Swinging Postcard Box

What?

Make a swinging box with a music box inside. The designs on top include plants symbolizing sustainability and environmental spirit, a sailboat and bridge representing dreams, and postcards inside. The words are quotes from Walt Disney, to fill you with energy every time you see it.

Why?

At first, I just wanted a box to store postcards from around the world. Then I thought it would be great if it could move, so I used the simple rocking chair concept to make it swing. Later, I wanted a way to play music without needing electricity, so I added a music box inside.

How?

I used a laser cutter to cut MDF board, then glued it together with white glue, and added the music box to complete it.

Materials:

1. Laser Cutter  

2. 3mm thick Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) Board * 5 pieces (28 * 30 cm)  

3. White Glue  

4. Paper Tape  

5. Music Box Mechanism  

6. Screws * 3 (adjust according to music box mechanism)  

7. Screwdriver (depends on the music box mechanism)  

8. String (yarn, ribbon, or embroidery thread can all work)

Outline:

1. Draw the Sketch

2. Create the Design on the Computer

3. Laser Cut the MDF Board

4. Glue the Pieces Together with White Glue

5. Tie Beautiful Strings

6. Install the Music Box Mechanism

7. Complete!!!

Design the size, shape, and pattern of the box. 

I added curved lines to the bottom of two parallel wooden boards so the box could swing like a rocking chair.  

Then, I drew some cute and natural patterns to make it more fun, as a reminder to myself whenever I see it.  

I carefully designed the patterns so that when I later draw it on the computer, I can easily trace them using the pen tool. 

Note: Start by drawing on paper with a pencil to better capture the shape you like.

I used Adobe Illustrator to create the design. I scanned the hand-drawn patterns and box concept sketch, then traced them using the Pen Tool. 

After initial drawing, I printed out the general shape and taped it onto a cardboard box for testing, creating an experimental prototype.  

Since the music box will be installed at the bottom of the box, please make sure to check if your music box requires screws. If so, measure the dimensions carefully (since each music box may be different).  

Here, I’m providing the complete digital file for your reference!  

Note: In the file, the black lines represent the cutting areas, the magenta lines are for the surface engraving, and the yellow and blue lines are for the decorative lines on top (the laser power can vary to create different depths for these).

Place the digital file into the computer and connect to the laser cutter. Then, load the five pieces of MDF board into the machine, and set the parameters to start cutting.

Parameter settings: Speed 0.4, Power 65

Note:

1. Be sure to adjust the settings according to your specific laser cutter’s manual (parameters may vary depending on the machine). 

2. In the file, the black lines represent the areas to be cut out, the magenta lines are for surface engraving, and the yellow and blue lines represent the decorative lines on top (you can adjust the laser power to achieve different depths for these decorations).

Use white glue to attach the MDF pieces together. It’s recommended to glue all five pieces at once to ensure they stay aligned and don’t shift. After applying the glue, wait for about one night to let it fully dry and set.

Note: After applying the white glue, use paper tape to temporarily secure the pieces in place. This will help keep them from coming apart while the glue dries.

I tested using satin ribbon, brown embroidery thread, and red embroidery thread to decorate the bridge. In the end, I chose a vibrant red and finished it off by tying a braid on the back, adding a handmade and warm touch.  

Note: You can use any color or materials you like, or whatever you have on hand for decoration. This step is very flexible and allows for personal creativity!

I carved out a few holes on the bottom of the box to fit the music box mechanism, as shown in the picture. Then, I traced the screw hole positions on the computer and created circles before laser cutting them.  

After that, simply use screws and a screwdriver to secure the music box in place, and you're done!

Note: You can also use a drill to make the holes, depending on the tools you have available.

Congratulations on completing your project！

Every time you receive a postcard from afar, we hope you'll enjoy the delightful swinging motion of your box. 

Don’t forget to wind the music box and let the melody play—without the need for electricity!

We hope you love this project as much as we do. Wishing you a wonderful day filled with creativity and joy!