Paper Box Tutorial

Last week I posted a photo of the cute boxes that Sarah and I made.


Several of you asked me for the instructions, so here you go!

Here are the supplies you'll need:



12x12 sheet of paper or cardstock
6x6 sheet of paper or cardstock
scissors
adhesive of some kind
12 inch ruler
pen or pencil
12-inch trimmer (helpful but not necessary)

Choose two papers that coordinate--patterns, solids, whatever--it's your choice! The 12x12 sheet will make the box, the 6x6 sheet will be the lid.

Here are the templates for the box and lid.

Box:


I made my template by tracing my friend's box. I think the easiest way to make this would be to cut a 10.5 inch square, then measure in 2 inches from every corner, and trim at your markings.

Lid:


Okay, now take your large sheet of paper. Trace, then cut out your box according to the template. Do the same with the box lid.




Now you're ready to fold. Here is the backside of my templates that show your fold lines.




Start folding.

If you're using cardstock or a thick paper, you might want to use something to score your paper first. The paper I used wasn't too thick and I was fine with a ruler, but thick cardstock can be hard to fold without wrinkling. If you're using reversible paper, make sure the pattern you want on the outside of your box is on the outside of your fold. Using a straight edge, fold your box and lid according to the fold lines on my templates above. For the box, complete the folds that form a cross first.



So far, your box and lid should look something like this:

Box:


Lid:


Now, pull the sides of the box up, line the edges up, and crease down the middle of the inside (see below) and hopefully this will make sense as you're doing it!



Your box should look something like this:



Now for the lid...

One one side of your square, make two parallel cuts up to the fold. Make the same two cuts on the opposite side. See the photo below.



Bend the two square flaps inward, apply adhesive to the rectangular flap, and tuck the square flaps inside the rectangular flap. Repeat on the other end. Again, I hope the photos help because writing this is confusing for me!





Put the lid on your box and pat yourself on the back! You're finished!!! Wasn't that easy??



If you have questions, email me! I think this would make an adorable gift box for gift cards, candy, etc. I also think a thin ribbon tied around the top would be cute too. There are so many ways to embellish this, so be creative. And if you make one, I'd love to see a photo of your finished box.