I love making boxes for small gifts for friends and family. Here I’m showing you how to make a lovely sturdy square box that measures 3 1/4 x 3 1/4″ x 1 1/2″ (8 x 8 x 4 cm). I’ve used the gorgeous new Circle Sayings bundle of a stamp set with loads of beautiful circular images and a wide range of sentiments for different occasions together with a 2 3/8″ circle punch to decorate my boxes.

The box is made in one piece and has a fold-down lid which tucks into the main body of the box. Full instructions are given below and you can also watch the video of how to make it.

You will need:

• Sheet of A4 coloured card ( Used Moody Mauve) 8 1/4″ x 10.5″ (21cm x 26.5cm)
• Piece of coordinating DSP 3″ x 3″ (7.5cm X 7.5cm)
• Basic White piece 2 3/4″ x 2 3/4″ (7cm x 7cm)

Score on the LONG side at 1 1/2′, 4 3/4″, 6 1/4″ and 9 1/2″ (4cm, 12cm, 16cm and 24cm)

Score on the SHORT side at 1″, 2 1/2″, 5 3/4″ and 7 1/4″ (2.5cm, 6.5cm, 14.5cm and 18.5cm)

Cut as shown in the diagram. Make sure you have the smallest section at the top before you start.

(You can also watch the video below where I show you exactly how to work out where to cut.)

Remove the shaded areas and form four tabs by cutting down the score lines as shown. Mitre the tabs on each side by cutting off a thin triangular sliver.

Round the corners of the top flap (marked by the arrows in the diagram).

You can also round the corners of the side flaps if you want though I usually don’t bother.

You should end up with a cut piece that looks like this.

It is possible to fold the box together and use the side flaps to hold it closed, however, I prefer to glue each tab inside the corresponding side of the box then glue the side tabs over these tabs.

See the video for the details.

For the top decoration, slide the DSP piece fully down into the circle punch. It fits exactly across the punch. Punch out the centre circle.

Choose the decoration stamp and sentiment you want from the Circle Sayings stamp set then stamp in a coordinating colour onto your piece of Basic White card. Previously I used the flower stamp and a sentiment, but in the video, I add a flower in the centre. I made the flower using the new Paper Florist dies which you may have missed in the catalogue. You can make many different types and sizes of flowers plus several different centres with these beautiful dies.

I made this box from A4 card and used a piece of DSP to decorate the top. You could also make the box from DSP. If using DSP add a 3×3″ piece of coordinating cardstock to the base of the box to strengthen it. Or I found that glueing two sheets of DSP together works very well and makes a wonderfully sturdy square box.

It is a very useful size box and I hope you have a go at making it.

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