I hate, HATE, H-A-T-E using wrapping paper. It always just ends up in a giant trashbag out on our curb when we exchange gifts. This year I tried to use some scrap paper I had laying around from school projects to use for wrapping instead. I came up with little holiday themed pillow boxes and thought you might enjoy a tutorial!
Okay, here are the supplies you need:9.5in x 12.5in Red paper (a piece of poster board or a piece of scrapbooking paper in the same proportions will both work, I used some Neenah paper I cut down for this project)
2in x 17 1/2 in Black Strip (I used a thin scrap of poster board
3in x 3in Gold Square (You can also use a yellow paper or paper covered in gold glitter if you don't have any gold paper on hand. Or silver if you prefer!)
An exacto knife or scissors
An embroidery hoop or large bowl to use as a 'stencil'
rubber cement or double sided tape
ruler
pencil
bone fold (helpful but not necessary)
1. Take your red paper and fold it in half hamburger style leaving a small 'flap' on one side.
2. The small side should be 6 inches and the large side should be about 6.5 inches
3. (optional) Mark where the flap is so you don't get confused later. I personally mess the next couple of steps up everyonce and a while because I almost always forget about folding it. If you forget you can always save the paper and make a nice Santa Christmas card?
4. I use an embroidery hoop and place it near the edge of the paper so I have a round end versus a straight one, this can be seen in picture 5
5. I trace the other side of the hoop connecting the points on the first line I drew
6. This image just illustrates better what I mean you should have a concave almond shape just underneath the flap on the 6 inch side of the paper
7. Cut the paper so you have a round shaped edge
REPEAT STEPS 4-7 ON THE LEFT SIDE
8. When you have both sides cut out fold the flap inwards, use a bone fold or dull edge of a butter knife to get a nice flat fold
9. Use rubber cement or double sided stick tape on the fold
10. If you are using rubber cement paste more to the opposite side where the fold will meet let the glue dry
11. Fold the flap inwards and press the edge and the fold together
12. Use a bone fold or the dull side of an exacto knife to 'trace' the inside line. This simply breaks the fibers in the paper so it's easier to fold the box and gives it look a bit more of a clean edge
13. I find it helpful to bend the paper along the line in both directions to make it easier to fold the box together
14. fold the 'flap' with the black edge inward then the other flap. Then slide your small gift into the box
15. Repeat on the left side, Your box should look like this! Verrrrrrry nice huh? You got through the hardest part
I don't want to scare you but this part involves some intense (not really) measuring, ehhhh. NUMBERS WHATTTTT? I KNOW RIGHT?? If you are anything like me you are probably grinding your teeth in frustration. If you followed my measurements exactly then you can just trace a pack of post-it notes
16. You need a strip of black paper 2 inches by 17 1/2 inches and a square 3 by 3 inch gold paper or something in proportion to it. Please don't ask me an complicated math questions about proportions I can only half or double it. I'm an art student. My brain can't handle complicated things like math, organizing and electricity. It looks like magic to me
17. Around the gold paper you should draw a grid it should be 1/2 inch sides so the makes the inner square uhhhhhhhhhhh 2 inches, phew!
18. Finish the Santa belt loop by using an exacto knife because
scissors are the devil and will ruin everything you love it gives you a straighter edge and is easier to cut with and cut two vertical lines parallel to each other that slightly extend over the intersecting lines.
19. Weave your black strip through if it doesn't fit just carefully cut your santa belt loops a little bit wider
20. Use tape or rubber cement to secure your Santa belt to your Red pillow box and give yourself a pat on the back you are all finished!
Thanks for looking!
