DIY 3D Portal Companion Cube Tissue Box – Easy 3D Craft Tutorial

Turn an everyday tissue box into eye-catching gaming decor with this DIY 3D Portal Companion Cube Tissue Box, made for creative gamers.

If you’re on the hunt for a tissue box cover that’s not just functional but a geeky conversation starter, this project is perfect for you! Recreating the iconic Portal Companion Cube into a 3D tissue box combines practicality with fandom fun. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your home décor or showcase your love for gaming, this DIY is a creative way to blend utility with a beloved gaming element. It’s not just a box; it’s a tiny piece of the gaming universe sitting on your table.

DIY 3D Portal Companion Cube Tissue Box – Fun Gamer Gift Idea

What makes it even better? The design is easily customizable! You can stick to the classic gray with pink heart accents from the game or add a personal touch with your own color choices. Use it as a decorative piece in your home, office, or gaming room, or gift it to a fellow gamer who’ll appreciate the thoughtful craftsmanship. It’s a practical yet quirky addition to any space.

Not only will this project help you build something awesome, but it’s also a soothing and rewarding DIY activity. Plus, the end result is a functional item you’ll use every day—talk about crafting with purpose!

Full credit goes to  Flying Mio’s, who shares a detailed and beginner-friendly tutorial on her YouTube channel (watch it here). She makes the process super simple and fun. Dive into this creative project and turn your tissues into a delightful portal adventure.

Companion Cube Tissue Box Craft

Phase 1: Materials You’ll Need

Gather these supplies before starting:

1. Perler Beads (or Hama Beads):
   • White
   • Gray
   • Pink
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2. Perler Bead Pegboard:
   • Use a large square pegboard or multiple boards that can be clipped together.
3. Iron:
   • For melting the beads together.
4. Parchment Paper or Ironing Paper:
   • Protects the beads while ironing.
5. Tweezers or Toothpick:
   • To pick up and position beads easily.
6. Hot Glue Gun:
   • For assembling the cube.
7. Tissue Box:
   • To measure the size and fit of your finished design.

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Phase 2: Plan Your Design

The Companion Cube has six panels:

• Four identical square panels on the sides with the iconic heart design.
• One square panel for the top with a tissue slot.
• One plain square panel for the bottom (no opening).

Take your tissue box and measure its dimensions to ensure your panels fit properly. Most tissue boxes are cube-shaped, making it easy to keep all panels square.

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Phase 3: Create the Side Panels (x4)

These panels feature the iconic Companion Cube heart design.

Step 1: Create the Heart

1. Start in the center of your pegboard and make a small pink heart.
   • Parameters:
     • The heart is 4 beads tall along the centerline.
     • The widest part of the heart is 7 beads across.
   • Adjust size based on your specific tissue box dimensions, if needed.
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Step 2: Add the First Ring

1. Surround the heart with a ring of white beads, keeping the shape symmetric.
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Step 3: Add the Pink Cross

1. Create a pink cross extending outward from the heart.
   • Each arm of the cross is 4 beads long.

Step 4: Add the Gray Frame

1. Surround the entire design (heart and cross) with gray beads to create the central circle-like section.
2. Adjust the beads on the edges to make the circle resemble a rounded square by removing and re-shaping beads at the edges.
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Step 5: Add White Squares

1. Surround the pink cross sections with white squares.
   • These squares will be the "corner accents" visible on the cube.

Step 6: Fill the Background

1. Fill the remaining areas of the pegboard around the heart, cross, and white squares with gray beads.
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Phase 4: Create the Top Panel (x1)

The top panel is similar to the side panels but has a tissue slot.

Step 1: Create the Heart Design

1. Repeat the heart and gray circle design as outlined for the side panels.

Step 2: Add the Tissue Slot

1. After finishing the design, leave a rectangular opening in the gray section where the tissues will come out.
   • Adjust the size of the slot based on the tissue box opening.
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Phase 5: Create the Bottom Panel (x1)

1. For the bottom of the tissue box, create a plain gray panel without any heart or opening.
2. Ensure it matches the size of the other panels.

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Phase 6: Iron the Panels

Step 1: Iron Each Panel

1. Place a sheet of parchment paper over the completed bead designs on the pegboard.
2. Heat up your iron to a medium setting.
3. Carefully iron over the parchment paper until the beads start fusing together.
   • Keep applying gentle heat and check frequently to avoid over-melting.

Step 2: Shape Puzzle Edges

1. For each panel, remove every other bead along the edges to create a jigsaw-like design.
   • This allows the panels to interlock when assembling the cube.

Step 3: Cool Completely

1. Let the panels cool before peeling them off the pegboard.

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Phase 7: Assemble the Cube

Step 1: Start With the Side Panels

1. Position two side panels together so their puzzle-like edges interlock.
2. Carefully glue them together along the seam with a hot glue gun.
3. Repeat this process until all four side panels are connected.

Step 2: Attach the Bottom Panel

1. Take the plain gray panel and attach it to the bottom of the cube using the same hot glue method.
   • Ensure it is securely in place, as this will stabilize the tissue box.

Step 3: Attach the Top Panel

1. Finally, place the top panel with the tissue slot onto the cube.
2. Glue it securely, ensuring the tissue slot aligns with the opening of your tissue box.

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Phase 8: Add 3D Edges (Optional)

For a more realistic and detailed look, consider adding extra layers of Perler beads around the edges.

Step 1: Make Corner Pieces

1. Create additional corner accents with pink hearts surrounded by a border of gray beads.
2. Glue the corner pieces onto the existing cube edges.

Step 2: Add Layers to Edges

1. Create thin rectangular strips of beads to glue onto the edges of the panels.
   • This "steps" the edges outward, enhancing the 3D effect.
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Phase 9: Final Assembly

1. Assemble all additional accents, ensuring they're securely glued in place.
   • If needed, clean up any hot glue strands or irregularities using your fingers or scissors.
2. Place the tissue box inside the cube by lifting the top panel slightly (or sliding the tissue box up from the bottom if it's removable).
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Tips & Tricks

1. Plan Ahead: Sketch your design or follow a printed Companion Cube pattern for precision.
2. Patience Is Key: This project takes time and multiple sessions, so don’t rush.
3. Organize Beads: Sorting beads by color beforehand will save time.
4. Use Tweezers/Toothpicks: These make handling the beads much easier.