A fun way to personalize a gift for your loved ones is to create a one-of-a-kind holiday keepsake gift box. It’s an easy way to make your gifts that much more special. Here are my tips for creating a holiday keepsake gift box:
First, it's very important to use a decoupage box, or any box that is made of hard cardboard. These are available at most craft stores in a variety of sizes and are good for this project because of their hard surface which is easier to cover.
• Next, gather the patterned papers desired to cover the box. You'll need about 6 sheets of patterned paper, depending on the size box you use - one for the lid, one for each side, and one for the underside of the box. If you like, you can line the interior of the box as well. Keep in mind, the larger the box, the more paper you will need.
• Take the lid, turn it upside down, and center it on the backside of a sheet of patterned paper. You want to make sure the lid is small enough that the paper will fold over each of the edges to the underside of the lid so that no part of the lid is exposed.
• Once you know the paper is large enough to cover, take the lid and using a glue stick, cover the entire top of the lid. Place the topside of the lid back onto the backside of the patterned paper making sure you center it and press firmly to make sure it sticks. Diagonally make a cut from each paper corner to the box corner. One by one, fold each edge of the patterned paper over each side of the lid and glue in place over each edge. Trim any excess paper as needed.
• To cover the box, glue one side of the box at a time and place the patterned paper making sure to center it and to line the edge of the paper to the edge of the box, slightly overlapping it to the next side of the box. There should be enough paper to fold over to the inside and underside of the box. Adhere each sheet of paper to the sides and repeat this process until you work your way around the box. When you are covering the last side, trim the right edge of the paper to the right edge of the box. Fold over all paper to the inside and underside of the box (try to make sure the inside paper edges are the same size, trim if necessary) and glue in place.
• For the bottom of the box, measure out the dimensions of the box on your patterned paper and cut the paper to that size. For example, if you use a 9 X 9 inch box, cut a 9 X 9 inch section of the patterned paper. Flip the box upside down, generously apply glue stick to the entire bottom of the box, and adhere the paper making sure you press well at all edges.
• Next, decorate the box using the papers and embellishments of your choice. Once your layout is complete, stick them to the top of the box using a glue stick, glue dots or any adhesives of your choice. If you want to decorate your gift box even more, you can add some ribbon trim to the top edge of the lid, or some flowers and rhinestones.
Being creative is hot, and so are these holiday keepsake boxes! Your family and friends will love them! Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season!
Love, Paris xoxo
