes for the latch on the other side. Drill or punch holes and attach the same way by adding Glossy Accents and brads.  When looking at the front of the cabinet, I put the hinges on the left side and the latch on the right side.

Step 7:  Once the hinges  and latch are securely on the box and cabinet, you can go ahead and pattern the back of the cabinet and the inside of the box.  If you haven't already, you will also want to pattern the back of the box on the outside.

The curio cabinet with the secret storage compartment is now completed.  When you open it up from the back, you have a 3 inch space to create a custom album to store inside. Make sure that you don't create an album that is too thick as you do want your cabinet and storage box to close up properly.

The photo below shows the curio cabinet with the back opened up and a glimpse of the album I created for Graphic 45 and added to the inside.

Finish up your cabinet by adding decorative elements to the inside such as small bottles, skulls, miniature items, photos, clocks, mirrors, etc.  On the knobs of the doors you can hang chains, padlocks, a sign, metal key and other charms.  On the top, add a junk bow with floral pieces and if desired like mine, a spooky skeleton.

I hope you've enjoyed my two part tutorial to create a unique decorative piece with Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts kits. Check back here September 6th for another project from me with a tutorial.  I'd love for you to visit my blog/website for more of my crafty projects at  www.sandytrefger.blogspot.com

Happy Crafting!

~Sandy