Making Pretty Boxes

You've heard me speak of and show my "box lid frenzy" creations which is where I attempt to empty out the lids of extra small papers, die cuts and sentiments. I also have a "box frenzy". I love making little boxes and fortunately I have a friend who loves getting them to gift out.

Here is a stash that she will pick up tomorrow, along with a big sack full of little totes and handsewn items she will give to the Open Arms Orphanage in Africa. Like anything I dive into, once I am making these boxes, I find it hard to stop... With each paper change, it is like making a new box all over again. I add flowers, stars, sentiments...ribbons, brads.

Here is how I do this: You can use any size of paper you like but for purposes of this tutorial, I am using paper cut 8x8. In this instance I selected a wonderful pink pearl 8-1/2x11 cardstock and this makes a sturdy gift box. I cut two 8x8 bases. On the first I score on all four sides at 2 inches. This is the box itself....The score lines will make the flaps on the box. The second box base I score at 2-1/8th inches. This will make the lid.

Fold up at all score lines. Use a bone folder to make a nice crisp fold.
On the box and box lid you will make cuts on the two sides opposite each other. Cut up to the score line. This will create flaps that you will fold up and glue inside to form the box. Do not cut on all four sides of each as this will cut away the part of the flap you need to glue inside the bases. (However, if you should cut away that small flap, fear not. You can save the project by creating an outside decorative flap to glue each panel and create the necessary flaps.
I fold down all 4 of the smaller flaps and swirl some glue. I find it is easier to glue everything so that when you start to fold the box together, it is uniform.
Pull up the flaps, place the smaller cut flap inside, line it up all edges and hold to secure the glue. I have also used double sided tape but I feel glue is a wee bit more secure.
Here is a finished box and a tag to accompany. The tag comes from the extra paper I cut away from the 8-1/2x11 cardstock. The flower is a simple punch in several layers, and two buttons for the center. I added some Nestie corners just cuzzzzzzz.
I am always thrilled to give my box creations to Patty and I had a lot of fun making them.

TFL