The thing I love about this project is its versatility.  This decorative box is a great gift idea (I used it for Christmas gifts) and can be themed for any occasion – to save keepsakes in a nursery, decorate a powder room, to adorn a bedside table in a master bedroom, to use as a decorative riser in a bookcase, hold wedding or anniversary memorabilia …. I’m sure you can come up with even more ideas.

Let’s Make a Decorative Box

Create a handmade box as a gift or for yourself.

Supplies:

•  A box of any size or shape.  Mine was a paper box from the craft store about 10″ square.
• Scrapbook paper.  Using coordinating scrapbook papers, I used one for the top and it took 2 sheets to cover the sides.  Scrapbook paper isn’t expensive so buy enough to easily cover the project.
• Modge Podge or similar medium to glue and preserve the paper, plus it adds a slight sheen.
• Foam brush.
• Ribbon.  Enough ribbon or trim to go around the edge of the box (measure all 4 sides).
• Embellishment.  Let your imagination run wild.  It could be anything that will add some dimension and interest - I used random beads I had on hand.  How about a silk or dried flower, a painted wood monogram, a ‘path’ of pebbles, a design cut out of yet a different (metallic?) paper, a small toy, featers, dried pasta, nuts and bolts, whatever.  Choose something that fits the theme/color of your box.

Step by Step Instructions

Measure and cut.  Measure the sides and top of the box carefully, or trace their size/shape on the back side of the paper.  Cut using a paper cutter or rotary cutter if possible for straighter edges.  If the paper is big enough, you might cut the side pieces about 1/2″ longer than needed so that it can wrap around each corner making smoother corners.

Working one side at a time, use foam brush to apply Modge Podge first to the side of the box, then to the back of the paper.  Use an even, thin coating.  Press into place and smooth from the center to the edge trying to squeeze out all air bubbles.  If it’s a big area, using a straight edge (ruler or similar) or a brayer to roll over the paper might help.  By applying Modge Podge to both surfaces, it’s a little easier to slide the paper and get it perfectly lined up.  Let partially dry for a few minutes before proceeding to the next edge.

Add paper to all surfaces.  Let dry.  I then covered all sides and top with 2 top coats of Modge Podge (let dry in between) to protect the paper and give a slight sheen.  **NOTE** I found that I got plenty of Modge Podge on my fingers – tough not to.  Then when I’d pick up the next piece of paper or work at smoothing the bubbles out of the paper, my fingers would stick, leaving blotches or even marring the paper.  I kept a damp cloth nearby to clean my fingers periodically.

Cut ribbon to wrap around edge of box lid.  Hot glue in place overlapping ends just slightly and folding under if necessary to cover fraying ends.

Bead close up for decorative box. (photo by me)

Add embellishments of your choice.  I used beads strung on 20 gauge wire then shaped into a bow and hot glued to the box.

I also added some cut paper detailing to one side of the box – again using the Modge Podge on the box and back side of my paper strips.  After the accent strips dried I applied 2 top coats.  Straight cutting is critcial for a well finished box.

Another Box Treatment

Details for a small trinket box. (photo by me)

 This round box was fun to make.  It’s a little trinket accessory box that matches the colors in my sister’s bathroom.  The scallop edged paper covering the lid already had the edge treatment but it could be replicated using scrapbooking cutting tools.  I made a small florist bow using a felt ribbon and strung a collection of beads on 20 gauge wire.  I glued on the bow and then each end of the string of beads was glued under the bow, making a ‘handle’.  The small bead ‘bow’ I just kind of smushed into and around the felt ribbon bow and glued in place.

Finished trinket box with bead handle. (photo by me)

I hope this inspires you to try your hand at some easy paper crafting.  Even though I’m not a paper scrapbooker (I love digital scrapbooking, no surprise!), I do love the beautiful papers available but couldn’t figure out how to use them.  Now, using great paper patterns and a few basic supplies, anyone can have beautiful decorative boxes to give as gifts or use in their homes.  When you give it a try, send me the finished photo – I’d love to see your creativity!

In case you want to see more examples of creative women and their ideas, I’m linking to several DIY ‘parties’:  It’s So Very Cheri, Reinvented,  The Inspired Room , Funky Junk Interiors, and A Soft Place to Land.

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