Pretty tools and boxes, Part 2

I'm finally getting started on the pretty tools project and have about a month to get it done. The boxes are gifts for friends birthdays that have already passed, but we decided to do a get-together and gift exchange on MY birthday.

The tools were found at ACE Hardware. They are sold separately, but have the same pattern. My idea was to supply a complete set to two different "girly" friends. They can choose which pattern they like. But I will also make boxes that are form fitted and lined with flocking. The boxes will be identical.

Maybe you remember this picture of the tools.


The first step was to trace the outline of the tools (onto paper) which I taped to a piece of wood. Then, using a jigsaw and Dremel I cut out the shapes, making a template. This will allow me to make as many "inner forms" as I want, and I can save the template if I ever want to do this in the future.


I wasn't happy with this as an inner form because pieces of plywood got chipped off, but it can be used as a marking template for other inner forms. In fact, I have already traced the shapes from THIS template onto the other wood that SHOULD make the real inner forms (no pic). Hoping that a spiral cutting bit for the Dremel will do better cuts on the actual forms.

Note that the tools fit within their cutouts and there is a little space around them. Some of that space will be filled by the flocking. Since I have never done this before it is guesswork. They may not be completely snug when finished, but I think it will all work out ok.


After the inner forms are cut I will glue a thin piece of plywood to the backs to turn these form fitted "stencils" into form fitted "trays" which will hold the flocking on the sides and bottom. Then I will make the boxes, fit the "trays" into them, and add the flocking.

More soon.