Several years ago, I sorted through my huge pile of used Christmas cards, wondering what I could possibly do with them. Most of them had glitter on them and were donated to me because they couldn’t be recycled. So I started to think about ways to upcycle them. This led to new creations, including these fabulous hanging star decorations!
I created a template (see below), which is about 7.5cm / 2.95″ high, and cut out as many as I could from the cards. Then I sorted them into groups of 5 and arranged them in the order that I wanted them to be. As they are double-sided, you will need 10 of this shape to complete one star decoration:
To make one, you will need:
used Christmas cards, greeting cards or card packaging
star template (see above)
pencil or pen
scissors or craft knife
ruler
scoring tool
strong, all purpose glue or double-sided tape
ribbon, string or thread
Here’s my video tutorial showing how to make the stars:
They really are a fabulous way of using up old Christmas cards. In fact, any type of greeting cards or card packaging can be reused to make these stars. They’re not just for Christmas!
I still seem to have quite a large pile of used Christmas cards, so I will have a think as to what else I could make out of them!
Sometimes it can be difficult to know what to buy someone special as a gift, and so you opt for a gift card. But how can you elevate your choice of gift into something fun and memorable? By making your very own cute gift card holder, of course! 🎁
Disguised as a wrapped present, this interactive gift card holder is super easy to assemble and will undoubtedly bring an element of surprise to your gift recipient! 🎁
The templates for this gift card holder come as SVG cut files, and can be found in my Etsy shop.
To make one, you will need:
* Present 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 / double-sided tape * Thin cord / string / thread for the optional gift tag
Watch my video tutorial showing how to assemble the gift card holder, and be sure to follow the tips below:
TIP 1 : Glue the long ribbon piece down the centre of the insert, making sure that the two hearts meet neatly at the top.
TIP 2 : Slide the insert into the holder, then glue the shorter ribbon piece down the centre, so that the ends join up with the other ribbon piece on the front and the back. You can then trim off any excess.
TIP 3 : Attach the two separate heart pieces to the larger heart using dimensional foam or scraps of layered cardstock (one on the front and one on the back).
There’s also an optional gift tag that you could stamp a sentiment onto and attach it behind the smaller heart.
And don’t think that they have to be just for Christmas, you can customize them for any occasion using any cardstock of your choice!
Once assembled, your cute little gift card holder is ready to go – it doesn’t need to be wrapped – and because it’s fairly flat, it can easily be popped into an envelope for posting! ✉️📮
It’s time for another teapot favour box design and, with Christmas fast approaching, I’ve created this one in the style of Santa Claus! 🎅🏻
Doesn’t he look jolly! With a big, textured beard and a festive hat that doubles up as the lid, you’re going to have such fun arranging his features and filling it with all sorts of delicious Christmas treats!
The templates come in both SVG and PDF format, making them accessible for a variety of crafting needs.
To make one, you will need:
* Santa Claus 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 teapot box, and be sure to follow the tips below:
TIP 1 : Assemble the main teapot pieces first before adding any of the features.
TIP 2 : Once the lid is assembled, apply a small dot of glue to the centre to help it hold its position. The rose on top will cover this when it’s positioned correctly.
TIP 3 : Join the two white hat trim pieces together using one of the small tabs. This can then be glued to the lid by lining up the score line against one of the lid joins and wrapping it around the lid. You may need to trim off some excess at the end, depending on the weight of your cardstock.
TIP 4 : Join the two beard pieces together so that the one with the cut out design is on top and they both line up at the base. You can then attach the face panel to the back (lining up the top edge between the two corners) and add the features. I recommend curling up his moustache at the ends for added dimension!
TIP 5 : When attaching the face to the front of the teapot, carefully line it up along the top edge.
Once assembled, your little teapot box will hold eight of these Lindt chocolates, making it perfect for table favours and Christmas parties! 🎅🏻
But what will you fill your little Santa Claus teapot boxes with? Let me know in the comments below!
This impressive POLICE BOX Teapot Box seemed like the obvious next step after designing my Red Telephone Teapot Box. Again, it took a bit of trial and error to work it all out, but I’m so pleased with how it looks 💙
I created my first POLICE BOX teapot box back in 2014. Back then, I cut everything out by hand, including all of the little panel pieces and signs, which proved to be quite fiddly to say the least!
Now, travelling forwards in time to 2024 (do you see what I did there?), I was able to cut my new version out using my lovely Cricut cutting machine 💙
The templates for this box are available in my Etsy shop as SVG cut files, as well as printable PDF files if you prefer to cut out by hand.
To make one, you will need:
* POLICE BOX 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) * Thin acetate (and vellum is optional) * White glossy photo quality paper * Craft glue * Double-sided tape / red liner 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 teapot box, and be sure to follow the tips below:
TIP 1 : You can choose to have either blue or white window frames, but if you use white cardstock, then you will need to colour the outer edges of the frame first with dark blue ink (I used a Sharpie for mine). This is so that the edges don’t show once the box is assembled.
TIP 2 : You can choose to have either vellum or acetate for the window panes, depending on how you want your box to look and whether you want to be able to see inside it. If you use vellum, you should be able to attach them to the window frames using glue, but for acetate you will need to use strong double-sided / red liner tape.
TIP 3 : Assemble the six side panels and attach them in place before assembling the teapot. It’s much easier to line the windows up whilst it’s flat.
TIP 4 : The top of the lid needs to be flat, so apply a little glue around the curved tops and press them down to create a little cut-out circle. Using a round pencil in the hole will help the lid to retain its shape whilst doing this.
TIP 5 : Wrap the thin acetate strip around a pen (a Sharpie is the perfect size for this) and seal it with clear sticky tape. The thin blue strips can then be attached using double-sided / red liner tape.
It’s a definite improvement to the first one that I made and, whilst it was still a little time-consuming, I am really pleased with how it has turned out. It will hold a good amount of sweet treats (sadly it’s not bigger on the inside 😉) and can be kept on display afterwards.
But, wait, there’s more …
The small circle in the lid is just large enough for the ‘flame’ part of a battery operated tealight to fit through from underneath. Not all battery operated tea lights will fit in the hole, but quite a few will. If you can’t find one that fits well, simply put a couple of lights in the base and the top will still light up. You can then display it on a shelf or a windowsill.
It’s just another little detail that makes this teapot box extra special 💙
Easy to open, these super cute pencil favour boxes can be filled with sweets or small treats. Ideal for stationery addicts, teacher gifts, back to school gifts and so much more!
The template comes as an SVG cut file, as well as a plain black and white PDF if you prefer to cut out by hand. You can therefore choose your own colour scheme and easily resize it to suit your needs.
To make one, you will need:
* Pencil Favour Box template (SVG and PDF available) * Computer and printer to print the PDF template and instructions * Digital cutting machine * Double sided cardstock (220-250gsm / 80-92lb recommended) * Thinner card or paper for the pencil lead pieces (90-160gsm / 33-60lb 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 : This isn’t necessary, but I tried to follow the decorative pattern around the pencil by adding the panels in the same order that they had been cut out by my Cricut. I lined the panels up fairly closely like this in Design Space to try to keep as much of the pattern continuity as possible.
TIP 2 : Start with the shortest tab on the pencil point piece and glue it to the first section of the pencil. Make sure that the (red) curved edge is not stuck down.
TIP 3 : When gluing the two long tabs, interlock them and use a long pencil or pen to press against the join from the inside.
The pencil lead point and the lead circle on the end need to be cut out of thin card or paper. This will give it a nice smooth, flush finish. You can use a traditional pencil lead (dark grey) colour, or choose to make it a coloured pencil, matching the lead with the colour of the pencil box.
TIP 4 : Fold the lead point into shape before attaching it to the pencil, making sure the two edges join neatly without leaving a gap.
TIP 5 : Glue the lid insert to the underside of the lid, making sure that it is lined up centrally with an equal distance (approximately 1mm) around the outside.
TIP 6 : If needed, glue one or two small tabs of matching cardstock to the front of the lid insert to help hold the lid closed. The need for this varies depending on the thickness of the cardstock used.
This really is a fabulous little favour box, and I love how mixing up the colours and patterns recreates how real pencils look when they are together in a pencil case or pencil pot!
Create a splash at your next summer beach event with these adorable little Beach Hut Favour Boxes! Perfect for summer holidays and beach themed parties, they are easy to assemble and can be filled to the brim with sweets or small treats.
Whether you’re making them as gift boxes or as a whimsical touch to your home decor, they will instantly bring the carefree vibes of beach life to any setting and are sure to impress your guests!
The templates for these boxes are available on my Etsy shop and the easy to follow instructions provided make it quick and effortless to assemble them.
It’s time for another teapot favour box design and this time I’ve created one in the style of a Christmas Tree! 🎄
Doesn’t it look amazing! With a shiny star on the top and lots of decorations to add on, you can really go to town with this design, using any colour scheme of your choice!
The templates come in both SVG and PDF format, making them accessible for a variety of crafting needs and the easy to follow instructions make it quick and effortless to assemble these novelty gift boxes.
To make one, you will need:
* Christmas Tree Teapot Box template (PDF and SVG 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 teapot box, and be sure to follow the tips below:
TIP 1 : Attach the six side pieces one at a time to the base, and don’t forget to leave the last side open.
TIP 2 : When attaching the handle, bend the last ‘branch’ towards you so you can line up the score line.
TIP 3 : When attaching the spout, carefully place it over the lower ‘branch’ to get it in the correct position.
TIP 4 : Once the lid is assembled, add a small dot of glue to the centre to hold its position. The star will cover this when it’s positioned correctly.
Once assembled, the little teapot box will hold eight of these Lindt chocolates, making it perfect for table favours and Christmas parties! 🎄
This amazing Red Telephone Teapot Box took a bit of trial and error (and a whole lot of determination) to work out how the design would fit together, but I am absolutely thrilled with the results!
There are two different versions of the template included in the download. The one pictured above, with the OPEN windows, is designed for using acetate windows so that you can see through it, like a real telephone box. You might want to use this version with little lights inside and display it on a shelf or a windowsill.
The one pictured below, with the BLANK or filled in windows, is designed for using paper or card windows. You might want to use this version if you are intending it to be a gift box, and you don’t want the gift inside to be seen!
To make one, you will need:
* Red Telephone Teapot Box template (PDF and SVG available) * Computer and printer to print the PDF templates and instructions * Digital cutting machine * Double-sided cardstock (220-250gsm / 80-92lb recommended) * Acetate * White photo paper * Craft glue * Double-sided tape / red liner 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 teapot box, and be sure to follow the tips below:
TIP 1: When printing the six TELEPHONE signs, try using glossy white photo paper. It really makes the signs shine like on real telephone boxes.
TIP 2: I find it’s easier to attach the TELEPHONE signs to the backs of the frames using a little glue first, before gluing them to the lid.
TIP 3: In Cricut Design Space, try to match the semicircular piece with the colour cardstock that you are using BEFORE you flatten the crown on it and print it out. Alternatively, print the crowns onto the coloured cardstock and cut the semicircles out by hand, like I did here.
TIP 4: If you are using the BLANK (or filled in) windows template, experiment with different coloured paper or card for the windows to see what looks best.
TIP 5: If you are using acetate with the OPEN windows template, try using a wider double-sided tape or red liner tape (I used 6mm tape) and overlapping it at the edges so that you can fold it over and use it on both sides of the acetate.
TIP 6: Use tweezers when attaching the tiny, gold door handle to the front panel. It really is so small!
Doesn’t it look amazing! I am so pleased with how it’s turned out, and hope that I have now inspired you to create one of your own ☎️
With the end of the academic year fast approaching, this adorable little Graduation Cap Gift Box can be made quickly and easily to celebrate a forthcoming graduation.
You can choose to make the traditional black cap and tassel, or any variation of colours.
To make one, you will need:
* Graduation Cap Gift Box template (PDF and SVG available) * Computer and printer to print the PDF template and instructions * Digital cutting machine * Double sided cardstock (220-250gsm / 80-92lb recommended) * Double-sided thinner card or paper (90-160gsm / 33-60lb 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 : Glue each of the five base tabs to the inside of the base, then glue the hexagon piece to the inside to cover the tabs and strengthen the base.
TIP 2 : Glue the five lid tabs to the outside of the top.
TIP 3 : When rolling the tassel, I like to use a pair of narrow tweezers to start it off, but you could use a cocktail stick or a quilling tool instead.
TIP 4 : Before you reach the other end of the tassel, apply a little glue and attach one end of the long strip to it. Then continue to roll the tassel to the end and secure with glue.
TIP 5 : As an alternative to paper, you could try using a more traditional cord tassel. Just cut the ends to the desired length, then glue them to the top of the square piece. This will then be covered by the little circle piece.
TIP 6 : Line the square up so that the tassel hangs over the right side and one flat hexagonal side faces the front.
Now, what to fill it with? Chocolates? Small gifts? Or how about a congratulatory message rolled up and disguised as a diploma!
Perfect for birthday parties, Mother’s Day gifts, wedding favours and more, 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.
To make one, you will need:
* Flower Favour Box template (PDF and SVG available) * Computer and printer to print the PDF template and instructions * Digital cutting machine * Double sided, patterned cardstock (220-250gsm / 80-92lb recommended) * Craft glue / double-sided tape * Ribbon
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 : Make sure that the base is lined up carefully against the score lines. Adding the extra hexagon piece to the inside of the box will hide the tabs and strengthen the base.
TIP 2 : When tying the box up for the first time, pull the ribbon gently to allow all of the petals to join up equally in the centre.
TIP 3 : The petals can be arranged in two different ways. They can either be overlapped to look like an open flower (as shown on the right) or spread out (as shown on the left):
These are such pretty little boxes for gifting small treats, so I hope that you are now inspired to create your own flower favour boxes!
Esselle Crafts 