Make a Box for Christmas

Hello to all my crafty friends and followers,

It's time for our next challenge over at Polkadoodles and this week we are 'MAKING BOXES'. It was my choice of theme this time and I love making projects that aren't always cards.  My DT inspiration this week uses the 'A Home for Christmas CD', together with a template from the 'Paper Boutique - Volume 1 CD' and includes a tutorial on how to make my gift box, so here goes ...

Step One

Print out your chosen paper twice 

and then put the two sheets back into the printer 

and print the templates onto the reverse.

Step Two

Cut out the box outlines, then score along the dotted lines 

using the template as a guide.

Step Three

Fold along all the score lines and burnish with a bone folder.

Ink all the edges with your chosen ink (optional).

Step Four

Cut a piece of white scrap card to make a 8.7cm square 

(these measurements are for the A4 template).

Stick this to the inside of one of the box sides to reinforce it

before cutting out an aperture using a Circle die.

Step Five

Using a matching Scalloped Circle die and the next size down Circle die,

cut a frame from co-ordinating cardstock.

Cut a piece of acetate to fit the back of the aperture 

and stick down on the inside.

Stick the die-cut frame to the front of the aperture.

Step Six

Stick the flaps together on both sides to make the box whole.

(I use wet glue for this as it allows time to get the edges lined up).

Step Seven

Glue the flaps together to close the bottom of the box.

(Use a long handled paint brush to reach inside and flatten the flaps).

Add another 8.7cm square of scrap cardstock inside 

to reinforce the bottom of the box.

Fold the top sections together, 

pushing gently on the diagonal score lines 

to create the 'milk carton' effect top.

Measure even spaces and punch two holes in the top of the carton. 

Thread ribbon through the holes and tie to fasten.

Now your box is ready to decorate and fill!

Here's my finished sample with added embellishments from the CD,

all ready to fill with goodies for Christmas.

I hope you enjoyed my tutorial and found it easy to follow - I would love any feedback that you may have.

I shall look forward to seeing your projects over at the challenge blog.

Hugz, Jan xx

Gift Bag Tutorial

Good morning,

I hope everyone is looking forward to the extra long weekend - mine starts here and as it's Friday again, it's time for another challenge over at the Polkadoodles Challenge blog.

This week we would love to see your projects which fit the theme 'Anything but a Card' - so lots of scope for those creative minds.  I decided to make a little gift bag and as promised, here is my very first tutorial on how to make it.  Here's what the finished project looks like ...

And here's the instructions on how to make it, 

using just one piece of A4 paper.

First, print your chosen paper design onto A4 paper 

and trim to 29cm x 19cm. 

Then transfer the template measurements 

to the reverse side of your paper.

Score along all the solid black lines, 

then turn your paper over (printed side facing up) 

and score along the two solid pink lines.  

Turn the paper back again and score along the diagonal dotted lines.

Make all the folds and burnish with a bone folder, 

ensuring the two pink lines are folded from the front.

Now fold down the 2cm at the top to the inside 

and stick with wet glue.

Fold the bag together and glue the 1cm flap to the inside of the bag.  

I added distress ink to all the folded edges next, 

but this stage is optional.

Fold up the bottom of the bag 

(like you would when wrapping a present) 

and stick with wet glue.  

Use a long handled dry paintbrush to reach inside 

your bag and press the flaps down from the inside.  

Cut a piece of card 10cm x 4cm 

and stick inside the bottom of the bag to reinforce.

Punch holes and add your chosen ribbon handles, 

tying knots on the inside to secure.

Your bag is now complete - simply decorate as you wish.

My paper, chosen image and sentiment are all from the gorgeous 'Sugarplum Daisy CD' 

which you can buy from the Polkadoodles on-line store 

HERE.

I hope you enjoyed my tutorial and found it easy to follow - 

I would love to hear your comments. 

If you encountered any problems please let me know 

and I will be happy to help.

Hugz, Jan xx