DIY Halloween Bat Bow

27th Sep 202513th Oct 2025 EsselleCrafts4 Comments

Bows come in all shapes and sizes and can have different styles and uses. Hair bows are typically made from fabric so that they are durable and weatherproof, whereas gift packaging bows are often made from paper or cardstock and are generally used only once 🎀

So, this got me thinking… What if a bow design could be used as both a hair bow and as a gift packaging bow? It would obviously depend on what material it was made from, but it could definitely be multi-purpose.

So I started with this Halloween bat bow design.

A black and purple bat bow made from textured cardstock that can be used on Halloween gift packaging or home decor

This is a great one for Halloween costumes! If it was made from fabric, it could be clipped onto your hair or worn as a brooch on a flowing cape! Alternatively, if it was made from cardstock, it could be added to a trick or treat bag, a Halloween greeting card or used for spooky home decor!

This multi-purpose bow is super easy to make, and the templates come in SVG and PDF format, making them accessible for a variety of crafting needs.

A black and purple bat bow made from faux leather and thin glitter fabric that can be used as a Halloween hair bow or a brooch

To make one, you will need:

* Halloween Bat Bow Template (SVG and PDF included)
* Computer and printer to print the PDF template and instructions
* Digital cutting machine
* Double-sided, solid core cardstock (220gsm / 80lb recommended) or faux leather / felt / fine glitter fabric
* Hot glue / E6000 glue
* Optional : Alligator clip

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

* Craft knife / scissors

All of my templates come with step-by-step instructions, but you can also follow the tips below:

TIP 1 : If you want a 10cm / 4″ bow, size your template to 12cm / 4.7″ wide. For a larger, 13cm / 5.2″ bow, size your template to 16cm / 6.25″ wide.

Two black and purple bat bows one made from faux leather and thin glitter fabric that can be used as a Halloween hair bow or a brooch and one made from cardstock that can be used on Halloween gift packaging or home decor

TIP 2 : When curling the ends of the bow pieces to the centre, try not to crease it or fold it. This is especially important if you are making a paper bow.

TIP 3 : Glue the centre of the bows to the centre of the bat (between the two cut lines) before attaching the centre strip.

TIP 4 : Push one end of the centre strip in through the top cut line (from the front) and the other end through the bottom cut line (from the front). Pull the ends through the back (not too tight) until they are an equal length.

TIP 5 : Overlap the two ends and secure them in place with a dot of glue.

If your bow is made from paper, then you can glue it directly onto your gift packaging. Alternatively, glue it to a small, wooden peg so that it can be reused. If your bow is made from fabric, then you can glue it to an alligator clip or other hair accessory, like a headband 🎀

I can’t wait to see how you use your little bat bows this Halloween!

Happy crafting
Suzanne

3D Papercraft Projects · Papercraft Projects

3D Rolled Paper Flowers

20th Aug 202523rd Sep 2025 EsselleCraftsLeave a comment

Let me ask you something. What’s the quickest and easiest way to add a touch of elegance to your gift packaging? Paper flowers, of course! These 3D rolled versions are so super cute, and can be used for any number of papercraft projects 🌸

A colourful display of pink and lilac 3D rolled paper flowers of different sizes on a dark grey background

I have a lovely set of 12 rolled flower templates available. They come in SVG, PNG and PDF format, making them accessible for a variety of crafting needs.

Twelve rolled flower templates in the form of patterned spirals with a small 3D paper flower next to each one showing the twelve different designs

To make a rolled paper flower, you will need:

* Rolled Paper Flower Templates (SVG, PNG and PDF included)
* Computer and printer to print the PDF templates and instructions
* Digital cutting machine
* Double-sided, solid core cardstock (up to 220gsm / 80lb recommended)
* Hot glue / tacky glue

If you are not using a cutting machine you will also need:
* Craft knife / scissors

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

TIP 1 : If you know how big you want your flowers to be, use this handy guide for sizing your templates.

Ten rolled paper flowers in increasing sizes surrounding a patterned spiral template in the centre

A chart showing the different sizes of rolled paper flowers that can be made from different sized templates

TIP 2 : I like to gently curl the template first before I roll it, either using my fingers or a bone folder. This softens up the paper fibres and gives a much cleaner, smoother finish.

Starting to make a pink rolled paper flower by gently curling the paper into shape

TIP 3 : I use a thin lollipop stick to roll my paper flowers (you could also use a quilling tool) as I find this leaves a lovely curved centre to the flowers.

Starting to roll a pink rolled paper flower using a thin lollipop stick

TIP 4 : Apply glue to the rolled parts of the flower to ensure each layer is covered. You can also add glue to the centre circle to make it extra secure.

Applying hot glue to the centre of a pink rolled paper flower to hold it in place

TIP 5 : Try to arrange your paper flower layers before the glue dries. I like to just curl the centre in a little bit more using fine point tweezers. Then simply curl the outer petals outwards to open the flower up and to create a nice, natural looking shape.

Adjusting the centre of a pink rolled paper flower with fine point tweezers

Styling the outer petals of a pink rolled paper flower to create a natural looking flower shape

TIP 6 : When making one of the larger petalled flowers, try curling the individual petals first using a lollipop stick or bone folder. This creates a nice curve to the petals and stops them looking flat.

Starting to make a pink rolled paper flower by gently curling the petals into shape using a thin lollipop stick

Your little rolled paper flowers are now ready to add to your gift packaging, scrapbook covers, greeting cards, shadow boxes or home decor projects. I can’t wait to see what you use yours for! 🌸

A colourful display of pink and lilac 3D rolled paper flowers of different sizes on a dark grey background with their spiral templates above

Happy crafting
Suzanne

3D Papercraft Projects · Favour Boxes · Halloween Party · Papercraft Projects · Teapot Favour Boxes

Halloween Haunted House Teapot Box

27th Jul 202528th Jul 2025 EsselleCraftsLeave a comment

Spooky season is almost upon us! Ghosts, bats, spiders and skeletons will soon be adorning our homes, and pumpkins will be glowing menacingly at our doors and windows 🎃 So it’s only right that the next design in my house-shaped teapot box collection is this eerie-looking, gothic haunted house!

A paper craft haunted house gift box for Halloween trick or treating in the shape of a teapot with yellow arched gothic windows and three bats flying out of the spout

Perfect to make for Halloween parties, trick or treating or seasonal home decor, this versatile candy box can also serve as a glowing lantern centrepiece – guaranteed to surprise your guests!

A paper craft haunted house gift box for Halloween trick or treating in the shape of a teapot with yellow arched gothic windows a white paper ghost inside and three bats flying out of the spout

The templates come as both SVG cut files and printable PDFs, making them accessible for a variety of crafting needs.

To make one, you will need:

* Haunted House 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)
* Vellum or tracing paper
* Yellow or orange permanent marker
* Thin strip of acetate
* Craft glue and 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 box, and be sure to follow the tips below:

TIP 1 : If you would like to add more texture to your box, then you can try embossing the pieces before assembling. For this teapot, I used this Sizzix 3D Texture Fades Mini Brickwork embossing folder by Tim Holtz on the main body, the handle, spout, chimney and pitched roof piece. I had to do three passes on both of the main body pieces, carefully covering one side at a time. I actually debossed it instead to create more interest, then added black ink to pick out the details.

TIP 2 : Colour the vellum (or tracing paper) window pieces with a yellow or orange permanent marker. This will add to the eerie glowing effect when you place battery operated lights inside.

Colouring arched vellum windows with a yellow permanent marker to put onto a paper craft haunted house gift box for Halloween

TIP 3 : Add a dimensional foam pad or scraps of layered cardstock to the back of the ghost and position it wherever you like on the teapot. I placed mine inside as a scary surprise! 👻

A paper craft haunted house gift box for Halloween trick or treating in the shape of a teapot with yellow arched gothic windows and a white paper ghost inside

TIP 4 : The three bats can also be placed anywhere around the teapot. I attached mine to a thin strip of acetate using red-liner tape, and stuck it to the inside of the spout. It looks as though the bats are flying out of the teapot! This could work equally as well coming out of the chimney.

TIP 5 : You really don’t need to be neat when assembling this box as it’s meant to look old and abandoned. Try gluing the window sills on at a crooked angle or maybe board up a window or two.

A paper craft haunted house gift box for Halloween trick or treating in the shape of a teapot with yellow arched gothic windows

Once assembled, your little teapot boxes are ready to be filled with candy treats. A spooky customised chocolate orange fits perfectly! 🎃 Or try putting a string of battery operated lights inside for an eerie glowing lantern!

What do you think of this new teapot box design? Will you be brave enough to make some?

Happy crafting! 👻
Suzanne

3D Papercraft Projects · Christmas Papercraft · Favour Boxes · Papercraft Projects · Teapot Favour Boxes

Gingerbread House Teapot Gift Box

6th Jul 20256th Jul 2025 EsselleCraftsLeave a comment

During one of the hottest weeks of the year so far, here I am thinking about Christmas!

I had such lovely feedback following the launch of my Cottage Teapot Box design last month that I decided to continue with the house-shaped theme and create one in the style of a classic gingerbread house!

A brown paper craft teapot gift box in the style of a classic gingerbread house with a white icing lid white icing door and windows and white icing swirls

If you’re ready to sprinkle some early Christmas magic, then these charming little boxes are perfect to make for table favours, teacher gifts or seasonal home decor. Fill them with sweet treats or small gifts and they’re guaranteed to deliver warm memories to anyone who receives one!

The templates come as both SVG cut files and printable PDFs, making them accessible for a variety of crafting needs.

To make one, you will need:

* Gingerbread House 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 : Glue the white icing piece to the front pitched window piece using the two triangular tabs only. Do this before attaching it to the inside of the pitched roof.

Making part of a brown paper craft teapot gift box in the style of a classic gingerbread house

TIP 2 : Assemble the chimney before gluing the icing to the top. The chimney icing piece has no score lines, but will simply wrap around the chimney. Just remember to keep the join at the back.

A brown paper craft teapot gift box in the style of a classic gingerbread house

TIP 3 : The decorative icing swirls can be placed anywhere around the teapot box. The designs are mirrored (flipped), so if you add them to the handle and spout, they will be the same on both sides.

A brown paper craft teapot gift box in the style of a classic gingerbread house with a white icing lid white icing windows and white icing swirls

Once assembled, your little teapot boxes are ready to be filled with delicious sweet treats! These packets of mini gingerbread men fit perfectly!

A brown paper craft teapot gift box in the style of a classic gingerbread house with white icing door and windows and white icing swirls with some mini gingerbread men around it

One teapot box will hold a surprising amount of mini gingerbread men! But they may not last long!

What do you think of this new teapot box design? Would you like to see more house-shaped designs? Let me know in the comments!

A 3D paper craft teapot gift box made in the style of a gingerbread house with a white lid and white iced door and windows decorated with white icing swirls

Happy crafting!
Suzanne

Small Business · Teapot Favour Boxes

My Journey from Teapot Collector to Designer

11th Jun 202511th Jun 2025 EsselleCraftsLeave a comment

My love of novelty teapots started when I first visited the old Cardew teapottery factory in Bovey Tracey, Devon. I was about twelve years old and was instantly captivated by all the intricate little details on the teapots and the extensive range of designs.

A view inside the gift shop of the old Cardew Teapottery in Bovey Tracey Devon

Intrigued by how they were made, I came away with my very own little teapot – this Victorian wash stand one cup design – and the behind the scenes booklet, which I studied at length.

A one cup novelty teapot designed to look like a Victorian wash stand with a small jug and bowl as the teapot lid

A booklet entitled The Cardew Teapot Collection

A page inside The Cardew Teapot Collection booklet showing a range of one cup novelty teapot designs

After subsequent visits to the pottery, my collection grew to include this tea chest design, the Welsh dresser and the Singer sewing machine – again, all one cup sizes.

A one cup novelty teapot designed to look like a wooden tea chest with a small teddy bear and newspapers as the teapot lid

A one cup novelty teapot designed to look like a dark wooden Welsh dresser with a small book and newspaper as the teapot lid

A one cup novelty teapot designed to look like a Singer sewing machine stand with a small black sewing machine as the teapot lid

I think it’s the vintage vibe that I’m drawn to with these teapot designs. They’re like a moment in history, captured in magnificent miniature detail. And speaking of miniatures, I still have my old ceramic tea set from when I was a child, still in its original packaging.

The box lid of a childs vintage ceramic tea set

A twelve piece childs vintage ceramic tea set consisting of four teacups four saucers a teapot with a lid a small milk jug and sugar bowl

Just look at that cute little teapot!

A small white ceramic teapot decorated with delicate summer flowers from a childs vintage tea set

Over the years, I often dreamt about making my own novelty teapots – not real ones that you could use for tea, but model ones that could be displayed on a shelf or in a shop window.

Fast forward to 2013, and that dream became a reality! Combining my love of teapots with my passion for papercraft, I was looking to create a small box in the style of a classic teapot design, an instantly recognisable form. I had a hexagonal shape in mind and it wasn’t long before I had created my very first teapot treat box!

A red papercraft teapot gift box decorated with white paper spots

At the time, there were no other teapot boxes like it anywhere and it soon became a hit. I had so many enquiries about it, asking whether there was a template available so that people could make their own versions. I set to work, creating the PDF template, which proved very popular, and then I converted it into an SVG cut file, which very quickly became my bestselling papercraft template!

A blue papercraft teapot gift box decorated with pink roses and white spots on the lid

A white papercraft tea set consisting of a teapot gift box paper teacup and saucer and tea plate all decorated with a pink rose design

I have never strayed far from my love of novelty teapots and now I have my very own range of novelty teapot gift box designs (21 to date), with many more residing on my to-do list, waiting patiently for their turn to shine!

Watch this space…

Suzanne

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

Cosy Cottage Teapot Box

23rd May 202522nd Jun 2025 EsselleCrafts1 Comment

It’s time for another teapot favour box design! After having such fun designing my Teapot Dome inspired teapot box, I decided to create one in the style of a cosy, country cottage!

A 3D paper craft teapot gift box made in the style of a cosy country cottage with a pink door and pink windows decorated with small paper flowers

Perfect for birthdays, garden parties or housewarming gifts, the templates to make this box come as both SVG cut files and printable PDFs, making them accessible for a variety of crafting needs.

To make one, you will need:

* Cottage 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 : If you would like to emboss the main body of the teapot, or the lid, then this should be done first before assembling. For this teapot, I used this Sizzix 3D Texture Fades Mini Cobblestone embossing folder on the main body, the handle, spout and pitched roof piece. I had to do three passes on both of the main body pieces, carefully covering one side at a time.

A 3D paper craft teapot gift box made in the style of a cosy country cottage with a mint green door and windows decorated with small paper flowers

And for this teapot box, I used this roof tile embossing folder on the lid. Again, I had to do three passes, covering two lid flaps at a time.

TIP 2 : Glue the two doors and the four rectangular windows and window frames in place whilst the main teapot piece is still flat.

A 3D paper craft teapot gift box made in the style of a cosy country cottage with pink doors and pink windows

TIP 3 : For the pitched roof, push the right side tab under the front lid flap and the left side tab under the lid flap on the left. Press it down firmly to secure it in place.

The hexagonal lid of a 3D paper craft teapot gift box made in the style of a cosy country cottage

TIP 4 : When attaching the (white) pitched roof window piece, apply glue to the front of the (brown) lid as well as the two tabs on the white piece. By leaving the window off at this stage, you should be able to poke a thin pair of tweezers through the window gaps to press it into place.

The lid of a 3D paper craft teapot gift box made in the style of a cosy country cottage

Once fully assembled, your cosy cottage teapot box will hold a range of small gifts or delicious treats. But that’s not all! With the addition of a string of battery operated lights inside, this versatile box can also serve as a glowing lantern centrepiece – guaranteed to impress!

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

Happy crafting!
Suzanne

3D Papercraft Projects · Teapot Favour Boxes

Teapot Dome Inspired Gift Box

2nd Apr 202526th May 2025 EsselleCrafts1 Comment

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.

A small papercraft teapot gift box made in the style of the teapot dome gas station with a white body a red lid a red handle and spout and tiny black windows

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.

The teapot dome gas station in Zillah Washington USA under a deep blue sky

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 am super impressed with how it’s turned out! ❤️

Happy crafting!
Suzanne

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

Tuxedo / Suit Jacket Favour Boxes

23rd Mar 202530th Mar 2025 EsselleCraftsLeave a comment

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!

A dark grey paper craft suit jacket favour box with a white shirt a light purple tie and matching handkerchief in the top pocket

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.

A black paper craft tuxedo favour box with a white shirt a black satin paper bow tie and a white handkerchief in the top pocket

The tuxedo box templates come in both SVG and PDF format, making them accessible for a variety of crafting needs and can be perfectly paired with my dress favour box templates.

A dark grey paper craft suit jacket favour box with a white shirt a light purple tie and matching handkerchief in the top pocket and a pink papercraft dress favour box with a pretty pink paper bow at the waist

Designed to hold a gift card and some small treats, the tuxedo / suit jacket box is perfect for wedding favours!

A dark grey paper craft suit jacket favour box with a white shirt a light purple tie and matching handkerchief in the top pocket and a white papercraft dress favour box with a pretty white satin bow at the waist

Which style will you make and for what occasion? Let me know in the comments below.

Two black paper craft tuxedo favour boxes with white shirts and black satin paper bow ties and two dark grey paper craft suit jacket favour boxes with white shirts and light purple paper ties

Happy crafting!
Suzanne

3D Papercraft Projects · Papercraft Projects

Business Card Holder Tutorial

17th Mar 202518th Mar 2025 EsselleCraftsLeave a comment

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.

A business card display box made from mint green cardstock and decorated with white spotty card on a desk holding 100 business cards.

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.

A business card holder made from mint green cardstock and decorated with white spotty card holding 70 business cards.

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.

Three pieces of mint green cardstock cut out to size to create a business card holder

I assembled the box using my favourite glue (Cosmic Shimmer Special Acrylic Glue) and started with the front section.

The front of a business card holder made from mint green cardstock

This is how the front section looks from the side once the back piece was glued on and folded over.

The side of a business card holder made from mint green cardstock used to hold 70 business cards

Next, I cut out some patterned paper panels to cover each of the sides.

Seven pieces of mint green and white spotty card cut out to size to decorate a business card holder

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.

The front of a business card holder made from mint green cardstock and decorated with white spotty card used to hold 70 business cards

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?

Happy crafting!
Suzanne

Small Business

#SBS Winners Event 2025

3rd Mar 202518th Mar 2025 EsselleCraftsLeave a comment

Back in June 2020, I became a #SBS official winner over on Twitter after entering Small Business Sunday! This is a weekly initiative, set up by Theo Paphitis in 2010, which now has over 4,000 #SBS winners and supports small businesses here in the UK. 2025 sees the 15th anniversary of #SBS Small Business Sunday, since Theo launched it in October 2010.

Small Business Sunday official winners badge awarded to Esselle Crafts

I’d entered several times before, with no joy, and so I changed my pitch slightly and was thrilled to find out the following evening that I was one of six small businesses to gain a repost by Theo to his half a million Twitter followers!

A tweet from Theo Paphitis welcoming Esselle Crafts and five other small businesses as his Small Business Sunday winners

It’s incredible to have support from Theo because he’s recognised all of my hard work and has helped spread the word about what I do to his following. I was so thrilled I created this box card ‘award’ to celebrate my achievement! 🎉

A 3D paper craft box card made in the style of an award with stars popping out of it to celebrate Esselle Crafts winning SBS

Part of being a #sbswinner means that you are invited to attend the #SBSwinners event each year in Birmingham. For many reasons I was unable to attend until this year and, oh my goodness, it was amazing!

A view towards the stage at the SBS event 2025 inside the Birmingham ICC

I got to meet and network with lots of other winners, had opportunities to hear from businesses such as Google and Natwest on how to grow in business and got to hear from Theo Paphitis who spoke on stage. He is thrilled to welcome new #SBS members every week and highlight just how important it is to support small businesses here in the UK. His vision is that everyone who has ever won a #SBS re-tweet from him becomes part of a friendly club; like-minded individuals who can share successes and learnings.

A view of Theo Paphitis on the stage at the SBS event 2025 inside the Birmingham ICC

At the end of the event I collected my certificate and queued up to meet Theo and have a photograph taken with him. Such a proud moment!

Suzanne from Esselle Crafts receiving her SBS winners certificate from Theo Paphitis at the SBS event in Birmingham 2025

Anyone looking for a small business boost from Theo should post to him on X, LinkedIn or Instagram about their business on Sundays between 5pm and 7.30pm and include the hashtag #SBS. Six lucky businesses are chosen every Monday at 8pm and then invited to enter their profile on the #SBS website, attend the annual #SBS networking event and take advantage of the networking opportunities made available.

Absolutely can’t wait until next year to do it all again!

Suzanne