I have my fifth grade teacher (Mr. Downs) to thank for today's DIY project. We made these little boxes in his class for Christmas gifts. I remember being really excited about the boxes way back then. I went home after class and made box after box after box!
A few years back I started thinking about these cute boxes and wondered if I'd be able to make them again. It was just like riding a bike, I started folding and it all came back to me. What I love about these darling boxes is that they can be made in many sizes and with all the cute paper out there these days, the patterns and color possibilities are endless! Right now I'm into lots of fun Christmas colors, but I do have a cute flower one at the end of my post I made for my mother-in-law's birthday.
I tried to photograph and explain each step, I hope they all make sense.
SUPPLIES
*paper
*yardstick or ruler
*pencil or pen
*scissors
*adhesive of some kind (glue dots work well)
Step 1: Get a square piece of paper. I actually like to use regular paper for these. I like how well it folds. Card stock does work, but can be a bit harder to fold. Card stock does make a more sturdy box, but regular paper has always been strong enough for me. Try each kind and see which you like best.
The smallest box I've ever made started out as 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" square. It makes a tiny box! The largest size I've made started as a 12" x 12" square. I guess if you used wrapping paper you could start with a bigger size. I just always use paper, so 12" x 12" is the largest size I've used. The green polka dot paper above is 12" x 12".
Step 2: Turn the paper over and make an X from one corner to the other.
Step 3: Fold one corner into the center of the X.
Step 4: Repeat step 3 with the other three corners.
Step 5: Unfold all of the corners.
Step 6: Refold one corner to the center of the X.
Step 7: Fold the same corner a second time to the center line. Unfold and then repeat this with all three corners.
Step 8: Unfold your last fold. Your paper should look like this with TONS of creases from your folding.
Step 9: Cut the triangles out of the corners of the large folded square as shown. You will also need to cut along the inner crease one square past the triangle. This square should remain attached.
Step 10: Fold opposite corners to the center of the X again. I hope this picture helps you see how to fold. The creases you've made should kind of guide you on your folding.
Step 11: The two remaining opposite corners can then be folded over to the inside of your box.
Your box should now look like this on the inside. I usually add a little glue dot in the center where the corners meet to hold them in place. A small piece of tape works too.
When you flip your box over it will look like this. Pretty cool, right?! Now, the thing with these boxes is they come out a lot smaller than the original size of the paper. This box began with a 12" x 12" piece of paper. The top of the box is now 4 1/4" x 4 1/4". The sides are rectangular and are 2" x 4 1/4" . They are the perfect size for gift cards, jewelry, money, little bags of marbles (my boys just got into marbles over the weekend), anything small and light weight.
You will need to make one more box to be the bottom if you are using it to hold a gift. I usually just use white paper for the bottom box. Start with a paper the same size as your top box, but before you do any of the steps, cut 1/4" off every side of you paper. That way the bottom box will be slightly smaller than your top box and it will slide right into it.
This is the box I made for my mother-in-law's birthday. I made the top box, the bottom box, and then wrapped yarn around and added a tissue paper flower I'd made. I also stamped 'Nanny' on the bottom corner. I tried to add a gift tag, but it kind of took the attention away from the cute box, so I opted for stamps.
I had a fun accident happen with my bottom box here. When I was finished folding it, the bar code on the paper was showing right in the middle where the four corners met. I decided to add two ruffled circles and a birthday hat sticker to cover it up. I then thought it would be fun to stamp 'Happy Birthday' in the bottom as well (unfold your box before you stamp, it makes it much easier!). Kind of a fun little surprise when the gift if taken out. I think I'll do this with all my boxes from here on out.
I've also used these boxes for decorations. I make little ones for my boys' Christmas tree in their room. They would make a cute garland of just about anything else you can think of.
Was that all clear as mud? I hope the steps were easy to follow. If not, let me know where you were confused. You'll be a bit addicted, I promise. I get folding and I can't stop. Find yourself a good movie and fold away!
