Make // Mother's Day Gift Boxes

I first shared this tutorial at SEI Lifestyle. 

I have a confession to make-- I am a gift wrap slacker.  I'll buy the gift then set it aside and forget about it. Then the day of the event I'll panic a bit, and stuff the gift into a bag. Sometimes I'll throw in some tissue paper. I'm fancy like that.

So this year I thought I'd be proactive and get a head-start on my Mother's Day gift wrap. Sometimes presentation is key and I think Mother's Day is one of those occasions. I had fun dreaming up these boxes that pretty much scream "Happy Mother's Day!" and "Spring is here!".

click "Read more" for the tutorial

DIY Chrysanthemum Gift Box

My mom has a green thumb and always has a garden full of beautiful blooms, so I knew right away that the floral papers from the Diane Collection would be perfect.

materials needed:

all paper from SEI's Diane Collection--

Lightof Dawn for base

MorningWalk for lid

Closeof Day for chrysanthemum

brads from Diane collection

papier mache box (mine is from paper source)

matte mod podge

scissors

ruler

chrysanthemum template (makes a 4-inch bloom)

ribbon (optional)
craft knife

Cover your papier mache box with the decorative papers. First, measure the box and cut the paper to size. Using a flat paintbrush, lightly apply a thin coat of mod podge, then gently pressed on the paper, smoothing out any wrinkles. Apply another thin layer of mod podge on top of the paper.

Repeat the process with the lid. If you have a round or oval shaped box, you may have to get a little creative with the edges of the lid. I wanted the lid to look seamless, so I cut the paper large enough to cover the top and sides of the lid. I then had to make a cut at every inch to allow the paper to fold around the curves of the lid easily. Embellish the edge of the lid if you'd like.

While your box is drying, it’s time to assemble the chrysanthemum. The chrysanthemum is inspired by this flower kit from Paper-Source. I simplified it a bit and created my own template. Click here to download.

Using the template, cut out your petals. You will need four sets of petals to create the bloom. 

Use the end of a pencil to curl the petals. The petals at the center should have the tightest curl, and less so with the remaining three sets. They should nestle together nicely.

You can either glue or use a brad to hold the flower together. I used a brad to hold the flower together as well as attach it to the lid of the box. Use a craft knife to make a tiny slit in the center of the lid, then push the brad through. Works like a charm.

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DIY Butterfly Gift Box

As you probably have guessed, my mother-in-law LOVES butterflies. So of course I had to use the beautiful butterfly papers from SEI's Field Notes Collection.

materials needed:

papers from SEI's Field Notes Collection--

Specimen for lid *link

ButterflyCollection for butterfly embellishment

MirelleBronze Chevron for base
hexagon papier mache box ($1 each at most craft stores)

small sharp scissors and/or craft knife

matte mod podge

ruler

gold wire, 22 gauge

wire cutter

Similar to the Chrysanthemum box, measure the box and cut the paper to size. Using a flat paintbrush, lightly apply a thin coat of mod podge, then gently pressed on the paper, smoothing out any wrinkles. Apply another thin layer of mod podge on top of the paper. Repeat the process with the lid.

The hexagon lid was a lot easier to cover than the round lid. I cut the paper large enough to cover the top and sides of the lid. At each angle, I made a straight 90 degree cut. The longer pieces were glued down and tucked under and those 90 degree cuts pretty much lined up to each angle, so it made for a clean looking lid.

While your box is drying, cut and assemble the butterflies. I used both a craft knife and small scissors to cut out the butterflies… the scissors were easier for me, but use whatever works for you.

Using a wire cutter, cut your wire at varying lengths, twisting one end into a small loop.

Use a hot glue gun to glue the wire to the butterfly. Do this for each of the butterflies, then arrange to your liking. Twist the ends of the wire together to secure.

To attach the butterflies to the lid, I cut a small slit in the center of the lid and pushed the wire through. I secured it with a little more hot glue and also tape.

Pretty gift boxes for the special ladies in your life!

SEI provided some materials with which I created the projects shown. The project idea, written content and opinions expressed are my own.

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