Boxes and Bags

About the projects

These craft projects are all about making gifts a visual delight with techniques and ideas for gift wrapping. There are instructions for making boxes and bags in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, along with tips for adding decorative elements. Come back in the coming weeks and months for other projects!

The projects range in difficulty from VERY EASY to DIFFICULT.

Browse down this page for descriptions and illustrations of the projects, then select a project and have some crafting fun!

• 

  Milk Carton Fun - In this project, learn how to recycle milk and juice cartons, or any size gable top carton, into strong gift boxes. You can either wrap the boxes in your favorite way or transform the carton into a house or a cuckoo clock using Aunt Annie's patterns.

  EASY to AVERAGE

• 

  Christmas Tree Shaped Box - Make a novelty box in the shape of a pine tree for Christmas in either of two sizes. This is a cute gift box for small gifts that adds some Christmas cheer wherever it is displayed. The project includes instructions for making your own patterns for novelty-shaped boxes.

  DIFFICULT

• 

  Oval Box with Lid - Make an oval box with a lid in a several sizes and depths. The technique used to make these boxes is based on the band boxes popular in the 19th century, and is well suited to making boxes with curves, like this oval box. This is an elegant box that will compliment that special gift.

  AVERAGE

• 

  Pillow Boxes - 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 project includes printable patterns in a variety of sizes.

  EASY

• 

  Flared Boxes - Make these wonderfully elegant boxes that increase in size from a square or rectangular base to lid flaps that flare out from the top. The project includes printable patterns for flared boxes in a variety of sizes and shapes. These boxes have many decorative uses.

  EASY

• 

  Rectangular Box - Make a rectangular box with lid, also called a shirt box, in a variety of sizes and depths. This is a very versatile box that can be used to package about any gift. It can also be made without the lid and used as a letter box, napkin holder, etc. Instructions are given for drafting a box pattern/template for any size rectangular box.

  EASY

• 

  Collapsible Box - If you haven't made boxes before, you'll be delighted with how easy it is to make a box in exactly the size needed. This project features a collapsible box with an attached lid. Use these boxes for gifts, as decorative containers or for storage around the home or craft room.

  EASY

• 

  Half-moon Petal Envelope - Have fun making these delightful envelopes with half-moon flaps that fold like petals. Spring and Easter designs are included in the project. Use these envelopes as a gift wrap for small gifts or to store keepsakes.

  VERY EASY

• 

  Easy Gift Bags - Learn how easy it is to make reusable gift bags from wrapping paper. With a simple technique bags can be fashioned in just the right size for your gift in just a matter of minutes.

  EASY