Introduction: Gift Box From a Cereal Box
After watching J.J. Abrams' TED talk, I was fascinated that he was interested in box design. I was inspired and figured I'd give box making a shot.
I eat a lot of cereal, and had a lot of almost empty boxes lying around. So after a bowl of Capn' Frosted Life, I had all of the materials I would need.
Step 1: Tools/Materials:
You'll need the following tools:
- Hot glue gun with glue
- Scissors
Materials
- One cereal box
That's it
Step 2: Step 1: Cut and Flatten the Box
Cut the box down the middle. I like to cut down the side that doesn't have the tab on it.
Step 3: Step 2: First Fold
Fold the box in half.
All of the folds don't have to be exact.
Step 4: Step 3: Second Fold and Make Some Cuts
Fold the bottom half in half.
At the bottom of the box, cut up to this fold on the right and left.
From the top of the box, cut down to the first fold on the right and left.
Step 5: Step 4 : Third Fold
Fold only the middle section of the top half in half.
Step 6: Step 5: Cut Away What You Don't Need
Cut the box so it looks like the picture below. The cuts don't have to be exact.
Step 7: Step 6: Glue Down the Front Flap
Flip the box over. Use hot glue to secure the front flap down.
Step 8: Step 7: Glue Down the Sides
Use hot glue to secure the side flaps.
Step 9: Step 8: Glue the Back
Use hot glue to glue the back flaps.
Step 10: Step 9: Done Gluing
Check the piece. The box should look like this when you're done gluing.
Step 11: Step 10: Fold the Lid
Reverse the existing fold to form the lid.
Step 12: Step 11: Finish the Box
I used a stamp to put a logo on the lid of the box, but you could paint it, use stickers, whatever. I hope J.J. is happy with the results.
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43 Comments
8 years ago on Introduction
Cut a rectangular hole in the top and it could be a piggybank!
9 years ago on Introduction
I just made this and it ended up working perfectly! I lined the inside with some patterned paper, and I love the way it looks. The instructions worked perfectly! Thanks for sharing this.
9 years ago on Introduction
this is lovely!!!!! a cute linen inside and out and it's perfect for a gift. Thanks to the people who really shares all their knowings about design and teaches that everything's reusable
10 years ago on Introduction
I find that the second fold doesn't work with smaller boxes. If folding it in half from the bottom works with the dimensions of the sides of the box, it's okay. I kept having to trim here and there. My box was skinnier so I had to measure that and fold according to that measurement. There is also a lot more cutting with a smaller box because you won't be needing the top flap of the original box at all.
I also found it easier to fold when it has been scored first.
Thanks for the design!
10 years ago on Introduction
Thanks for the idea. My mom and I had a blast trying to make this. Even though I messed up and cut off a piece I was not supposed to, we used a cracker box instead of a cereal box, and we used tape instead of glue. It still worked! And here is what it looked like in the end.
11 years ago on Introduction
This is also a really great example of how to make your own boxes for trading card storage, etc.
11 years ago on Introduction
I actually had a friend gift his groomsmen with leftover cereal boxes without deconstructing them. It was both upcycling as well as funny because it was always a white-elephant gift, however, having seen your Instructable, I can see why this works better, since you actually wanted it to function without additional gift-wrap.
11 years ago on Introduction
You had me at "Capn' Frosted Life"! This was a great instructable and I like how you understand that most of the time, words don't help: so thanks for all of the pictures! Made this in under 30 minutes so thanks for taking the time to figure out a plan and posting it on Instructables! Keep on instructing!
~M
13 years ago on Introduction
Mom turns 60 this weekend and your box totally saved me. Thanks :)
13 years ago on Introduction
Thank you, this is great! I tried one myself, and it was fun and easy:
www.eleventytheblog.com/2010/02/fun-with-boxes.html
When I finished the box according to instructions, I had a hard time getting the lid to stay in place without collapsing into the box. Perhaps I was off a little in my dimensions. Anyway, I cut down the front flap into a smaller tab and made a slit in the folded edge on the front bottom panel. The tab slid into the slit nicely, and kept the box closed while also retaining its shape a little better.
Great project, thanks again!
13 years ago on Step 12
Fantastic! I can't wait to try it!
13 years ago on Introduction
Great article. I'd like permission to post this on my blog
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Sure, go right ahead. Send me a link, when you post.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Thank you.
Here is the link.
I hope you like it.
Garret
http://www.needtogetsome.net/2009/12/how-to-make-gift-box-from-cereal-box.html
14 years ago on Step 12
Awesome especially with no measuring.
14 years ago on Introduction
Excellent . a good idea , I have a lot box cereal to use
14 years ago on Step 12
Tried this with an empty 1kg box Cornflakes. It still works but takes a bit longer. Cheers blightdesign for posting. I'm always looking for ways to used those empty boxes :D
14 years ago on Step 12
this is AWESOME!! i love this website.. im always on here making the stuff. if i send in some of my desgins do you reckon people will print them on here?
14 years ago on Introduction
Cool instructable! I made mine and now I just put hair clips and hair bands in there. I lined the inside so I wouldn't have to see the imitation rice crispies logo inside, haha. Still thinking of ideas for decoration... ?
14 years ago on Step 11
how cool is that!!!