Introduction: Coupon Box

With the trend toward couponing and money saving crafts growing rapidly, I thought now would be a good time to share my very first Instructable.  This Coupon Box is an effective way to reuse old boxes and calendars into a great way to get your coupons organized. 

Supplies:
1 Empty Cardboard Box (thin cardboard like Cereal or Pasta work best)
Cardboard Scraps (for tabs)
Decorative Paper (I used an old Calendar)
Scissors
Ruler
Glue
Velcro
Tape

Check out the photo tags to get helpful hints.  After completing my first coupon box, I decided to make some adjustments to the design.  I made a smaller box that was a bit easier to carry around.  Also, I changed my tabs so my coupons would be arranged by category (not by expiration date). 

Step 1: Create Your Template


First, gather all of your supplies and decided on the size you'd like your box to be.  For example, my original measurements produced a box that was 4 1/8" x 9 1/2" x 1 1/2" (based on the size on a standard envelope).  This seemed big and my second box was redesigned to be 4" x 7 1/2" x 1 3/4".  The measurements are easily adjusted to whatever size you want. 

Using your design measurement, unfold the box and cut off the excess.  Using the pre-existing folds is helpful and makes a sturdier box.  See photo for template.  (Hint: cut along dotted line only, save the top and bottom flaps to create the sides of the box). 

Step 2: Glue on Decorative Paper


Once you have your template, you will want to adhere your decorative paper onto the cardboard.  First, using the box as a template to trace the shape of the box onto the backside of your paper.  Leave extra room on your decorative paper to wrap the paper around the edges.  Cut the decorative paper to the appropriate size (about 1/4" larger than your box measurements).  Since I was using a leftover calendar for my pictures, I used two pages (one on the front of the box, one of the back).  

Next, glue your paper to the printed side of the cardboard.  Be careful with the amount of glue you use.  Too much or too thick and your glue lines will show through the paper.  Let the box sit until the glue is nearly dry. 

TIP: Glue the decorative paper to the outside side of the cardboard (not the brown side as shown in the photo).  This will allow the plain brown side to be the inside of your box. Or, cover both sides in decorative paper!

Step 3: Fold the Carboard Into a Box


Using some of the original fold lines, fold the cardboard into a box.  Glue the sides shut, but leave the top open.  If necessary use tape to hold the sides in place while the glue is drying. 

Step 4: Velcro, Tabs, and Voila!

Using small scraps of velcro to seal the box is easy and effective.  To attach the velcro, cut the velcro to size.  With the matching pieces velcro-d together, stick the hooks side of the velcro to the closure flap of the box.  Repeat for all sections of velcro. 

Now, expose the sticky side of the loops section of the velcro.  Carefully close the flap to set the matching side of velcro into the perfect place. 

Cut tabs or dividers from leftover cardboard.  As mentioned, I switched to 'by category' organization method instead of 'by expiration'.  Find what type of organization method you prefer - don't forget, these tabs are easily changed or renamed, so you can't really go wrong. 

Step 5: Add Coupons and Get Saving!


The box is done!  Just add your coupons and bring it with you shopping.  I'd love to see and hear about your couponing projects!  Please leave your tips and comments below!