Create sturdy heart-shaped boxes with fitted lids inspired by traditional bandboxes. Wrap a long cardstock strip around a heart base to build gift boxes for treats, favors, keepsakes, and small gifts. The three box sizes nest together for storage or stack for an attractive display, and each include graduated heart templates for decorating the lids with layered hearts.
All patterns print on Letter/A4 cardstock. Print on white or colored cardstock, or on the reverse side of decorative cardstock, to create heart-shaped boxes for Valentine's Day, weddings, showers, birthdays, and other special occasions.
| Box Name | Dimensions | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Box | 4" × 3¼" × 1½" | Watch, bath bomb, gift card with treats, chocolates, small keepsakes |
| Smaller Heart Box | 3¼" × 2½" × 1¼" | Ring box, earrings, wrapped chocolates, two macarons, Jordan almonds |
| Little Heart Box | 2¾" × 2¼" × 1" | Wrapped chocolate, Tooth Fairy box, baby's first tooth or lock of hair, charms, rings |
Each pattern is a PDF file that prints on standard Letter/A4 paper.
Choose a heart box pattern and print it on Letter/A4 cardstock. The Heart Box uses separate patterns for the top and bottom. The Smaller Heart Box and Little Heart Box each include the bottom and lid on a single pattern.
Tip: For a sturdier box, print the pattern on paper and transfer it to Bristol board or similar flexible poster board.
Cut out the pattern pieces for the box bottom on the solid lines. Repeat for the lid after assembling the bottom.
Tip: For the Heart Box, glue the two side-strip pieces together before shaping the box.
Score along the base of the glue tabs and along the side-strip glue-tab line using a ruler and either a bone folder or an empty ballpoint pen. Also score the center fold at the tip of the heart.
Tip: For heavier materials, make a shallow half-cut instead of an embossed score.
Fold the tabs over, then unfold them to about a 90° angle. Fold the center score at the tip of the heart and the side-strip glue tab.
Tip: When using cardboard, fold back with the score on the outside of the box. With cardstock, fold with the printed side inside.
Gently bend the side strip around the heart base to shape it before gluing. Position the center fold at the point of the heart. Test the fit and trim the side strip if it is too long. If it is too short, trim the heart base slightly.
Glue the tabs to one heart base, wrapping the side strip around the edge as you work. At the top of the heart, tuck the glue tab under the opposite end of the side strip and glue the overlap together.
For a finished look, glue the second heart cutout over the tabs to complete the box bottom.
Repeat Steps 2 through 7 to assemble the lid. Before attaching the second heart piece, optionally cover the lid sides with decorative paper or ribbon for a traditional bandbox appearance.
Tip: If the decorative strip is wider than the lid depth, align one edge with the lid opening. Cut glue tabs on the opposite edge, then fold and glue them over the existing tabs.
Decorate the lid with contrasting papers, layered heart cutouts, ribbons, stickers, or other embellishments. The three box sizes nest together for storage or stack neatly for display.
To create layered cutouts, use the heart inset patterns to cut smaller hearts.
Tip: For more details, variations, and additional patterns, visit the Heart-Shaped Box page.
Heart Box Craft Project
Tip: Looking for detailed assembly instructions, printable color patterns, decorative variations, and project ideas? Visit the Heart-Shaped Box craft project.
Layered Heart Cutouts
Tip: Decorate heart box lids with layered heart cutouts. Download color or black-and-white printable hearts that coordinate with the Pen 'n Ink Hearts and Transparent Hearts digital paper collections.
Nest Boxes
Tip: The three heart-shaped box sizes are designed to nest neatly inside one another for compact storage or gift packaging.
Stack Boxes
Tip: Stack the three box sizes to create an eye-catching display for gifts, treats, or keepsakes.
Decorative Paper Idea
Tip: Use strips of patterned paper to cover the sides of the box, then add cutouts of rubber-stamped images.
