Step One

Open Word and set Left/Right margins to 2cms.

Open Oriental Dreams CD – Birds and Flowers/Page 2/Middle Line/Middle Image. Isolate the largest image (Sharon includes instructions how to do this on the CD) and copy to clipboard. The rectangle drawn round the image to isolate it for copying should be just inside the edge of the image.

Paste the image into Word twice.  You should now have two images side by side with no gap between the images.

Click on the image on the left (you should see little boxes in each corner) and click on Draw in the bottom left corner of the screen (see picture below).  On the pop-up menu choose Rotate or Flip > Flip Horizontal.  Your image has now been mirrored .

Step Two

Print out on White card, and cut round the image. Run the top edge of the card along a stamp pad to blacken it.  The image should be no more than 140mm wide, when printed.

Draw the design for your interior on the back of the image.  I have included a template for this design. If you use a different design or your image is a different size, you will have to adjust the template to fit.

Template full size Measures 140mm width x 100mm depth.

Step Three

Landscape orientation – cut a piece of black A4 card.  20mm deeper (to allow for the feet at the bottom of the card) than the depth of the template, using the full width of the card.  Card measures approx 300mm width x 120mm depth.

Centre the image on the centre of the black card and mark either side of the image top and bottom approx 1mm from the image edge.  Score to form the inner fold line.  Score again approx 2mm outside the first score line.  This will provide the depth for the door fold.  Fold both score lines.

Place the template on the reverse of the image and mark the cutting points.  I use a piercing tool so I can re-use the template.  Number the drawers so the cut image can be re-assembled correctly.  Cut pieces.

Fold a small piece of black 120grms paper in half for the cupboard lining and position the left side of the cupboard door to the fold – cut one.  Stick one side of the lining to the back of the cupboard door.

Stick large foam pads to the reverse of the cabinet pieces except the cupboard door.  I blacken the top edge of the top row of pads which can be seen when the card is held upright.  Position the pieces on the black card starting approx 1 or 2mm from the top edge.  Stick the reverse of the cupboard down using DST.  The cupboard should open to write your message.

You should have approx 18mm at the bottom for cutting the feet. You must have feet on the centre front (doors) of the card to support the doors.

Step Four

Decorate the front of the cabinet with corners, borders, Oriental characters and tassels.  Mount the hinges on a piece of acetate to strengthen.  I’ve also made sealing wax fasteners, and used Kanji stamps to decorate.

Hints and tips

Always make sure some part of the palm of your hand is in contact with the card when using a craft knife and ruler.  This stops the ruler sliding when you cut the pieces.

Project by Sheila Weaver