Monday 8 September 2008

Altered Beer Mat Box

This box was made for Mark to hold his little bits and pieces in on his computer desk. I made it with 5 beer mats. Initially I wanted to get the library kids to do one but after nearly putting my hand out of action doing all of the punching I decided it was too hard!!




I used K&Co Blue Awning papers. Anna Griffin Chipboard Alphabet and Prima Flowers. This is one of the few things I have made that he actually likes!! (I knew I should have hung onto it until Fathers Day!!)

To make this box:

Cut paper to size, round corners and apply glue stick to the beer mat and lay paper on top. Cover both sides. Repeat 4 times.

Punch 5 holes evenly spaced down each of three sides of a beer mat like this:
x .......x
x .......x
x .......x
x .......x
x x x x x (ignore the dots but my x's kept on moving when I posted)
Join 2 mats together by threading ribbon from the inside of the top and criss-crossing it down, finish with a small bow. Attach the next mat and start at the inside of the bottom and criss-cross until you get to the top.I did them opposite because I didn't think Mark would like lots of bows at the top. Repeat with the next 2 mats, until you have formed a square.
Take the 5th beer mat, cover and punch all 4 sides with 5 holes on each side.
Attach to square with ribbon. I criss-crossed every hole this time to make the base stronger and glued 4 wooden beads on the bottom for feet.

ps; you will need at least 3 metres of ribbon.

TFL xxx

5 comments:

Nobbly Bobbly said...

Wow Ruth this is just the best idea ever and so adaptable - an absolutely fab idea for a gift.

xxx

sam21ski said...

This looks fab Ruth, I just love the colours you've used xxxx

Jamie Pyles said...

Ruth, you never cease to amaze me!!! However did you think of this??!! You are one talented cookie my friend!! Good call on rethinking this as a project for the library kids, your fingers would have been numb:):):)
And, I wanted to thank you for your thoughtful comments on Inspirational! I completely forgot to look there until yesterday:):)!!
You are too kind:):):)
Have a great week
Hugs
Jamie

Anonymous said...

Great piece and love the colours and patterns you've chosen too.

xxxxxx

The Dolphin Inn said...

Beer mats never looked so good, brilliant project Ruth and thanks for sharing the instructions XXX