1. Den of Angels is closing in August 2026. New account registrations are closed. Please see this thread in Den of Angels news for important information: /threads/the-future-of-den-of-angels.893314/
    Dismiss Notice

The Coffin Carrying Case Tutorial ~EDIT! +Yo-SD Coffin

Apr 27, 2010

Watch Thread
Page 1 of 3
    1. So since I have power tools and too much time on my hands, I decided to make my boy a coffin to use as a carrying case. ^_^ I will warn you though, I really suck at explaining things, so... bear with me? ​

      WARNING!: The method of creating this case involves using very dangerous power tools. Please follow all safety instrucions for the tools used.​

      The Coffin Case
      by Emotional Hearts.​

      [​IMG]​

      Material Needed:
      [​IMG]
      ~1 Doll and 1 Human; I'm an 18 year old girl, and my boy is an MSD.
      ~2'X4' sheet of 1/4 inch plywood
      ~A Saw and blade for soft wood; I used a Jig Saw.
      ~Drill and drill bits, and nails
      ~1 Hasp (the thing the lock goes on)
      ~1 Handle
      ~Fabric for padding
      Not Pictured:
      ~Hot glue gun and glue sticks
      ~Hammer
      ~Hinges, at least 2
      ~Various grade sand paper and a wood file
      ~Paint and brushes
      ~Items for lid decoration (In my case, a wood burner and gold leafing)
      ~Paper for the pattern
      ~Safety equipment for the Jig Saw, i.e. wood clamps and eye protection.​
      ~And everything else I forgot and will mention later. XD

      Aaannnddd Step 1!​

      Fun Fact: Having the hands folded over the corpse turns the elbows out, causing the odd shape of the coffin:
      [​IMG]
      So with that in mind, measure your doll from head to toe and add 2 inches. Then, with hands folded like so, measure from elbow to elbow at the longest point and round next inch, then add half an inch to that for fun. These two numbers will then give you a large rectangle. Measure your doll from sholder to shoulder, and this will be the length of the head end. Measure your doll's feet and add as much as you see fit. Then, with all these lengths centered, draw a long line from one line to another, forming the coffin shape.
      [​IMG]​

      I know this might sound really confusing, and I'm really sorry about that. So here's my pattern piece cut out on paper (that's duct taped together).
      [​IMG]​

      Once you've got your pattern, outline two of these on you wood facing opposite directions to save on scraps:
      [​IMG]
      Note, though, that the jigsaw takes of about 1/16th of an inch from your work, so draw a very thick line (I used a sharpie) that IS NOT part of your measurements that the jigsaw can eat up. This will make sure you aren't cut short (pun intended) in the end. ^_^

      Now decided how high you want your coffin. I choose 4 inches. Take all the outside measurements and make the side boards of them using the height you chose. Remember to make two of everything EXCEPT the head and foot boards. I made this mistake and made 2 head boards, and later cut one of them down to the foot board size. Align these pieces on your board and you're ready to cut.

      With my doll, I came up with 4" on the head board, 6" from the head to the elbow, 6" across the widest point, 12" from elbow to foot, and 3" across the foot board, and all of this with a 4" height.
      [​IMG] ​

      [​IMG]

      WARNING: When cutting wood always make sure you have the wood clamped down to something sturdy like a work bench or cinder blocks as I've done here. Always use eye protection and always unplug your saw when not using it, even for tiny periods of time.
      [​IMG]
      See? My saw is unplugged while I take a picture. ^_^

      Once all your pieces have been cut up, it's time to fake-set them together. This is where you use a little hot glue to stick the pieces together to make sure they fit. If they don't fit, take your saw and either cut down pieces that are too big or completely cut new pieces if too small (you'll need extra wood for that).
      [​IMG]
      The little silver things are square brackets I was using to make sure I didn't have leaning walls.

      Time to put some nails in your doll's coffin! ^_^ Once the glue has set and the box fits, turn it over and place nails roughly 2 inches apart.
      [​IMG]

      Put nails where ever you see fit:
      [​IMG]
      Since the akward angle of the two middle pieces makes it nearly impossible to put nails in them, I just hot glued the hell out of that joint. ^^;

      Continue in next post.
       
      #1 Mari-Kitty, Apr 27, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
      • x 2
    2. Now take a bit of sandpaper and file down the rough edges (or use the saw to cut any grossly out of line edges):
      [​IMG]

      Once everything is nice and sanded, screw the hinges on the lid:
      [​IMG]

      Check to make sure your doll fits in the box. Since this coffin doesn't have any padding attatched to it, I simply wrapped Nika in his blanket.
      [​IMG]

      [​IMG]
      He fits! Moving on!

      Now you get to decorate the coffin lid! :D

      Using a wood burner I carved a few little designs into Nika's coffin:
      [​IMG]

      [​IMG]

      [​IMG]

      So now we get to paint! I chose to paint my box black, avoiding the wood burnings. Remember to paint one side first and wait for it to dry, so you'll have a dry surface to set the thing down on.
      [​IMG]

      Using a small brush I paint around the burnings:
      [​IMG]

      Then using a gold leafing pen I color in the design:
      [​IMG]
      Nika: Shiny.... *_*
      ... Anyways...

      Continued in next post!
       
      #2 Mari-Kitty, Apr 27, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
      • x 2
    3. Using the drill, drill pilot holes for the screws used for both the lock hasp and the handle:
      [​IMG]

      Attatch the handle and put a lock on it:
      [​IMG]

      And I do believe you're done! Yay! *dances around*

      [​IMG]

      [​IMG]

      [​IMG]

      [​IMG]

      EDIT! Made a Yo-SD sized coffin! ^_^ This one is also has a wood burned design, along with a red mahogany stain.

      [​IMG]

      [​IMG]

      [​IMG]

      Thanks for looking!!! :D
       
      #3 Mari-Kitty, Apr 27, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
      • x 3
    4. This is a great idea! Not just for coffins, but for carrying cases of other varieties (different shapes/themes and all that). I wish I had power tools now...and a doll that would enjoy being toted in a coffin..​
       
      #4 Clarke.Alessane, Apr 27, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    5. Thanks! ^_^ I know my boy got tired of being carried around where he can get damaged, and then tired of my messenger bag. XD He doesn't care what shape it's in, as long as it's safe.
       
      #5 Mari-Kitty, Apr 27, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    6. I wish i was handy with tools like you~
      That is a great tute~
      Maybe oneday i will make a box for my boy~
       
      #6 apple-pai, Apr 28, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    7. :D I'm going to try that one day
      Thanks for this great tutorial ;)
       
      #7 aleen, Apr 28, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    8. ou-- nice~♥ i'll drag my father to help me on this haha~ :D thank you~
       
      #8 erihime, Apr 28, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    9. Thanks! ^_^ My dad taught me how to use the tools and such. It's not hard to learn, as long as you can keep yourself, and your fingers, safe. XD
       
      #9 Mari-Kitty, Apr 28, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    10. I want one to :-D
      The one you have maid are just to die for :-D
      It is soooo well done :-D
       
      #10 Tinna, Apr 28, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    11. Oh my! O:
      That coffin is SO beautiful. :3
      I've been thinking of making a coffin carrying case for my Katsu when he arrives.
      Thanks a BUNCH for this tutorial. x3
       
      #11 akiyume, Apr 28, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    12. Ooh, I've been wanting to make one of these! Now I don't have to figure everything out myself! Thanks so much for the great tutorial!
       
      #12 catw07, Apr 28, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    13. cool! I'm subscribing to this one. Nice job!
       
      #13 Michikaru, Apr 28, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    14. I would say though that it isn't always a good idea to butt the pieces up against each other - the jigsaw can leave about an 1/16" gap between pieces and throw off your measurements (if you're a perfectionist). And wood glue works wonders for filling in gaps and is super-strong. Excellent tutorial, I'm very inspired!
       
      #14 Kate, Apr 28, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    15. Wow! I'm not very good with dangerous tools. (I tend to end up bleeding) :horror:
      It looks great!
       
      #15 coinnle, Apr 28, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    16. I've got to admit, this is pretty badass O:

      Thanks for making a tutorial, I've been looking for a more suitable carrying case than a padded laptop bag xDD
       
      #16 Zest, Apr 28, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    17. i think i'm going to get my dad to do this for me.
      very good tutorial!
       
      #17 Breiga, Apr 28, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    18. Aw, thanks eveyone for the nice comments! :D I'm glad you liked it!

      Ah yes, I forget to mention that. ^^; I drew the lines with a thick sharpie and only measured the inside of the lines, so the jigsaw just cut out the line and left nothing but the wood left. I'll go add that in there. And thanks! I love your tutorials too. ^_^
       
      #18 Mari-Kitty, Apr 29, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    19. Nice :) I'm very impressed. I will definitely try this as soon as I can manage! Thanks so much.
       
      #19 Giodrakes, Apr 29, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    20. Niceee!! Great Job! ^^
       
      #20 sanrra, Apr 30, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    21. this is so cool. I must make these for my Vamps when I get them ^_^
       
      #21 metalheadneko, May 2, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    22. Very nice idea and making.
      Maybe the finish can be more sophisticated, but even like that, it really works :D .

      \NieLs, lovin' ^^
       
      #22 NieLs, May 2, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    23. Thanks everyone! ^_^ I'm glad the coffin is well liked.
       
      #23 Mari-Kitty, May 24, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    24. I'm actually thinking of altering the coffin to be a different shape (probably a shoebox-esque style), using hinges on the sides, having a faux overlapping top, and using a lock on the front of the "shoebox." But it would definitely be using your tutorial. :]

      I was thinking, you could probably make one that would fit more than one doll, as well. If you created a divider or something.
       
      #24 Clarke.Alessane, May 24, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    25. Those are very good suggestions! Also, if you made one that was just four-sided, it'd be easier to put in nails. ^^; And I bet I could make an average sized box that'll fit maybe 4 MSDs. If only I had 4 MSDs. XD
       
      #25 Mari-Kitty, May 24, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    26. Well, I'm not the greatest with power tools or anything sharp that requires hammering, so I tend to try to do as little of it as possible. XD
       
      #26 Clarke.Alessane, May 24, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    27. Liked??? the coffin is LOVED :)
      I'm just waiting for my girl to get here, so I can lay her down and get some measurements down on paper, then I am going to either go to Home Depot and get the pieces cut OR find some kind of handy person that can do it for me. As long as the wood is cut (I don't have any tools) I can do the rest!
       
      #27 Giodrakes, May 25, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    28. XD Thanks! ^_^ Hope everything goes well with that. Using power tools aren't that hard as long as you are overly careful about everything.
       
      #28 Mari-Kitty, May 25, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    29. LOL true, but I can't really afford them, and have nowhere to put them, and won't be using them as often either.
      When I do mine, I'll post pictures for you to see :)
       
      #29 Giodrakes, May 25, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    30. It might also be easier to borrow power tools from someone who has them, I've done that a few times myself.
       
      #30 Kate, May 25, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    31. And makes a lot of sense and saved time and money on those expensive tools. Both me and my dad are carpenters, so whatever he has, I borrrow, and whatever he doesn't I go out and buy, and he borrows from me. ^_^ My aunt has a nail gun (more like bazooka) that you could build a sky scraper with. XDDDD

      I do realize that this case could be made by other means, but since it has to protect your resin children, your best bet is to use wood instead of something that can be cut without the power tools. Different glues and epoxys could be used instead of nails I'm assuming, and small square brackets might work as well, if you've padded the inside of the coffin. Which is a tutorial I might add onto this one later...
       
      #31 Mari-Kitty, May 26, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    32. Wonderful tutorial! My boy is gonna hate me, though. I think I just might make a pink one. Hehehe!
       
      #32 ARoseForMary, May 27, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    33. that is so cool...! I just received my vampire boy and was thinking that it would be cool to have a coffin for him so this is perfect... thanks! i should try it one day...
       
      #33 Tari, May 31, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    34. Totally awesome!! Thank you so much for this wonderful tutorial!
       
      #34 CannibalLollypop, May 31, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    35. I'm definitely modifying and using this one once my girls get here :) Big fan of rozen maiden.

      Any suggestions for lining the box??
       
      #35 wings_of_a_dream, May 31, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    36. No clue, but would love some ideas.
       
      #36 Giodrakes, Jun 1, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    37. So cool. You're really good with your tools. Thanks for this wonderful tutorial. This would be helpful in a lot of ways. ^^
       
      #37 soleil_, Jun 1, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    38. that is so cool!
       
      #38 Kinma, Jun 2, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    39. Wow! Thats great! I want to make one! :D
      (Maybe when I finish my digitigrade stilts... *facepalm* XD)
       
      #39 CraftyGeek, Jun 2, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    40. Thanks everyone! ^_^

      I would take some batting, low or high loft, whatever you prefer, and make quilt pieces out of whatever fabric you want to fit the inside walls. Then glue them all in with whatever you have (I'm a huge fan of hot glue) and that should be it. ^_^
       
      #40 Mari-Kitty, Jun 6, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    41. Thank you Mari-Kitty, I do not have the skill but this is exactly what I was looking for before I ordered a custom work.
       
      #41 mslefaye, Jun 20, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    42. This would have been so helpful when I made mine @.@ It was hell working with out a pattern
       
      #42 ringoapplestar, Jun 21, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    43. this is a great idea! Nice Job!
       
      #43 Marah Soore, Jun 22, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    44. ooo this is a neat one I might have to try it!!
       
      #44 smdh92, Jun 22, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    45. OMG :D...I want one :D
      Thank you for the tutorial!
       
      #45 Chid, Jun 24, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    46. Wow, how beautiful it ... You are a great master
       
      #46 Blansh_Devit, Jun 29, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    47. HOLY COW does my chibi dracula need that! YES, yes he does! Thanks for sharing
       
      #47 skyealloway, Jul 3, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    48. I bet if you have any out-of-the-box Living Dead Dolls you could do it if your doll was small enough. But their boxes actually double as storage coffins - pretty handy to have
       
      #48 writerm, Jul 3, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    49. Subscribing because awesome tutorial is awesome!
       
      #49 Wolfmammy, Jul 4, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    50. waw , realy cute . I`ll tell my daddy to make one for me when I got my BJD .
       
      #50 Thikrayat, Jul 5, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    51. Oh wow, thanks everyone for the nice comments! :D
       
      #51 Mari-Kitty, Jul 10, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    52. this is so cool!
      thanks for sharing! i'm so doing one when i re-buy my zombie boy! x3
       
      #52 sahoma, Jul 10, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    53. waw!look cool.
       
      #53 kinjae, Jul 13, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    54. This is cool as hell. I am totally trying this out. Thanks for the tutorial!
       
      #54 hollowmoon, Jul 15, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    55. I wonder.. is it possible to make this for Large dolls? around 70cm dolls
      I mean they were fairly big and heavy... I want to make one for my doll one day...
      But I'm afraid that the board didn't strong enough to hold on...

      Oh, for the inside part, beside the blanket, what material we can use?

      Thank you for the tutorial! I love it! :aheartbea

      Sorry for asking many question, still new :lol:
       
      #55 NataliaTika, Jul 15, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    56. I know that Home Depot and Lowes in the states let you rent tools for a certain amount of time, I don't know about everywhere but you could probably ask at your local hardware store.
       
      #56 SDIBabe2007, Jul 15, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    57. Ah!!!! Turns out I have a friend that knows a guy that makes GORGEOUS wood furniture, that would give me a good price! Worth it for me to have it made so all I have to do is paint it and customize it and add the hardware I want :D
      Friend told me to draw the coffin with measurements, and even design my own dollhouse for my future Pukis, and the guy can make it!

      NataliaTika someone brought one to my last meet (my first meet???) and it was BIG and she was using it as a carrying case and a suitcase for all the doll goodies! It was impressive to see one in person! I say go for it even if the doll is big. This girl's coffin was about 80cm long, so I think you'll be fine :D I am thinking about using 1/4 inch plywood for mine to it's sturdy, but not overly heavy.
      For the inside part, I am thinking about getting white, clean illustration board, lining it up with quilt batting pieces cut to size, and covering the cushy side with something like satin. I am just going to glue the fabric to the back of the same illustration board, and when it's dry, I will attempt to maybe hot-glue these cushions onto all sides, EXCEPT for the cover/lid, because I am going to insert little "belts" under the bottom cushion before gluing that on, so I can tie the doll into the coffin. If I want to pack other stuff in there I am going to put a pillow on top of her, and then put stuff at the top.

      And don't worry love. I'm fairly new, too. I only have one doll that I got about 5 weeks ago :D If we don't ask question we'll never learn!!!
       
      #57 Giodrakes, Jul 15, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply

    58. Oh.. ok then! :XD:
      Hmm.. I think I will wait for a bit.. I haven't decide what doll I want to buy .. Still haven't find the one match my image:lol:
      I'm thinking making coffin cuz I want my doll to be fantasy or goth... I'm not sure why.. but I like goth from I was small girl :XD:
      And making multipurpose case will be awesome! I can keep all of necessary items in it.. great idea! :aheartbea
      I'm starting to sketch some design I want for my case :lol:
      plywood... I'm not sure what we call it here in Indonesia. Is it strong enough?
      I heard 70cm dolls weight around 2-3kg.. (is it true?)

      Yup, thats true! That's why I'm not rushing to buy my doll. I want to know what kind of stuff I must prepare and so for my doll.
      I don't want to get him in hand and have absolutely no clue of what I must do to him :lol:
       
      #58 NataliaTika, Jul 15, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
    59. NataliaTika don't worry so much! Even after you order the doll you will have between 1 and 3 months, or up to 6 months with some companies before the doll arrives. That's the time I used to try to prepare. But some advise, from me personally, don't prepare so much till you actually order the doll. I was planning and preparing for one doll and at the last minute changed my mind and ordered a different one, so I had to get rid of some stuff and get new stuff in the right size.
      I got lucky that I got an Iplehouse YID, and they come with a carrying bag, so that's one less thing that I had to worry about, and that is great, cause we already went to a meetup because she was prepared. Mind you, I made her a top to wear with a skirt I bought her.

      If you are worried that the doll is too heavy for the case, then you might need to check and make sure the hardware (handle and stuff) that you put on it is REALLY on there, screwed into the wood, so it doesn't come out while it's full.
      Plywood is very strong. If you look at it from the cut side, you should see a few layers ("plies" that make the ply-wood). That is the only way I can describe it.
      Not sure about the weight of big dolls, but the website for the ones you are looking at should give you more detail on each specific doll. I have a 60cm girl and she's very light. To me anyway.

      Another thing you need is a magic eraser. I cut pieces of it and use it to clean her if she gets dirty so she doesn't stain.
      Actually, check out THIS page. It has a lot of good stuff on there, for newbies like you and I.
      And again, don't worry so much!!!! Having a doll, In my humble opinion, should be fun, not stressful! :D
       
      #59 Giodrakes, Jul 16, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply

    60. Thank you soooo much for your Advice! And for the link :aheartbea
      It helps me a lot! :XD:
       
      #60 NataliaTika, Jul 16, 2010
      Tools
      + Quote Reply
69 more posts
Page 1 of 3
Draft saved Draft deleted
Toggle Width
Styler
Styler
Color Options
Color Options