to DIY for: recycled card or paper box tutorial

what's better than a cute craft project? a practical and cute craft project. and what's better than that? a chance to recycle while making something cute and practical!

today i want to share with you a tutorial for making your own little box out of a recycled cereal box and some recycled card or paper. its relatively easy and you could make a whole box in a couple of evenings. satisfying and just in time for easter.

hop to it! this box is so cute and easy, you'll have one made in no time!

i certainly didn't invent this method, but it seems to have fallen out of common knowledge. do you remember your grandmother or older relatives making these kinds of boxes? i remember seeing crochet edged boxes like this made of recycled christmas cards, wrapping paper or greeting cards at fetes growing up. even my sewing basket is made in a similar style, and i know a friend who has a wastepaper basket made the same way. its a very versatile way of using old cards or papers that you can't bring yourself to throw away, and with environmental responsibility and saving money at the forefront of a lot of people's minds, i think its time to re-embrace this canny little craft! does this craft even have a name? if you know, leave a comment!

you could top the lid with ribbons, flowers, rosettes. be creative!

i specifically wanted to make an easter basket, so i designed my own paper to use. this box pictured was constructed from photo paper (with my design printed on it), a cereal box, and some plain white card to line the box. i recommend covering the interior and exterior layers with clear plastic vinyl or transparent plastic (like overhead projector sheets) if you want your box to last well or intend to present edible treats in it. imagine receiving a cute handmade box filled with some fresh baked cookies! now thats a resourceful but heartfelt gift i'd love to get. hint, hint, any friends reading!

did somebody say cookies?

i love 'old lady' crafts because most of the time they're very practical and born of necessity. practicality really isn't my strong suite, but i'm a sucker for boxes and containers to store little stuff in. while the crochet edging is very pretty, don't be put off if you can't crochet. just follow the instructions the same way, but replace any mention of crochet with a simple blanket stitch. it will be a little bit less frilly, but you'll still have a cute way to use up those pretty bits of paper.

all you need, plus some cardboard

for instructions and template to make your own recycled card box click here

and as an early easter present to you lovely draw! pilgrim readers, you can make an easter patterned box just like mine! click here for an A4 sized easter paper pattern you can print out.