As soon as I found out about the quirky Teapot Dome gas station in Zillah, Washington (built in 1922), I just knew I had to make a little papercraft teapot box in its image.
I included as much detail as I could, even making sure to use the correct number of windows, using this image as my main reference.
Using my Teapot Favour Box template, I cut all of the pieces out of 216gsm textured cardstock. I used white for the main body pieces, a light cream for the top rose, and red for the lid, handle and spout pieces. I also cut an extra (red) hexagonal piece and added six small side tabs to form the base.
For the main body, I scored the six white pieces whilst they were still flat using my score board, at 2.5mm horizontal intervals, to create a brickwork effect. I then did the same with the six red lid pieces to create a roof tiled effect.
I attached the main body pieces to the red hexagonal base, then assembled the rest of the teapot box in the usual way.
I created the door and the three windows as a png file in Inkscape and used ‘Print Then Cut’ in Cricut Design Space to cut them out. I also cut out a narrow frame for each one using red cardstock.
I have just updated my Tuxedo Favour Box template to include a regular tie as well as the bow tie. This means that you can now use the template to make a smart suit jacket box!
You can make the suit jacket box using any coloured or patterned cardstock you like. You could even personalise it for a wedding or other special occasion using a particular colour scheme. And how about adding a matching tie and handkerchief! The possibilities are endless!
Remember, if you are making the tuxedo box, I recommend coating the lapels, pocket trims, button and bow tie pieces with clear acrylic gloss varnish to create that iconic satin finish, or alternatively use a black satin finish cardstock.
You may remember that last year I updated my business card to include my new website and some of my favourite 3D papercraft projects, and I also created this little box to display 100 of the cards in.
Well, now I’ve created a different kind of box to hold 70 cards. I went to a networking event recently and this was so handy to carry around to give the cards out.
This is how I made it …
I started by measuring a set of 70 cards and worked out that I needed a 6cm x 15.7cm piece of cardstock, a 13cm x 9.5 piece of cardstock and a 2.5cm x 19cm strip for the belly band. I used the lovely vintage mint green colour again to match my other box and used my scoring board to score the lines shown below, then I cut out the tabs.
I assembled the box using my favourite glue (Cosmic Shimmer Special Acrylic Glue) and started with the front section.
This is how the front section looks from the side once the back piece was glued on and folded over.
Next, I cut out some patterned paper panels to cover each of the sides.
After gluing the panels on, I put all 70 business cards inside the holder, then wrapped the belly band around the centre. I creased all four edges using my bone folder, then trimmed it in the centre and glued the ends loosely together.
As a finishing touch, I die cut a circle out of mint cardstock and a smaller one out of white cardstock and glued them onto the belly band. I then printed and cut out my logo and glued this to the centre.
I love that it perfectly compliments my business card display box, and my cards were kept safe and neatly presented at the event 🥰
What do you think? Will you be giving this project a try?
It’s time for another teapot favour box design and, although we’re nowhere near Halloween, I’ve created this one in the form of a witch’s cauldron!
But then, with St. Patrick’s Day on the horizon, I thought it would also work well as a lucky pot of gold!
The templates to make this favour box come in both SVG and PDF format, making them accessible for a variety of crafting needs.
To make one, you will need:
* Cauldron Teapot Box template (SVG and PDF available) * Computer and printer to print the PDF templates and instructions * Digital cutting machine * Double-sided cardstock (220-250gsm / 80-92lb 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, and be sure to follow the tips below:
TIP 1 : When attaching the side handle, make sure that it is lined up in the centre.
TIP 2 : Once the lid is assembled, apply a small dot of glue to the centre (underneath) to help hold its position.
TIP 3 : Push the assembled triangular foot through the outside (textured side) of the circular foot holder, then glue the three tabs down to secure it in place.
There are many different ways that you can style your little pot of gold / cauldron boxes. Here are some examples:
Once assembled, your little pot of gold / cauldron teapot box will hold a range of delicious treats, making it the perfect gift box for St Patrick’s Day celebrations or for spooky Halloween surprises!
What will you fill your little boxes with? Let me know in the comments below!
This adorable little heart favour box has an envelope-style lid and can be filled to the brim with sweets or small treats. Easy to assemble, it is perfect for Valentine’s Day, wedding table favours, bridal showers and so much more!
Complete with a heart and a cute paper bow, the templates for this box come in both SVG and PDF format, making them accessible for a variety of crafting needs.
To make one, you will need:
* Heart Favour Box template (SVG and PDF available) * Computer and printer to print the PDF template and instructions * Digital cutting machine * Double-sided cardstock / patterned card (220-250gsm / 80-92lb recommended) * Lighter, double-sided card or paper for the bow (160-220gsm / 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, and be sure to follow the tips below:
TIP 1 : Start by assembling the base of the box, then move onto the lid.
TIP 2 : Use foam pads or small scraps of cardstock for added dimension under the heart and square panel.
TIP 3 : Before assembling the paper bow, loop both ends of the curved piece around a pencil or use a bone folder. This will make it easier to get it into the correct shape.
Once the box is finished, it’s ready to be filled with little treats and given to that special someone in your life!
The box can easily be customized for any occasion, so try experimenting with different colour combinations or themes. I really like how this black and pink version turned out ❤️
Which colour combination or theme will you choose?
Welcome to another upcycling project! This time I am going to show you how to turn an empty cheese triangle box into a super cute love heart gift box, perfect for Valentine’s Day! ❤️
You can include your own personal message inside, then fill the box with chocolates or other small treats and present it to that special someone in your life! ❤️
To make one of these boxes, you will need:
an empty cheese triangle box
pencil
paper
scissors
craft knife
sandpaper
white acrylic paint
pastel acrylic paints
paintbrushes
lilac or pale purple Sharpie
gloss varnish (optional)
craft glue
thin ribbon
You can watch my video tutorial to see me making one of these boxes, or simply follow the written instructions below:
First, fold a 7.6cm x 7.6cm / 3″ x 3″ piece of paper in half and draw half a heart shape onto it (I used a square Post-it note for mine). Cut this template out and draw around it onto the lid of the cheese triangle box. Cut the heart shape out carefully using a craft knife.
Using sandpaper, smooth any rough edges from where you have just cut. Then cover the lid, base and the cut out heart shape in two layers of white acrylic paint.
Once dry, paint the pieces in a light, pastel colour.
Next, using the Sharpie (a lilac or pale purple works well for this), colour around the outline of the heart shape on the lid approximately 2-3mm thick. Then, using a pencil, sketch your personal message onto the heart and colour over it with the Sharpie.
TIP : Leave it to dry, then apply a thin coat of clear acrylic gloss varnish to the painted pieces.
You really don’t have to be neat when doing the lettering as on the actual Love Heart sweets the purple is quite blotchy.
Glue the heart into the centre of the base, carefully lining it up so that it is visible when the lid is on.
Next, take some thin ribbon (or a thin strip of paper) and glue it around the middle of the base as shown below. This helps to neaten up the edges.
Press some tissue paper into the base and fill it with treats!
When the treats are taken out and the tissue paper is removed, your special personal message is revealed!
I really hope you enjoyed this cute Valentine’s Day upcycling project! ❤️ Once you’ve finished with the box, why not try popping a photograph inside it and hanging it on the wall as a photo frame
As you know, I’ve been saving used Christmas cards for quite a few years now, and a lot of the older ones have elements on them that can’t be recycled, like glitter. So here’s another fun idea for upcycling some used Christmas cards – a winter tree box card!
All of the elements, including the main box card itself, were made from upcycled Christmas cards. I used my Cricut Explore to cut the box card out, together with a simple tree template, then cut the remaining pieces out by hand.
The four decorative panels came from the front of a large Christmas card. There were lots of embellishments stuck to it with foam pads, so I tried to save as much of the lovely little tree pattern as I could.
The larger trees started life as a picture of a red squirrel! Hard to believe, I know, but here is the card as I was cutting them out using the tree template.
The reddish-brown colours are so rich and earthy, and the little sprinkling of snow makes them perfect for this winter card.
With the scraps of card that I had leftover, I cut some little tree shapes out using a craft punch, then glued them around the base of the box card.
I glued a white panel to the back of the box card, and left it blank, so that it could be used for a handwritten message.
Here is a view of the back, where you can see some of the handwriting from the original Christmas card. I chose to leave it like this to show that it is upcycled and totally unique!
I took the gold ‘best wishes’ lettering from another Christmas card, which I first had to soak in warm water to remove it. Then I punched a scalloped oval out of another card, inked around the edges with vintage brown ink and glued the gold lettering on.
I am really pleased with how this box card has turned out; 100% upcycled and 100% unique! Will you try something like this?
I love upcycling. I love being able to turn something that would otherwise be thrown away into something else and giving it a whole new lease of life. Take this adorable owl pop-up box card for example!
I created the card from used greeting cards, gift tags and other repurposed materials. This is the front of the original greeting card, and as soon as I saw it, I knew exactly what I needed to do!
On the original card, the owl in the top right corner was already cut out and raised up on dimensional foam. I carefully removed the owl from the card with the foam still in tact, then carefully cut around the other five owls.
I then used red-liner tape on the back of those five owls to attach them to strips of repurposed acetate (food packaging).
For the box card, the main structure was originally an old book cover and the decorative panels were scraps from another project.
After carefully arranging the position of the owls, I attached them securely to the box card using red-liner tape. I then positioned the owl with the foam right at the back so that he’s looking down over the other owls.
I then cut out four shiny gold stars from a used gift tag and attached two of them to thinner strips of repurposed acetate. I placed one on each side, then glued another one to the back panel using several layers of scrap card to raise it up.
I just love how the owls seem to be looking at each other! They are such characters!
I glued a white panel to the back of the box card and left it blank so that it can be used for a handwritten message.
I then stamped a ‘hello’ sentiment onto a scrap of white card, cut it out in the shape of a cloud and attached it to the front panel using small scraps of card to create dimension. I also added the other gold star and a sparkly gold heart from another used greeting card to complete the design.
Here is the box card from the side, showing that it will fold flat for easy posting.
What do you think? It certainly has a truly unique, handmade quality about it, making it a beautiful one of a kind card!
Last year, I decided to make my own eco-friendly advent calendar! Although very time-consuming it was so worth the effort and it looks amazing! It can be reused year after year and can be filled with lots of different treats!
To make this advent calendar, I used:
festive patterned cardstock 230gsm / 85lb
festive patterned paper 90gsm / 33lb
thick card, such as grey board
strong tape, such as duct tape
brown wrapping paper
white cardstock 220gsm / 80lb
scissors / craft knife / paper trimmer
ruler
scoring board
craft glue
circular stitched die 4cm / 1.57″ diameter
Sizzix Big Shot Foldaway
used Christmas card embellishments
Here’s my video tutorial showing how I made it:
For the box lids, I cut out 24 pieces of patterned cardstock, each measuring 9.8 x 9.8cm / 3.85 x 3.85″ and scored them at 1cm and 2.5cm / 0.4″ and 1″ on all four sides.
For the box bases, I cut out 24 pieces of patterned cardstock, each measuring 14.5 x 14.5cm / 5.7 x 5.7″ and scored them at 1cm and 5cm / 0.4″ and 2″ on all four sides.
Next, I cut out two pieces of thick card, one for the front and one for the back, each measuring 17.5 x 24cm / 6.9 x 9.45″ and another piece for the spine, measuring 9cm x 24cm / 3.5 x 9.45″.
I used brown wrapping paper to cover the outside of the calendar and left approximately 2.5cm / 1″ around the outside. Then I cut another piece to cover the inside of the spine, measuring 23 x 13cm / 9 x 5″ and two pieces (one to cover the inside front and one to cover the inside back) measuring 23 x 16.5cm / 9 x 6.5″
I cut two decorative patterned paper panels for the front and back covers, each measuring 17 x 23.5cm / 6.7 x 9.25″ and another panel for the spine, measuring 8.5cm x 23.5cm / 3.35 x 9.25″.
I also cut a piece of patterned cardstock to cover the inside of the spine, measuring 8.5 x 23.5cm / 3.35 x 9.25″.
I typed the numbers 1 – 24 onto images of a woodgrain slice, printed them onto white cardstock, then cut them out using a circular stitched die 4cm / 1.57″ diameter.
Before I attached the boxes, I arranged them so that they were evenly spaced.
I then added three layers of scrap cardstock behind each of the numbers to give them more dimension. (Foam pads would work just as well, but, as you know, I don’t like to use them.)
Once it was all assembled, I decorated the calendar with embellishments I’d saved from used Christmas cards!
It really was such a worthwhile project to make and will undoubtedly be a talking point for many years to come! I hope I have now inspired you to make one of your own!
I’m a bit of a hoarder when it comes to paper craft. I’m always keeping old greeting cards, packaging, envelopes and even used Advent calendars and Christmas crackers – anything made of paper or card that I might be able to reuse. I have a stack of old Christmas cards that I’ve been slowly going through, and a few years ago I created these super cute Christmas card baubles!
Aren’t they fabulous!?
They are so easy to make, and the best thing is you can use any materials left over from Christmas to decorate them, including ribbon bows, sparkly gems, stickers, etc.
To make one, you will need:
used Christmas cards / old Advent calendar / glittery card crackers
circle punch (I used a 1.5″ scalloped edge craft punch)
pencil
ruler
scissors
strong craft glue
thread, string, ribbon or wool for hanging
Watch my video tutorial to see me making one, or simply follow the written instructions below:
To begin, you will need to cut (punch) out twenty circles from the card (I’m using an old Advent calendar for this one). You could also draw around something circular for this, but they all need to be exactly the same size.
Cut another circle from a scrap piece of paper and fold it in half. Fold it again into exact thirds and open it out. Draw a triangle where every other point meets, and cut this out (it should be an equilateral triangle).
Using this triangle as a template, fold each of the twenty card circles as shown below. You could fold them against the edge of a ruler to make this easier.
Next, arrange the twenty pieces so that you have five for the top section, ten for the middle section and five for the bottom section. Think about how each of the pieces will look once they are all put together. Try not to have two pieces the same colour next to each other, and think about which way up they will need to face.
Starting with the bottom section, glue two pieces together, matching the edges up neatly. Then glue three more pieces on so that they form a circle. You can use mini pegs here to help hold the pieces together if you need to.
Do the same with the top section, but be sure to leave one edge open.
Take a length of thread, string, ribbon or wool (I used the string from a Chrsitmas tree chocolate) and knot the ends together. Slide the knot between the two open edges of the top section and glue the edges together. Pull the thread tight and apply a little glue to the inside to keep it securely in place.
For the middle section, glue the ten pieces together to form a long line, then join the ends together to form a collar.
Glue the bottom section on, taking care to match up all of the edges (use pegs if you need to). Repeat with the top section and leave to dry.
And here it is! A super cute Christmas decoration ready for next Christmas!
I also created this little beauty using non-recyclable glittery Christmas cracker card 🙂
Esselle Crafts 