1.2 Box Flip

We know this sounds a bit wacky...

But we want you to completely flip a box inside out!

The best way to get to know how something works is to truly take it apart. (This idea is a warm up for what's coming next week!)

Find a few empty boxes from around your home. It might be easier to choose a box made of chipboard (cereal or cracker box material) because it is just a little easier to handle. Cereal, cookie, snack, pasta, pizza, Amazon, or even pop boxes can all be good styles to work with. We are mostly talking about square or rectangular boxes here... but if you want to try and oddly shaped box - we wish you luck!

Some Inspirations From Mr. D's Design & Prototyping Class

James C.'s Flipped Cereal Box = Pinball Machine

Sydney S.'s Flipped Kind Bar Box = New Bank

Tim T.'s Layered Box Flip... 2 flipped boxes in one is blowing our minds!

Carson's Flipped Cereal Box = Easter Basket!

Step 1: Learn About Your Box

Take the box you've chosen in your hands and look at all sides of it.

Where does it fold?
How do the edges fit together - do they fold, or are the separated & glued together?
How does it open? Close?
How is the bottom built?
Is it all one material?

Math Extension: measure and record the 3 dimensions of your box. Can you calculate the box's volume? Can you calculate its surface area?

Step 2: Take A Before Picture

Step 3: Take Your Box Apart

Carefully start to un-tab, unfold, and un-stick the pieces of your box so it can lay flat. You may need to slide a ruler or other thin plastic (like a library card) between any glued layers to separate them.

Your goal is to get the 3D box laid out completely flat, like a 2D shape.

Math Extension: The flattened, 2D version of your box is called the net. Trace your 2D net and use that as your template (your pattern) to make more boxes of the same style and shape. Or, use your trace to make a wrap which will decorate the outside of your new box.

Step 4: Reverse The Creases/Flaps/Hinges

Use an Xacto blade to score the backside of a fold every so gently, so that your material can now fold in reverse. You don't want to cut all the way through, because you want your material to remain intact, so cut gently. Remember to use 1-2-3-4 easy passes when working with an Xacto blade, instead of 1 deep pass. Craftsmanship counts here!

Step 5: Consider Your Box Closure

Do you need to make any adjustments to your material shape and net in order to get the box to close again? You may need to transfer or cut a new tab for the box closure.

Step 6: Put It All Back Together

Now you're ready to fold it all back up. You might need to use a little tape or glue to re-seal the reverse part of the flaps or closures so the box can be used again.

Now, you have a nice clean box you can decorate with. Or, this is the perfect trick for when you need to send something through the mail - and you aren't allowed to have any prior mailing labels or postage showing. Just flip the box!