U R So Sweet Blog Hop Continued

Hello again!
I hope you are enjoying the "U R So Sweet Valentine Blog Hop" over at Getting Cricky.  If you want to see my original project post for the hop, CLICK HERE.  If you want the recipe for the altered Cricut Cartridge box, you are in the right place.
I started altering the boxes as a way for my husband to never know just how many cartridges I really own :D  Just kidding (well kind of...)  I fell in love with the idea of reusing the boxes and this will be my 4th one to do and I have ideas for many more.
I have been through quite a bit of trial and error to get to this point and I am sure I will find more things to improve but in the mean time I hope I can save you some trouble, time and paper with this little tutorial.

First purchase some of this spray paint or a brand that is made for painting on plastic.  There used to be a kind with the word "fusion" in it but I can't find it anymore.  This brand didn't have many color choices so I decided I would buy black and this brownish taupe color.  They are pretty generic and could be used with most projects.  I tried regular spray paints and it peels, even after I sanded the entire box.  It makes it rough and icky!  I also tried painting it with a variety of paints but it took several coats and sometimes the color from the boxes still showed through.

I spray all of the edges that will show and even the flat panels if I plan on using a light colored or thin paper to cover it.  I lay a piece of paper on the inside so I don't have to mess with painting the inside.  I tried spraying the inside and I didn't care for it.

Confession--I painted this box the "old fashion" not so good way by sanding it and then using a non-plastic paint.  So it is fuzzy from sanding and has some peeled spots.  (what not to do).  I didn't have time to get another painted to show you today.
While you paint is drying you can go in and plan our your box and cut your papers.  This is the fun and easy part I think.I have found that not every box is exactly the same measurement, it varies a bit but these are the measurements I have used on all of mine and they have turned out well.  Here are the dimensions for the cuts. I like to use a contrasting paper on the sides but that is up to you.

Outside pieces:
Top panel - 7 3/8" x 3 3/4"
Bottom panel - 7 3/8" x 3 7/8 - You don't have to cover the bottom but it does look nicer with it covered.
2 long sides - (this is like the spine on the back of the box and then the flap that closes down) 7 3/8" x 1 1/4"
2 short sides - (the ends) 3 3/4" x 1 1/4"
Here are the outside pieces but and laid out the way they are to be glued on.  I do not show the bottom piece in the picture.

Inside pieces;
Long notched side - 7 1/8" x 1 1/4" - then you can use a 3/4" round punch to cut the notch with
Long flap the "magnets" down - 7 3/8" x 1 1/4"
Inside top - 7 3/8" x 3 7/8"
Here are the 3 inside pieces along with the type of glue I like to use.  I use this Tombow glue because it does not saturate the paper and cause it to wrinkle and it has a wide applicator to lay down a smooth stream of glue.

You could cover the inside box if you wanted to but there is only a need if it is dirty or paint gets in it.  Otherwise I don't paper it. As you can see if this picture, I have some over spray inside the box.  I might paper it.

For the note cards I cut cardstock 3 1/2 x 6 3/4", score in the center and fold.  Then I decorate then with scraps, cricut cut flowers or stamps.  Or all of those things :)

To make matching envelopes I use the <carrot> card on page 72 from the Just Because Cards cartridge and cut it at 3 1/2 out of paper that matches the box.

I don't have pictures of the cards and envelopes but you can look at my labels on the side bar under altered Cricut boxes and see some of the cards and envelopes that I have made for these boxes

I hope you will find this project fun and the measurements time-saving.  These make cute and inexpensive gifts for people or great boxes to put Valentine treats in. To continue the hop or start from the beginning you can click on the links below and leave some love for my design team sisters from Getting Cricky.  For a chance to win a prize leave a comment on this post then check back tomorrow night to see who wins a free set of K. Andrew Designs stamp set of their choice!
Enjoy your blessings,
Jana