I love making these boxes. When I am between projects I make these like crazy! It is always good to have something to put a gift in and I like making the wrapping a gift as well.
Here goes!

Step 1: Sizing the Box

This box bottom is 3 1/4 x 3 1/4 and the top is 3 1/2 x 3 1/2. This works well for veg tan leather or even thicker leather.

Step 2: Cutting Corners to Form the Box.

On this box I cut out 3/4 inch x 3/4 inch square out of each corner on the top and bottom. I use a box cutter with a very sharp blade to do this. Take your time doing this. It is an important step to be as precise as you can. Save the little square cutouts and you can make gift tags from them later, stamping the name of the person you gift it to on the square.

Step 3: Punching Holes in the Corners

Using a hole punching tool or just a single punch, use the smallest hole punch on the dial and take one of the little squares you cut out (from step 2) and punch a hole in the center of one of the corners of the little square. Use that as a template to punch all your holes in the same place in every corner for uniformity. Do this to the top and the bottom pieces.

Step 4: Stitching the Ends Together.

Using waxed cord or any decorative thread or cord of your choice you need to stitch each corner together. Thread your cord through the inside left hole, then from the outside thread your cord through the right side hole and repeat so you have two stitches on the outside of the box and the ends inside the box. Tie the ends together twice and tighten but not so tight that you lose the look of the two clean stitches on the outside of the box. Do this to all eight corners and you will have created a small gift box!

Step 5: Wet Forming and Final Product

When you are done stitching the corners, take your box to the sink and completely soak top and bottom. Dry off the excess water and form them by hand working them so the sides stand straight or bend them in a bit to make the box more angular. On the bottom of the box, rub your knuckle along the middle of the bottom a bit to dimple it in so that the box bottom sits flat when you set it down. Dry your pieces outside or on a windowsill. When it is completely dry seal the leather with snowshoe weather proofing or any other type of leather protectant, if you don't, the leather may stain.
As you can see, this little gift box can be made in many sizes, colors and many stitches too, your only limit is your imagination.
ENJOY,