Christmas Gift Box Tutorial w/Michiko Kato

Hello CP Fans! Michiko here to share with you a special "how-to" about how to create a bits & pieces, eclectic "Christmas Gift Box". Trimmed with the help of my Silhouette Cameo, creating the box took very little time and effort. If you're without a Cameo, that is entirely OK! The tutorial is still really easy, so lets give it a try! First, here's a peek at the supplies you'll need - feel free to change the design/colors/embellishments/patterned paper, etc.

:: General Supplies ::

Sleigh Ride Blue Christmas Paper {680113}, Sleigh Ride Silver Stripes Vellum {680124}, Sleigh Ride Phrase Stickers {683095}, Sleigh Ride Vellum Die-Cuts {683106}, Sleigh Ride Chipboard Accent Stickers {683098}, Sleigh Ride Brads and Buttons {683101}, On Trend Glitter Clothespins {683061}

Find a ready-made box to use as part of this project - a pillow box is just one type of box available {Sample}, though there are an infinite number of box styles to choose from. Select a box design that best fits that task at hand - it should be large enough to house your gift! This one is about 4" x 5". After cutting out the box, assemble it and temporarily set it aside.

Decide which elements you'd like to combine to create a "topper" for the gift box. The trick is to incorporate as many patterns, textures and shapes that match well together, but are still different enough to be of interest next to one another.

I trimmed a leaf from white cardstock using my Silhoutte. Lots of "leaf" designs out there - pick a leaf that suites the eye! Here are a couple of great examples: Fern, Leaf Branch, Flower Branch, Botanique Branch. Apply an even coat of gold glitter onto the shape. Set-aside to dry.

Moving right along, I then trimmed a silver striped notched circle from Sleigh Ride's Silver Striped Vellum. I kept the size of the circle at about the same width as the leaf. Next, I punched a hole on-center the chipboard snowflake shape and positioned a brad to the area.

Tie the vellum and paper tags with red twine, and then attach them to the box with an assortment of other embellishments as shown. Finally, attach a gold glittered clothespin to the top, just behind the snowflake.

I love to layer with embellishments and paper - the more, the merrier. I think it looks so gorgeous! And with an added hint of gold, a favorite color of mine, you can't go wrong - it's this year's Christmas-y hue!

I'm really looking forward to Christmas and can't wait to celebrate it with family and friends! I wish all of you a Happy Holiday, enjoyable New Years! Thank-you for joining me today!