Holiday How To: Small Gift Box Tutorial

This is technically a repost, but with the holidays upon us, I thought this could be a good idea for those small gifts. They are very simple to make, and you can have one done in about 10 minutes or less. Please don't repost my tutorial without my permission or a link back to this post. Feel free to use them for friends or family or for bloggy gifts, but don't try to sell them.

Now that that is over on to the fun crafty stuff.

Tin Gift Box Tutorial

You will need:
scrapbook paper or wrapping paper in holiday designs
glue
metal tins with no centers in the lids
paper towels
pen
scissors

Step 1: Gather all of your supplies. I was lucky and found both my scrapbook paper and metal tins at the Dollar Tree. I have a nice big one that carries a lot of stuff. The tins were in the wedding/gift box section.



Step 2: Pick out a section on your scrapbook paper you want to use then place the lid over it. Draw a circle around the outside of the lid. Then cut out directly on the line you just drew.



Step 3: Next turn the lid over. Mine has a little lip around where I want to put the paper. This is where you will place a bead of glue.



Step 4: Place the paper circle design side down on top of the lid. Push down on the center. This is where it gets tricky. You want the paper to "bubble" up slightly in the center. You can smooth out the edges so there are no wrinkles with your fingernails.



Here's what the inside looks like.



Step 5: Wipe any excess glue off very gently with a paper towel.

Step 6: Mine tins came with a little plastic circle that was supposed to go in the center. I glue this piece behind the paper to protect the paper from the inside. Next time I'll probably use something darker or more opaque to hide the paper's backside.

Step 7: The finished box left to dry.



Here's a bunch of finished boxes in different styles in case you missed it.



I think I'm going to try some fabric in the future as well to see how well that works and give me a little more durability. Feel free to email me if you have any problems or questions. Also, you could clearcoat the tins with a little Krylon to make them more durable. I'd also love to see any tins you make!