Geisha Favor Box

Update 3/26/2011: Thank you all for your comments. Here is the improved view of the template (I figured out how to take a better photo of it). For those who would like a PDF file, please e-mail me directly. Get ready for a loooong posting with a bunch of photos! My friend Gene provided the inspiration for this project - it came from a book: "20 to make Mini Gift Boxes by Michelle Powell". I believe she found this book at a Joanne fabric Store..........but mine wouldn't have it since it is quite a small store. This is one of the fabulous projects - lots of trial and lots of error to finally have these results. I made 12 of these girls in a variety of colors. Left Photo: another group photo Right Photo: the Pink Geisha Left Photo: the Lavender Geisha Right Photo: the Red Geisha Left Photo: Back of each Geisha Right Photo: Template is made using (1) 7-1/2 x 7-1/2 Square Washi Paper. Washi paper is used because it is softer and pliable. 65 pound or 80 pound paper will be more "stiff"and hard to fold. Left Photo: after folding all scored lines, project should look like this Right Photo: After folding all dotted lines, fold up to punch a 1/8 or 1/4" hole through 2 layers of Washi Paper Left Photo: Make sure the pleat goes on the inside (see Yellow arrow) in 4 of the sections. Right Photo: After threading a 6" long cut ribbon through punched holes, this would be a good time to place treats inside the pouch Left Photo: Tie ribbon into a bow, leaving (4) "ears" as shown Right Photo: be sure valley pleats are inside toward the center - problematic? add a mini glue dot that will keep it closed. The back should be the bow, the front is in the next photo. Left Photo: Fold down one of the "ears" as shown. Clip off the left "point" aligning it to the fold line. At this time, a mini glue dot can be applied to the back of this section to keep it in place. Right Photo: Make a crease (see Yellow arrow) toward the front - this crease line follows the shape of the front fold. Left Photo: Here's another photo angle to show the crease line. Repeat this step for the left side Right Photo: Both the right and left side should be meeting at the bottom (see Yellow arrow)

Left Photo: Apply adhesive to secure the back "ear (see Yellow arrow)

Right Photo: Bring the "ear" toward the front (see Yellow arrow)

Left Photo: Another view of the back "ear" attached to the right front, clip off excess

Right Photo: Once both sides are attached, pinch and create a fold line (see Yellow arrow)

Left Photo: Here's another view of the underside after pinching......

Right Photo: Here's the Geisha body finished with both sides pinched.............

Stay tuned tomorrow to complete the obi and the Geisha head.....................whew...............