How To Make a Trinket Box

Read all of the steps before starting.

Step 1: Cut Rings

This box is made of two cardboard rings—one for the lid and one for the bottom. Find two empty cardboard tubes, bath tissue and/or paper towel, that fit one inside of the other. It is best to start with two tubes that differ in size by about 1/16 to 1/8 inch (2-3mm). If the larger tube is too big or you only have tubes of one size, that's okay—adjustments can be made later.

On the larger tube mark a line around it about ¾ inch (2 cm) from one end. It will be easy to mark the line if you first tie a string around the tube as a guide. On the smaller tube mark a line around it at about 1 1/8" (3 cm). Cut on both marked lines. You should have two rings.

If the larger ring fits too loosely around the smaller one, snip a small section out of the ring and tape it together again. Or if both rings were cut from the same tube, snip a small section out of the wider ring and tape it together again.

Tip: You may find it easier to cut through the tube before cutting out the rings. The rings can always be taped back together again.

Step 2: Trace Circles

Cut circles of cardboard to close one end of each ring. First, carefully trace inside each ring onto a piece of cardboard. Now cut out the circles being careful to cut on the lines.

Step 3: Cut and Glue

Cut a piece of craft ribbon or strip of decorative paper, about 1 inch (2 cm) wide, that will go all the way around the larger ring. Cut a strip of paper, in a coordinating color, that is 1½" (4cm) wide and will wrap completely around the smaller ring.

Glue the ribbon/decorative paper to the larger ring and the coordinating paper strip to the smaller ring. Be sure to align one edge of the ribbon/strip with one edge of the ring. There should be a small amount of ribbon/paper extending beyond the other edge.

Step 4: Snip Tabs

Snip the ribbon/paper that extends beyond the ring's edge at ¼ inch (5 mm) intervals all around each ring. Fold the resulting tabs inward at a 90° angle.

Step 5: Put It Together

For both rings, apply glue to the inside of the tabs, and to a narrow band around the edge of the matching cardboard circle cutout. Bend the tabs over and consistently overlap the left tab over the right tab (or vice versa) around the ring. Turn the ring over with the tabs down, and insert the circle cutout—glue side down. Press firmly around the circle's edge for a strong bond.

Step 6: Finish

For a finished look, cut out circles of paper to cover the top and the bottom of the box. Glue in place. You can add decorations, like a motif cut from the ribbon or decorative paper, to the lid.

You can use your finished box to store jewelry, buttons, small candies, paper clips, etc.—anything small. Make one for a friend and see how delighted they are!