Fabric Covered Tea Box

Last week I tried to find my crafty side and make a fabric covered tea box. Back in November I made a washi covered one, so I decided to make the fabric box and see which one was easier. My plan is to make one of the boxes for each of my kids before we leave Japan.  This would be something they can keep forever and store some of their mementos from living here.

Picking a fabric was hard.  You want to stay away from patterns, otherwise you have to piece and match, and to be honest, that is way above my level ever right now.  And I wanted a fabric that said "Japan". The problem is at the store I went to most of the Asian looking fabric was either a pattern or blue. So in the end, this is the pattern I chose.

I gathered all my materials and went to the class.

The first thing you need to do is cover the box with batting. You put one layer on the main part of the box, and then you put two or more on the lid, depending how thick you want the lid to look. This part was easy. Since it will be covered with the fabric you don't have to worry too much about estetics.

Next, you need to measure your box and then cut your fabric. I was a bit worried since I did not buy any backup material.

Then you start covering the main body of the box. This part was easy.

After the main part is covered, you need to then cover the bottom.  You basically fold like you are wrapping a present, then you will need to cut a center piece and sew/glue/tape it on. (I had not attached the center piece yet here)

Now is when the fun part begins. (Note my sarcasm) After the main part of the box, you need to cover the "lip".  I chose to do mine in a contrasting color to add a bit more to my box.  You have to attach the material at the top and then you will "flip" it down and cover the lip.  The corners were the tricky part, but surprisingly mine turned out pretty good.

 

  

And last but not least, you have to cover the lid. This part stunk. You have to pull the material really tight and try to staple at the same time. And the corners, ugh.  Lets just say I think the two instructors were worried about my ability to do the corners as they both stood over and did  helped me get them right. 

 

Finally finished!

 

  

Some people add decorative items, such as braiding, tassels and  plastic knobs. I may add a navy blue coil, but not sure. 

I think in the end, I will make the girls a fabric box and Chris a washi covered one, but who knows. It all depends on who I can get to help me make one too.