Sunday, June 11, 2017

AMERICA with Flag Blocks Ensemble

Build a block for each letter, including 
special narrower block for the 'I' block, 
plus a rectangular flag block, then display 
as Independence Day or patriotic celebration. 
Face plates (to match to block base or contrast) 
hold letter cutouts. 
Blocks measure approx. 2.5" cubes. 
Ensemble measures approx. 18" across. 


ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:
A & H main block body for square blocks (5)
B & I add-on side panel for square blocks (5)
C & G block front overlays, 
letter cutouts (A, M R-A) (5)
(these can be high or low contrast as shown)
D & J interior "strut" supports for square blocks
(5 pairs)
E main body for 'I' block
F add-on side panel for 'I' block
NOTE SHOWN: 'I' block interior strut supports,
additional C, G & M panels
as back covers for block openings
K main block body for flag rectangle block
L add-on side panel for flag block
M interior strut panels for flag block
N accent front overlays for flag
2. Prepare the main panels and add-on side panels
by bending back on all panel and edge flange tag
perforation lines.
3. Position and attach the add-on panel tab
as shown, overlapping the main body plain
edge over the side flange to the perforation line,
adjust top to bottom for other alignment,
then glue in place.
4. Position each letter cutout on the appropriate
front panel shape, center, and attach.
NOTE: the sample block set uses low contrast
front panels which are edge distressed in an attempt
to provide some visual contouring, while
still keeping the presentation simple.
Front panels can provide strong contrast
to blocks as desired - just make sure letters
can easily be read.
5. Position the front panel assembly onto
center panel of the body shape, and attach.
NOTE: this placement can wait until blocks
are done or nearly done, but by attaching
while the body shape is flat, easy pressure
can be applied, including flat weights if desired.
6. Bend the walls into box shape to bring
two wall panel edge or flange together
to form the first side seam.
NOTE: Invert the box assembly to apply
fingertip pressure along the flange from
inside to help achieve a smooth and complete seam.
7. Repeat for the other three side seams.
This is how the box should look at this point.
8. Prepare the interior support struts by
sliding the center slots together as shown.
9. Spread the struct assembly into 'X' form
and insert into the block interior with walls
extending corner to corner as shown.
Push completely inside box.
10. Bend the back panel flange tabs perpendicular,
then bend the panel into position, tucking the flanges 
between the strut edges, and . . . 
. . . applying pressure along edges to glue
flanges in place behind block walls.
NOTE: use the back panel window to reach
fingertips into the block interior to "pinch" wall
margins and flange underneath to achieve
a good seam and connection all along edges.
11. Position and attach back panel square
to hide the construction opening.
Here is the completed "square" block.
12. Repeat steps 2-11 for the remaining square 
blocks (M, R, C, A = 5 total)
13. Also repeat steps 2-11 for the 'I' narrower block,
using the modified body shape, add-on side panel
(this is the same shape for all letter blocks),
modified front panel and letter I.
14. Prepare the flag overlay by positioning
the white stripes overlay on top of the red base
rectangle, upper and side edges of each aligned,
and attach in place.
15. Position and attach the star panel overlay
on top of the stripes assembly with upper
and left edges of each aligned.
16. Prepare the rectangular flag block box by
bending back on all perforation lines.
Position and attach the add-on side panel
(this is the same shape used for the square
blocks).
17. Position and attach the flag accent overlay.
Prepare and insert the interior support struts
in similar manner to that for square blocks,
position the back panel, etc., and otherwise
complete this block like the other blocks.
18. Assemble the blocks in order as shown.
Your display is complete.

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