A wonderful
party favor
Aunt Annie's Crafts
Pillow Box
What you will make -
Follow these instructions to make a pillow box for small gifts and party or wedding favors. This is a terrific box that resembles a pillow in shape and makes an elegant package with the addition of a ribbon. The pillow boxes also have the nice feature of storing flat. The project includes printable patterns in a variety of sizes.
Here's what you need -
- Colored or white cardstock
- Glue
- Scissors or craft knife
- Ruler
- Bone folder or empty ballpoint pen
- Optional supplies include: decorative paper (wrapping, art, etc.), spray adhesive, stickers, paper cut-outs, and ribbon.
This project is rated EASY to do.
How To Make Pillow Boxes
Read all of the steps before starting.
- Step 1: Choose a pattern and print it
-
Choose a box to make. Download and print the pattern.
Choose a pattern that prints in color or select a black&white pattern to print on colored cardstock or use your creativity to decorate the box.
Make a lightweight box by printing directly on cardstock. For a stronger box, print on computer paper and trace or transfer the pattern (see how) to cardboard before proceeding.Patterns are Adobe PDF files. The Adobe Reader is available for free.
- Step 2: Cut
-
Cut around the box pattern on the solid black lines. Try to make your cuts very smooth and accurate. The box will be stronger and go together better if the cuts are made neatly.
Using a straight edge or ruler and craft knife will make some of the cutting easier, but be sure to protect the table with a cutting mat or thick piece of cardboard. Caution: Be careful. Craft knives are sharp and should not be used by children.
- Step 3: Score
Fold
Lines
-
Score along each of the two straight fold lines and the four curved fold lines—in red. On cardstock, use an empty ball point pen or bone folder to make an indent not a cut.
If you are using light to medium weight cardboard or poster board, use a straight edge and a craft knife or scissors to make a half-cut.
- Step 4: Cover with Decorative Paper (optional)
-
Cut a rectangular piece of decorative paper larger than the box pattern by ¼ to ½ inch all around. Center and glue. Fold the excess paper over and glue, or trim away.
Tip: It is very important to use a very good adhesive when laminating decorative paper to cardstock. Glue sticks and glues marked as suitable for children will not give a strong enough bond. When using a spray adhesive, follow the instructions for a permanent bond. Double-sided, sheet adhesives are convenient but more expensive than other options.
- Step 5: Fold In Half and Glue
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Fold the box in half and glue the tab to the opposite side. Be sure the glue tab is inside of the box. Let the glue set before going on to the next step.
- Step 6: Shape Box and Close Ends
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Gently pinch the two box edges, causing the top and bottom to bow out. Push both flaps in at each end of the box. You may need to use you fingers to "encourage" the crease on the curved fold lines.
Add decorations to the box as you desire.
Before you start -
- Make a place to work.
- Read all the directions.
- Get everything you need to do the project.
- Think about the project. Imagine how it will look and what you will do with it.
Are you ready?
Okay, get started!!!
Tip: Use Aunt Annie's coordinating cadet blue, celadon green and light goldenrod polka dot ePapers with the colored box patterns.
Tip: Add a layered band of decorative paper to enhance the pillow box.
The bands on these boxes were made with Aunt Annie's polka dot ePaper.
Tip: Change the look of the pillow box by printing the black&white pattern on decorative cardstock and adding a coordinating ribbon.
For these boxes, Aunt Annie's Gingham Check ePaper was printed on white cardstock. The box patterns were then printed on the reverse side.
Enlarge
Tip: Lightly sponge over decorative papers, like Aunt
Annie's
Mixed Dots Digital Papers, to get a distressed look or
slightly change the color scheme of the paper.