Make My Day Camp: Make a Paper Gift Box

Monday, February 17, 2020

Make a Paper Gift Box

I saw Ronda Wade live on FB the other day making these little paper boxes and I immediately went to my craft room and made 7 of them to give for Valentine's day filled with pretzel hugs. Obviously they aren't only good for Valentine's day - change the colors to give as holiday, birthday, or seasonal gifts. Very easy to make since Ronda worked out all the kinks before sharing how to make them... she had a helpful video, I just took lots of pictures and hope you can follow along - don't be alarmed at all my words and photos, promise these are quick and easy to make!

Start with an 8.5" square piece of cardstock.

Score one side at 2", 6", and 8"

Rotate and score the other side at 2", 4", 6", and 8"

Fold along all the score lines.

Turn over so your square matches the picture below. Cut along the score lines 2" up to where the 2"x4" rectangles are, see arrows. Leave the center 8.5"x 4" part intact. Those cuts make the top and bottom flaps of the box. Also remove the 2" x 1/2" flaps, leaving the 2" x 4" flap in the center, see arrows.

Look at the picture below to make sure you are removing the correct bits in this next part; Cut out the top left 2" square, cut off the 1/2" flap from squares #2 and #4, leaving square #3 intact with it's flap still attached.

To decorate the front of the box before assembling it, you'll need 4 pieces of decorative paper 3 3/4" x 1 3/4" (one for each side of the box). Glue them on each of the 4 rectangles, making sure to put them in the right direction depending on the pattern - the top of the box is the side that has 3 squares and one flap.

Assemble the box: put a strip of tear away tape (or another kind of adhesive like glue stick) on the 1/2" flap that is on the right in the above picture. Shape the 4 rectangles into a box shape. Remove the paper from the tape and attach the flap to the inside of the last rectangle creating the box.
Turn the box upside down, fold in 3 squares, attach tear away tape or glue stick the 3rd square before folding down the last square - that makes the bottom of the box.

Lastly, trim a little wedge off each side of the top flap; fold in the two side squares and the last square with the flap will easily tuck into the top of the box.