Refillable Papercraft Advent Calendar!

24th Oct 202624th Oct 2026 EsselleCraftsLeave a comment

This festive papercraft project is a lovely, eco-friendly way to count down the days to Christmas! The Advent calendar features a seasonal background set into a sturdy base, and the numbers are displayed on two cubes that can be turned around every day.

A Christmas countdown advent calendar, which comes as a DIY papercraft template, featuring a central house, two pine trees, and two numbered blocks that double up as gift boxes. It can be refilled and reused each year.

But wait! The cubes are not just cubes! They are in fact little gift boxes, designed to hold a small treat or two, that can be refilled each day!

Plus, you can make it using any colour cardstock you wish! I really like the feel of the brown kraft card paired with the snowy white details, but using more traditional Christmas colours makes it really stand out!

The digital templates for this advent calendar come as SVG cut files, and can be found in my Etsy shop.

To make one, you will need:

* Refillable Advent Calendar template (available as SVG cut files)
* Computer and printer to print the PDF instructions
* Digital cutting machine
* Patterned or solid colour cardstock (220-250gsm / 80-92lb recommended)
* Craft glue

Watch my video tutorial showing how to assemble the Advent calendar, and be sure to follow the tips below:

TIP 1 : After folding the score lines on the two cube gift boxes, glue the numbers onto them exactly as shown below.

TIP 2 : Assemble the base holder like a box frame, folding and gluing the two long sides in first, then neatly tucking the two short sides in.

TIP 3 : Apply glue along the base edge of the house, then carefully slide it in behind the two trees and attach it to the base. You can also add a little glue to the edges of the trees where they overlap the house to hold them in place.

TIP 4 : Glue the two side tabs underneath the white base so they are hidden.

Once assembled, your amazing Advent calendar is ready to go! On the countdown to Christmas, simply fill the two boxes each day with chocolates, small treats or little surprises 🍬

The best part of this craft is that it’s totally plastic free, and you can bring it out and enjoy it year after year!

Happy Christmas crafting!
Suzanne

3D Papercraft Projects · Christmas Papercraft · Gift Card Holders · Papercraft Projects

Cosy Mug Gift Card Holder

4th Oct 202610th Oct 2026 EsselleCraftsLeave a comment

Continuing with my range of papercraft gift card holders, my latest design is this cosy Christmas mug. They are such fun to create, and make gift giving so much easier, especially if you are having to post it.

Three papercraft gift card holders in the shape of a cosy Christmas mug. They are decorated with stars, hearts and snowflakes and are topped with white paper whipped cream, a brown paper cinnamon stick and dark brown paper sprinkles.

Perfect for Christmas favours, this cosy mug gift card holder will hold a standard credit card sized gift card, and can also be used as a greeting card! Think Father’s Day, teacher gifts, or a unique wedding day gift!

A papercraft gift card holder in the shape of a cosy Christmas mug. It is holding a Costa thank you gift card in the back.

The template for this gift card holder comes as a single SVG cut file, and can be found in my Etsy shop. There are lots of decorations included in the download, plus you can also choose to personalise your mug with an initial!

Two papercraft gift card holders in the shape of a cosy Christmas mug. One is dark blue decorated with white paper stars and one is dark red decorated with a silver letter S.

To make one, you will need:

* Cosy Mug Gift Card Holder template (available as an SVG cut file)
* Computer and printer to print the PDF instructions
* Digital cutting machine
* Double-sided solid colour or patterned cardstock (220-250gsm / 80-92lb recommended)
* Light brown ink pad (optional)
* Craft glue

Watch my video tutorial showing how to assemble the gift card holder, and be sure to follow the tips below:

TIP 1 : Slide the gift card into the back piece before assembling. This will make it easier to get the gift card in and out. Alternatively, use a piece of plain white card the same size as a gift card.

A papercraft gift card holder in the shape of a cosy Christmas mug. It is holding a plain white card in the back.

TIP 2 : Apply glue to the top 2 sections of whipped cream only to attach the two pieces together.

TIP 3 : Glue one end of the tab to the inside of the front piece, then fold it over and glue the other end to the inside of the back piece.

TIP 4 : To add the cinnamon stick or the little gingerbread man, glue it to the back of either the second or third layer of whipped cream.

A papercraft gift card holder in the shape of a cosy Christmas mug.

Once assembled, your cosy mug gift card holder is ready to go and, because it folds flat, it can easily be popped into a 14cm x 14cm / 5.5″ x 5.5″ envelope for posting!

A papercraft gift card holder in the shape of a cosy Christmas mug. It is dark blue, decorated with white paper stars, and is topped with white paper whipped cream and a brown paper cinnamon stick. It is folded flat for easy posting.

When opened up, it becomes freestanding, and is perfect for Christmas home décor or as a unique winter birthday card / gift!

Happy crafting!
Suzanne

3D Papercraft Projects · Gift Card Holders · Halloween Party · Papercraft Projects

Pumpkin Mug Gift Card Holder

1st Oct 20263rd Oct 2026 EsselleCraftsLeave a comment

Continuing with my range of papercraft gift card holders, my latest design is this spooky pumpkin mug 🎃 They are such fun to create, and make gift giving so much easier, especially if you are having to post it.

A papercraft gift card holder in the style of a pumpkin spice latte mug. It has a spooky black cut out face in the centre of the mug and is topped with white paper whipped cream, a brown paper cinnamon stick and dark brown paper sprinkles.

Perfect for Halloween surprises and party favours, this pumpkin mug gift card holder will hold a standard credit card sized gift card, and can also be used as a greeting card!

A papercraft gift card holder in the style of a pumpkin spice latte mug. It is showing a Hobbycraft gift card in the back.

The template for this gift card holder comes as a single SVG cut file, and can be found in my Etsy shop. There are six pumpkin face designs included in the download, but you can also choose to make a plain mug using your own solid colour or patterned paper.

Six spooky Halloween pumpkin faces for use on a papercraft pumpkin spice latte mug.

A papercraft gift card holder in the style of a pumpkin spice latte mug. It has spooky Halloween ghosts, bats and pumpkins on of the mug and is topped with white paper whipped cream, a brown paper cinnamon stick and dark brown paper sprinkles.

To make one, you will need:

* Pumpkin Mug Gift Card Holder template (available as an SVG cut file)
* Computer and printer to print the PDF instructions
* Digital cutting machine
* Double-sided solid colour or patterned cardstock (220-250gsm / 80-92lb recommended)
* Light brown ink pad (optional)
* Craft glue

Watch my video tutorial showing how to assemble the gift card holder, and be sure to follow the tips below:

The back view of a papercraft gift card holder in the style of a pumpkin spice latte mug. It is holding a plain white piece of card for a handwritten message.

TIP 2 : Apply glue to the top 2 sections of whipped cream only to attach the two pieces together.

Making a papercraft gift card holder in the style of a pumpkin spice latte mug.

TIP 3 : Glue one end of the tab to the inside of the front piece, then fold it over and glue the other end to the inside of the back piece.

TIP 4 : To add the cinnamon stick, glue it to the back of either the second or third layer of whipped cream. Make sure that it’s sticking out of the end.

Once assembled, your spooky pumpkin mug gift card holder is ready to go and, because it folds flat, it can easily be popped into a 14cm x 14cm / 5.5″ x 5.5″ envelope for posting!

When opened up, it becomes freestanding, and is perfect for Halloween home decor or as a unique autumn birthday card / gift!

Happy crafting 🎃
Suzanne

3D Papercraft Projects · Gift Card Holders · Papercraft Projects

Vintage Dress Gift Card Holder

23rd Aug 202624th Aug 2026 EsselleCraftsLeave a comment

Over the last few months, I’ve been focusing on designing a range of papercraft gift card holders. They are so much fun to create, and make gift giving so much easier, especially if you are having to post it. My latest design is this beautiful, vintage dress!

A papercraft gift card holder in the style of a vintage pink dress. It is decorated with a white paper bow round the waist and white paper panels on the front.

Designed to compliment my dress favour box, this stunning dress gift card holder will hold a standard credit card sized gift card, and can also be used as a greeting card!

A papercraft gift card holder in the style of a vintage pink dress. It is holding a white gift card in the back.

The template for this gift card holder comes as a single SVG cut file, and can be found in my Etsy shop.

To make one, you will need:

* Dress Gift Card Holder template (available as an SVG cut file)
* Computer and printer to print the PDF instructions
* Digital cutting machine
* Patterned cardstock and solid colour cardstock (220-250gsm / 80-92lb recommended)
* Craft glue

Watch my video tutorial showing how to assemble the gift card holder, and be sure to follow the tips below:

TIP 1 : Gently curl the sides of the dress panels upwards, then apply glue to the centre part only. Once the glue is dry, you can gently raise the edges up to create more dimension.

A papercraft gift card holder in the style of a vintage pink dress.

A papercraft gift card holder in the style of a vintage pink dress. It is decorated with white paper panels on the front.

TIP 2 : Apply glue to ¾ of the belt only. Attach the glued end to the centre of the front, wrap it around the back and allow it to line back up where it started.

TIP 3 : You can glue the buckle on here if you wish, or trim the remainder of the belt and glue the bow on.

A papercraft gift card holder in the style of a vintage pink dress. It is decorated with a gold paper buckle at the waist and white paper panels on the front.

TIP 4 : Slide the gift card into the back, or use a piece of plain white card to turn it into a greeting card and add your own handwritten message.

Once assembled, your pretty dress gift card holder is ready to go and, because it folds flat, it can easily be popped into a 7″ x 7″ envelope for posting!

When opened up, it becomes freestanding, and is perfect for birthday cards, Mother’s day, teacher gifts or as a unique wedding day gift!

Happy crafting!
Suzanne

3D Papercraft Projects · Gift Card Holders · Papercraft Projects

Sunflower Teapot Gift Card Holder

10th Aug 202610th Aug 2026 EsselleCraftsLeave a comment

Following on from my poinsettia gift card holder, my forget-me-not gift card holder and my cornfield gift card holder, I have now published the fourth design in the series, which features a row of bright sunflowers!

A papercraft gift card holder in the style of a vintage brown teapot with a yellow handle and spout. It is decorated with three paper sunflowers and a paper bee on the front.

Disguised as a vintage teapot, this stunning sunflower gift card holder is designed to hold a standard credit card sized gift card, and can also be used for home decor!

A papercraft gift card holder in the style of a vintage brown teapot with a yellow handle and spout. It is holding a gift card in the back.

The template for this gift card holder comes as a single SVG cut file, and can be found in my Etsy shop.

To make one, you will need:

* Sunflower Teapot Gift Card Holder template (available as an SVG cut file)
* Computer and printer to print the PDF instructions
* Digital cutting machine
* Double-sided cardstock (220-250gsm / 80-92lb recommended)
* Small piece of vellum
* Craft glue

Watch my video tutorial showing how to assemble the gift card holder, and be sure to follow the tips below:

TIP 1 : When attaching the green leaf pieces, carefully line up the base so that it’s just up from the teapot base.

A papercraft gift card holder in the style of a vintage brown teapot with a yellow handle and spout.

TIP 2 : Glue the brown centres onto the yellow sunflowers, then gently curl the petals upwards to give them added dimension.

TIP 3 : When attaching the back piece, only apply glue to the top part (the lid and rim section).

TIP 4 : Fold the base tab in half and apply glue to the last part only so that it attaches to the base of the teapot piece.

Once assembled, your little sunflower teapot gift card holder is ready to go and, because it folds flat, it can easily be popped into an envelope for posting!

A papercraft gift card holder in the style of a vintage brown teapot with a yellow handle and spout. It is folded flat for easy posting.

When opened up, it becomes freestanding, and will even rock, making it perfect for birthday cards, Mother’s day, teacher gifts or as a unique housewarming gift!

Happy crafting!
Suzanne

3D Papercraft Projects · Gift Card Holders · Papercraft Projects

Cornfield Teapot Gift Card Holder

6th Aug 20266th Aug 2026 EsselleCrafts1 Comment

Following on from my poinsettia gift card holder and my forget-me-not gift card holder, I have now published the third design in the series, which features a lovely array of cornfield flowers!

A papercraft gift card holder in the style of a vintage cream teapot with a pale brown handle and spout. It is decorated with a paper poppy, two paper cornflowers, three paper daisies and a paper bee on the front.

Disguised as a vintage teapot, this stunning cornfield gift card holder is designed to hold a standard credit card sized gift card, and can also be used for home decor!

A papercraft gift card holder in the style of a vintage cream teapot with a pale brown handle and spout.

The template for this gift card holder comes as a single SVG cut file, and can be found in my Etsy shop.

To make one, you will need:

* Cornfield Teapot Gift Card Holder template (available as an SVG cut file)
* Computer and printer to print the PDF instructions
* Digital cutting machine
* Double-sided cardstock (220-250gsm / 80-92lb recommended)
* Small piece of vellum
* Craft glue

Watch my video tutorial showing how to assemble the gift card holder, and be sure to follow the tips below:

TIP 1 : When attaching the green leaf pieces, carefully line up the base so that it’s just up from the teapot base.

TIP 2 : Gently curl the petals of each flower upwards to give them added dimension. Then glue the layers on as shown here.

TIP 3 : When attaching the back piece, only apply glue to the top part (the lid and rim section).

TIP 4 : Fold the base tab in half and apply glue to the last part only so that it attaches to the base of the teapot piece.

Once assembled, your little cornfield teapot gift card holder is ready to go and, because it folds flat, it can easily be popped into an envelope for posting!

When opened up, it becomes freestanding, and will even rock, making it perfect for birthday cards, Mother’s day, teacher gifts or as a unique housewarming gift!

Happy crafting!
Suzanne

3D Papercraft Projects · Gift Card Holders · Papercraft Projects

Forget-me-not Teapot Gift Card Holder

5th Aug 20265th Aug 2026 EsselleCrafts2 Comments

You may remember reading about my poinsettia gift card holder, which has proved to be very popular already! Well, now I am working on several other designs in this series, and I am super excited to share my second design featuring forget-me-nots!

A papercraft gift card holder in the style of a vintage cream teapot with a dark blue handle and spout. It is decorated with light blue paper forget-me-not flowers on the front.

Disguised as a vintage teapot, this stunning forget-me-not gift card holder is designed to hold a standard credit card sized gift card, and can also be used for home decor!

A papercraft gift card holder in the style of a vintage cream teapot with a dark blue handle and spout. It is holding a Hobbycraft gift card in the back.

The template for this gift card holder comes as a single SVG cut file, and can be found in my Etsy shop.

To make one, you will need:

* Forget-Me-Not Teapot Gift Card Holder template (available as an SVG cut file)
* Computer and printer to print the PDF instructions
* Digital cutting machine
* Double-sided cardstock (220-250gsm / 80-92lb recommended)
* Small piece of vellum
* Craft glue

Watch my video tutorial showing how to assemble the gift card holder, and be sure to follow the tips below:

TIP 1 : When attaching the green leaf pieces, carefully line up the base so that it’s just up from the teapot base.

TIP 2 : Gently curl the blue forget-me-not petals upwards to give them added dimension. Then add the other three layers as shown here.

A papercraft forget-me-not flower on a cream background.

TIP 3 : When attaching the back piece, only apply glue to the top part (the lid and rim section).

A papercraft gift card holder in the style of a vintage cream teapot with a dark blue handle and spout.

TIP 4 : Fold the base tab in half and apply glue to the last part only so that it attaches to the base of the teapot piece.

Once assembled, your little forget-me-not teapot gift card holder is ready to go and, because it folds flat, it can easily be popped into an envelope for posting!

When opened up, it becomes freestanding, and will even rock, making it perfect for birthday cards, Mother’s day, teacher gifts or as a unique housewarming gift!

Happy crafting!
Suzanne

Christmas Papercraft · Gift Card Holders · Papercraft Projects

Poinsettia Teapot Gift Card Holder

3rd Aug 20263rd Aug 2026 EsselleCrafts3 Comments

If you’ve ever struggled to know what to buy someone as a gift, you will have undoubtedly opted for a gift card at some point. But how can you turn that gift into something fun and memorable? By making your very own unique gift card holder, of course!

A papercraft gift card holder in the style of a vintage cream teapot with a dark red handle and spout. It is decorated with red and green paper poinsettias on the front.

Disguised as a vintage teapot, this stunning poinsettia gift card holder is designed to hold a standard credit card sized gift card, and can also be used for home decor!

A papercraft gift card holder in the style of a vintage cream teapot with a dark red handle and spout. It is holding a Hobbycraft gift card in the back.

The template for this gift card holder comes as a single SVG cut file, and can be found in my Etsy shop.

To make one, you will need:

* Poinsettia Teapot Gift Card Holder template (available as an SVG cut file)
* Computer and printer to print the PDF instructions
* Digital cutting machine
* Double-sided cardstock (220-250gsm / 80-92lb recommended)
* Craft glue

Watch my video tutorial showing how to assemble the gift card holder, and be sure to follow the tips below:

TIP 1 : When attaching the green leaf pieces, carefully line up the base so that it’s just up from the teapot base.

TIP 2 : Gently curl the red poinsettia leaves upwards, then offset the layers like this to give them added dimension.

TIP 3 : When attaching the back piece, only apply glue to the top part (the lid and rim section).

TIP 4 : Fold the base tab in half and apply glue to the last part only so that it attaches to the base of the teapot piece.

Once assembled, your little poinsettia teapot gift card holder is ready to go and, because it folds flat, it can easily be popped into an envelope for posting!

When opened up, it becomes freestanding, and will even rock, making it perfect for Christmas cards, Mother’s day, birthday greetings or as a unique housewarming gift!

Happy crafting!
Suzanne

3D Papercraft Projects · Christmas Papercraft · Favour Boxes

Papercraft Christmas Tree Favour Box

23rd Jul 202623rd Jul 2026 EsselleCraftsLeave a comment

This stunning little Christmas tree favour box is so easy to assemble and will hold a surprising amount of sweets or small treats!🎄

A papercraft Christmas tree favour box with a gold star topper. Perfect for filling with sweets or small treats.

Perfect for Christmas parties and table favours, you can find the template for this box in my Etsy shop, available as both SVG and PDF.

Two papercraft Christmas tree favour boxes, one light green and one dark green, with gold star toppers. Perfect for filling with sweets or small treats.

To make one, you will need:

* Christmas Tree Box template (PDF and SVG available)
* Computer and printer to print the PDF templates and instructions
* Digital cutting machine
* Double-sided or patterned cardstock (220-250gsm / 80-92lb recommended)
* Thinner card for the star and baubles (160-200gsm 60-80lb recommended)
* Craft glue / double-sided tape
* Embellishments (optional)

If you are not using a cutting machine you will also need:

* Craft knife / scissors
* Scoring tool
* Ruler

Watch my video tutorial showing how to assemble the box, and be sure to follow the tips below:

TIP 1 : Glue the tree pieces together in pairs first, then glue the two pairs together. This makes it easier to line them up.

Two papercraft Christmas tree favour boxes. Perfect for filling with sweets or small treats.

TIP 2 : Instead of adding separate decorations to plain cardstock, try using patterned cardstock for the tree and adding a shiny gold star on the top!

TIP 3 : Try adding some sparkly gems to the tree or some half pearls, like on this super shiny gold mirror card version!

However you choose to decorate your little Christmas tree boxes, have fun with them and experiment with different materials. Just like I did with this miniature candy cane that I made from baker’s twine!

Four papercraft Christmas tree favour boxes, one light green, one dark green, one white and one gold, all with gold star toppers. Perfect for filling with sweets or small treats.

What will you fill your little Christmas tree boxes with? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy crafting!
Suzanne 🎄

3D Papercraft Projects · Christmas Papercraft · Favour Boxes · Papercraft Projects · wedding favour boxes

Double Bow Favour Box Template

22nd Jul 202622nd Jul 2026 EsselleCraftsLeave a comment

This adorable cube favour box has a double bow detail on the lid, and is perfect for wedding favours, bridal showers, Christmas gifts and so much more!

Two cube favour boxes made from shiny gold card, finished with a white paper ribbon and a white double bow on top.

Easy to assemble, the template for this box is available through my Etsy shop as an SVG cut file, as well as a PDF if you prefer to cut out by hand.

A cube favour box made from shiny gold card, finished with a white paper ribbon and a white double bow on top.

To make one, you will need:

* Double Bow Box template (PDF and SVG available)
* Computer and printer to print the PDF templates and instructions
* Digital cutting machine
* Patterned or coloured cardstock (220-250gsm / 80-92lb recommended)
* Thinner card for the ribbon and bows (160-200gsm / 60-80lb recommended)
* Craft glue / double-sided tape

If you are not using a cutting machine you will also need:

* Craft knife / scissors
* Scoring tool
* Ruler

Watch my video tutorial showing how to assemble the box: