Saturday, June 11, 2011

Princess Castle

I thought I'd show you this super cute castle I cut using the Cricut
and the Once Upon a Princess cartridge. 

It can be a little confusing when you see all the cuts so I hope this will help.
I wanted mine in a 2 tone effect. There are 2 buttons to make the castle.
Both are white buttons on the last line in the bottom right corner.
I will call the one that is first when reading left to right Button 1 and
I will call the one that is in the bottom right corner Button 2.
(Button 1 is just left of Button 2. Got it?!)

Here in dark pink are the following cuts:
 To make the 4 front towers use Button 2 and Shift.
These are the 4 shapes that are all the same.
(3 in the front row and one the 2nd row right side.)
The really funny looking shape is an inside support piece.
 However, the color matters because the tabs poke through and are seen. 
It looks best in a contrasting color.
In the completed picture the tab is the shape that is centered above the door.
Button 1, Shift and Layer for this support piece.
The piece standing in the back is actually 2 pieces already attached.
These make the inner walls surrounding the tall towers. Button 1 and Shift.

Now on to the light pink:
The 2 tall towers are already folded in this picture, standing in the back.
Push Button 1 alone for these.
Next you'll need the front and back walls.
Press Button 2 alone.
Now for the side walls Button 1 and Layer.
Lastly the smaller support piece. It's the funny looking one 3rd row right.
Like the larger one, the tabs are seen from the outside so
it is important to note the right color.
Button 1 and Layer for the smaller support piece.

For the Roof and Door (not pictured) Button 2, Shift, and Layer

Once the pieces are cut the colors you want the Handbook for Once Upon a Princess is very helpful.

Start by folding all the towers. I find a metal ruler helpful to get a good crease.
Attach the towers at the sides to make the cylinder  shape.
Next fit the smaller support piece (light pink funny looking piece)
over the 2 tall towers.
Tabs will be inserted to help the piece stay at the correct height.
Next attach the 2 pieces that make the inner wall to each other on 1 side.
Crease where small dashes made by the Cricut will illustrate.
Start folding the inner wall around the smaller support piece,
which is attached to the tall towers.
I found it best to begin with the wall that is in front of the smaller of the 2 tall towers.
A tab from the smaller support piece is inserted into the wall
and folded down to make a crest.
Continue folding the inner wall piece around inserting
the tabs where directed until you are back you began.
Next fit the larger support piece over the top of what you have just completed.


If you want a different colored door glue it on the front wall.
I used the Cuttlebug and embossed a wood pattern on it first.
Next attach the smaller towers one on each side of the front wall.
Insert a side wall next and another tower.
Then the back wall, tower and other side are attached.
As you attach these to each other also attach them to the larger support piece.

Finish off by completing the roof of each tower.
I found it helpful to fold the creases first.

WALA! your castle is complete.
This is so cute as a little girl castle but if you change your colors to
grays and blues it can but a cool boy castle as well.
I hope this helped with some of the confusion in putting this together and cutting out the correct colors!