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 · Favour Boxes · Gift Card Holders · Papercraft Projects · Valentine's Day · wedding favour boxes

LOVE Treat Box Template

8th Feb 202617th May 2026 EsselleCraftsLeave a comment

This impressive LOVE treat box is the perfect way to add a little handmade happiness to your gift giving.

A red papercraft treat box for Valentine's day with the word LOVE on the top and decorated with paper hearts

Designed with simplicity and creativity in mind, it can be filled with chocolate hearts, sweets, small gifts or thoughtful surprises for the people you love most ❤️

The templates for this heartfelt box come as SVG cut files, as well as printable PDFs if you prefer to cut out by hand.

To make one, you will need:

* LOVE Treat Box template (available as SVG cut files and printable PDFs)
* Computer and printer to print the PDF templates and instructions
* Digital cutting machine
* Double-sided cardstock (220-250gsm / 80-92lb recommended)
* Acetate or vellum for the window
* Craft glue / double-sided tape

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

TIP 1 : If you are using acetate for the window piece, use double-sided tape or red-liner tape to attach it securely to the inside of the box.

A red papercraft treat box for Valentine's day

TIP 2 : After gluing the backs of the letters, slide the two top pieces together, so that the word LOVE lines up perfectly.

TIP 3 : Glue the individual letters on before gluing the finished top piece to the top of the box.

A red papercraft treat box for Valentine's day with the word LOVE on the top

TIP 4 : You have the option to decorate the front of your box with two little paper hearts, either keeping them plain or stamping initials onto them. You could also stamp XO, or simply leave the box with just the central heart border in place.

Whether you’re crafting for family or friends, this little treat box comes together quickly and easily – perfect for Valentine’s Day or wedding favours! ❤️

Happy crafting!
Suzanne ❤️

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

Christmas Stocking Gift Card Holder

31st Oct 20251st Nov 2025 EsselleCraftsLeave a comment

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 personalised gift card holder, of course! 🎁

Four festive paper craft gift card holders in the shape of Christmas stockings decorated with snowflakes and bows

Disguised as a Christmas stocking, this interactive gift card holder is super easy to assemble and will 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:

* Christmas Stocking 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

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 two rectangular pieces to the insert, make sure they are lined up neatly along the top edge.

Making a festive paper craft gift card holder in the shape of a Christmas stocking

TIP 2 : After slotting the gift card into place, slide the insert into the holder, then apply glue to the tab and around the curved edges. Once assembled, check that the insert slides in and out freely.

TIP 3 : If you wish to decorate your stocking with a bow, simply layer the three bow pieces and glue it on.

TIP 4 : There’s also the option to add snowflakes (which you can duplicate if you need more) and if you wish to personalise your stocking, the download also comes with a bonus full set of capital letters. Just choose your letter and size it to approximately 5.5cm / 2.16″ high.

Once assembled, your little stocking 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! ✉️📮

You could also try punching a hole in the top of the insert, adding a length of ribbon or festive twine and hanging it on the Christmas tree or mantelpiece 🎄

Paper Craft Christmas Stocking Gift Card Holders

Happy crafting!
Suzanne 🎁

3D Papercraft Projects · Hair Bows · Papercraft Projects

Mermaid Bow Template

14th Oct 202514th Oct 2025 EsselleCrafts1 Comment

You may have seen my last three posts, where I introduced you to my Halloween Bat Bow, my Butterfly Bow and my Crown Bow templates. Well, now I have this Mermaid Bow, with its fabulous fish tails and seashell detailing.

A mermaid gift bow made from blue glitter cardstock and teal and cream cardstock that can be used on gift packaging or home decor

If this bow was made from fabric, it could be clipped onto your hair or worn as a statement brooch as part of a seaside / beach-themed costume! Alternatively, if it was made from cardstock, it could be added to a gift bag, a greeting card or used for 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 mermaid hair bow made from blue glitter fabric and teal and cream faux leather that can be used on a hair clip or worn as a brooch

To make one, you will need:

* Mermaid 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 7.8cm / 3″ bow, size your template to 12cm / 4.7″ wide. For a larger, 10.5cm / 4.1″ bow, size your template to 16cm / 6.25″ wide.

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

TIP 3 : Glue the bow to the centre of the fish tails, then glue the seashell piece to the centre of the bow.

TIP 4 : Glue one end of the centre strip to the back of the bow, wrap it around the front and secure the other end at the back with glue.

If your bow is made from paper, why not try embossing the tails with a fish scale embossing folder? I did mine half facing one way and half facing the other way. 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 mermaid bows!

A mermaid bow made from blue glitter cardstock and teal and cream cardstock that can be used on gift packaging or home decor

Happy crafting
Suzanne

3D Papercraft Projects · Hair Bows · Papercraft Projects

Princess Crown Bow

2nd Oct 20257th Oct 2025 EsselleCrafts2 Comments

You may have seen my last two posts, where I introduced you to my Halloween Bat Bow and my Butterfly Bow. Well, now I have this sparkly Crown Bow, which can be used in very similar ways.

A princess crown bow made from gold glitter cardstock that can be used on gift packaging or home decor

This is such a pretty bow for so many occasions! If it was made from fabric, it could be clipped onto your hair or worn as a statement brooch as part of a princess or queen costume! Alternatively, if it was made from cardstock, it could be added to a gift bag, a greeting card or used for sparkly 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 princess crown bow made from faux leather and thin gold glitter fabric that can be used as a hair bow or a brooch

To make one, you will need:

* Crown 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 8.5cm / 3.3″ bow, size your template to 12cm / 4.7″ wide. For a larger, 12cm / 4.7″ bow, size your template to 16cm / 6.25″ wide.

Two princess crown bows one made from faux leather and thin gold glitter fabric that can be used as a hair bow or a brooch and one made from gold glitter cardstock that can be used on gift packaging or home decor

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

TIP 3 : Glue the centre of the bow tails and the bows to the centre of the crown piece (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 (trim them down if they are too long) 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 crown bows!

Happy crafting
Suzanne

3D Papercraft Projects · Hair Bows · Papercraft Projects

Multi-Purpose Butterfly Bow

1st Oct 20257th Oct 2025 EsselleCrafts3 Comments

Following on from my last post, where I introduced you to my Halloween Bat Bow design, I now have this Butterfly Bow, which can be used in similar ways.

A pink butterfly bow made from textured cardstock that can be used on gift packaging or home decor

This is such a pretty bow for all occasions! If it was made from fabric, it could be clipped onto your hair or worn as a statement brooch! Alternatively, if it was made from cardstock, it could be added to a gift bag, a greeting card or used for 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 pink butterfly bow made from faux leather and thin glitter fabric that can be used on a hair clip or head band

To make one, you will need:

* Butterfly 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 7.5cm / 3″ bow, size your template to 12cm / 4.7″ wide. For a larger, 10cm / 4″ bow, size your template to 16cm / 6.25″ wide.

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

TIP 2 : When curling the ends of the bow piece 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 bow tails and the bow to the centre of the butterfly (between the two cut lines) before attaching the centre strip.

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

I can’t wait to see how you use your little butterfly bows !

Happy crafting
Suzanne

3D Papercraft Projects · Hair Bows · Halloween Party · Papercraft Projects

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

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

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.