Hey there! It's Rebecca and I have a fun tutorial for you today. It's different for everyone, but the first thing I think of when I think about Fall is Thanksgiving. That's possibly because my birthday is right around then and, growing up, I usually got to celebrate it on Thanksgiving Day. I always got that big, wonderful meal prepared by my grandparents and now that I'm 3000 miles away from my family, I miss it so much! But that doesn't mean I don't have a lot for which to be thankful.
That's the basis of this post...remembering to be thankful this year. Most of us will have turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie...all of that yummy goodness spread out on the table just waiting to be gobbled up by our hungry families. But wouldn't it be nice if we all gave thanks first? To do just that, I designed a little envelope box that you can fill with some small treats and "be thankful" notes.
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You're going to need the following items:
The Template (you can download it HERE for printing)
Patterned Paper
Pencil
Scoring Tool
Ruler
Craft Knife
Scissors
Eraser (Optional)
Double-Stick Tape (I used Super-Tape in 1/8" width)
Embellishments for decorating your boxes
I started by printing the template onto regular copy paper and cut it out. I then chose the patterned paper(s) I wanted to use to make my Thankful Boxes. The majority of this project features Acorn Avenue and the papers I decided on were "Macadamia Diner" (because it's so pretty) and "Chestnut Boutique" (because it's neutral).
Go ahead and trace the box pattern onto the backside of the patterned paper you've chosen. I made small scoring "ticks" on the outside of the traced lines and scored the lines before I cut out the pattern.
I also cut the slit for the envelope flap using my ruler and craft knife.
Now you're ready to cut.
This is optional, but I used my eraser to get rid of any stray pencil marks, especially on the inside flap since your guests will see the flipside of your paper when they open their boxes. Now it's time to fold, which is easy since you've already done your scoring.
*Important tip: When folding, you'll fold the middle scoring line the opposite way (accordian fold style) on the 2 side panels and bottom. This technique adds a little "give" to your box and makes assembling and securing much easier.
All you have left to do is assemble your box (and decorate it, of course, but that's the fun part!). Fold the bottom part up and adhere it to the 2 side panels. You'll want a strong, skinny adhesive for this, which is why I chose 1/8" width Super Tape.
That's it! Your box is ready for decorating. I found that it was easier to decorate if I put the contents inside first. I put 2 Hershey's Miniatures in the box, along with a note that says, "today i am thankful for..." My guest can then write their message on the card and we can share them before dinner.
For embellishing, I made each one different but kept them simple since we have a big family and there will be several boxes to make. A bit of string or thread wrapped around the box several times and then a little something to dress it up -- a wood shape, a chipboard flower, a phrase sticker, etc. Luckily, Acorn Avenue has got you covered here with a whole bunch of wonderful goodies! The wood shapes were my favorite, I think, because just one small piece seemed to say much about the beauty of Autumn and why there is so much to be thankful.
And in this case, I used the "hi" fabric brad from On Trend and cut off the prongs with wire cutters so that it would sit flat when I glued it down.
Anything goes for decorating and really, this box can be used for anything, too. I made a couple of them so I can use them to give a friend a tiny, heartfelt gift like a hand-written note, a pair of earrings or some pretty barrettes.
And let's not jump ahead to Thanksgiving without celebrating Halloween first, right? Simply change the colors and patterns of your paper (in this case, it's "Style" from On Trend) and embellishments and you have an appropriate treat..or trick!
Finally, I wanted to make a slightly larger box that I could fit a gift card into. You can download that template HERE. Whether you're getting a jump on your holiday wrapping or you have some birthdays coming up soon, gift cards are sure to be on your shopping list this year. Why not personalize them by making your own packaging?
Again, just changing the paper patterns (Acorn Avenue's "Hazelnut Boutique") and embellishments (an Acorn Avenue Standout Sticker) makes this box, birthday music - themed.
I hope I've given you some good ideas to think about when planning your Thanksgiving feast or Halloween party. Fall is meant to be festive and Crate's got you covered! And don't forget to take a moment this year to be thankful.
These are ing, Rebecca! Thanks for the template. I definitely will be making some this fall!
Posted by: Anabelle | October 11, 2012 at 07:42 AM
(That should say 'amazing". LOL)
Posted by: Anabelle | October 11, 2012 at 07:43 AM
Great ideas Rebecca! Thanks so much for the templates - these are perfect!
Posted by: Becky D | October 11, 2012 at 08:23 AM
These are beautiful!! I loveeeeeeeeeee them!!!
Posted by: Julie Tucker-Wolek | October 11, 2012 at 05:38 PM
I love it so much! This is really fantastic, and it express the real creativity of a person. I really love arts like this one.
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