This is super easy and you can put almost anything in the box (no liquids though). You can always modify the size to make a bigger or smaller box.
GOOD USES FOR IT:
-Arts & crafts items (buttons, beads, scrapbooking items, etc)
-Food (nuts, herbs, snacks to go like nuts, trail mix, etc)
-Office supplies (paper clips, staples, rubber bands, erasers, etc)
-Pills (a nice to go pill box)
-Kid’s stuff (pieces of crayons, tiny toys, etc)
WHAT YOU NEED:
2 pieces of regular paper
DIRECTIONS:
Box: Start with a regular piece of paper, I used construction paper, but I’ve also used regular white print paper, you can use pretty much anything as long as it’s not extremely thick to fold. To hold more items that are heavier, try using cardstock, it folds well and it’s sturdier. To fold, I use a folding tool called “bone folder” it makes it easier to fold so you don’t wear out your nails ;) and your fingers won’t get tired of pressing the paper. You can find it at any craft store (Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, etc).
Cover: Instructions for cover below.
Paper and Bone Folder
With a regular sheet of paper, line up right edge to left edge and vice versa, this will make an “X” fold and you can trim the bottom (if you have extra space) so you end up with a perfect square.
Step 1 - "X" fold - Trimmed paper to a square
Step 2 - Fold all corners to center of paper
You'll end up with this
Fold each corner to its opposite top line
You'll end up with this
Step 4 - Fold each corner to first line from bottom
You'll get this
Step 5 - Orange square is the base box - Cut any 2 opposite corners up to the 3rd line (from bottom) (cut ends at square line)
Should look like this after cutting both sides
Step 7 - Fold the other two corners to 2nd line from bottom - This is corner one.
Step 8 - Fold over again to form one side of the box. Finished side.
Step 9 - Do the same to opposite side. Two finished sides.
Step 10 - Insert corners into each other (one in front, one in back)
Step 11 - Fold the other two sides over - Add a bit of tape or glue at the bottom of the corners marked "X" (optional)
One side folded over
The End - Both sides folded over (you may end up with one side over the other)
TOP COVER – To make the cover you just need to make it a tiny bit bigger than the first box. I normally use 0.25 inches bigger than the first. So if you make your box 8″ x 8″, use 8.25″ x 8.25″ for the top. You may even go smaller or bigger depending on the type of paper you use.
Finished paper box with top cover
Decorated Paper Box
Here’s where I learned to do it, I used this idea to make smaller boxes for my wedding favors which were home-made soaps: How to make a paper box out of scraps.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Love this. It’s so instructional even for those who aren’t crafty. Looking forward to enjoying every entry.
This is pretty incredible. But doesn’t it seems like a lot of work? Of course it is totally worth it. Well done.
I love this! It looks so easy and cute. My sister has made these before and I always wondered how she did it. Now I know! Woohoo!!
Thanks! Holly I like your “love imagine create” blog…same tag line. I love what you said
cause that’s exactly how I feel.
Thanks for stopping by!