Introduction: Boxes From Cards
"Think outside the box." Or just think "of a box." It's pretty simple to make small boxes from old Christmas cards.
Step 1: Card
Take one used Christmas card.
Step 2: Cut
Cut the card on the crease.
Step 3: Fold
Fold the picture side (this will be the top of your box) in half, but only pinch it on the end where the arrow indicates, do not crease it all the way down.
Step 4: Mark
Open the card and put a small mark where you pinched it.
Step 5: Fold and Mark Again
Fold it lengthwise and do the same thing as the previous step.
Step 6: All Four Sides
You should have all four sides marked.
Step 7: Fold Everything
Fold up to exactly your pen marks and crease, I used a sharpie to really push it down. Fold, crease, and open all four sides.
Step 8: Cutting
Cut from the edges where arrows indicate.
Step 9: Fold
Fold the sides in.
Step 10: Tape or Glue
Tape or glue the flaps down.
Step 11: Bottom of the Box
You want the bottom of the box slightly smaller so the top will fit over it. You'll do the bottom almost exactly the same as the top except you want to make your folds slightly over your pen marks so the bottom is a tad smaller. I've slanted my fold so you can see how far you need to fold over your pen line.
You then mark, fold, and cut the same way as the top of the box.
Step 12: The Box
When you're done the boxes should fit together perfectly.
If you want your box to look not so creased and a bit more professional then I suggest measuring instead of pinching the folds. You could make a stack of these boxes and give them to the kids or you can fill them up with small Christmas gifts for next year :) Have fun!
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7 Comments
6 years ago
Really cool, awesome and creative.
8 years ago on Introduction
nice one there, is a Great idea
10 years ago on Introduction
I LOVE these for all or any kind of card. (not sympathy cards...but Valentines, Easter etc.) If the writing or note that is written in the card is too personal to
have inside the box, cut a piece of pretty cardstock for the bottom and fold as you would the backing of the card. Just an option. Thanks for the instructions!!
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Great idea heartart, I'll remember that the next time I make a box. :)
10 years ago on Introduction
Don't use just one template. Make several for different sized cards, even different shaped boxes (wedges, cubes, cylinders, etc.).
10 years ago on Introduction
Very nice idea, always good to have something cool to do with the cards after they're finished with.
Measuring or making a template would allow you to be more selective about the central image, thought you may end up with smaller boxes.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
A template would be good if all cards were the same size Dream Dragon but I always get such an assortment of them. :)