Flat Gift Boxes

Hello and happy day before Halloween.  Last week, at my regular job we were raising funds for the United Way and one of the activities we had was a mystery box auction.  The idea was, for people to donate a box with something inside that is a secret, and the bidders will bid in $1 and someone will be randomly chosen.  It's a fun way to raise money.  I am donating 3 boxes and needed them to be an appropriate size to fit a dvd and a couple candy bars.

Since the season is Halloween and Fall, I opted to use paper from the Spooky Night Designer Series Paper (144610) in our 2017 holiday catalog.  I will add the instructions for those that may also want to make one of these boxes.  The good news is,  it really doesn't require overly large pieces of paper, so you can easily make the base with a regular 8.5" x 11" card stock sheet, and the lid can be made with whatever designer series paper you may have.  (Christmas is coming!)


Base:
9 1/2" x 7 1/2" = score at 1" on all 4 sides

Top:
9 9/16" x 7 9/16" = score at 3/8" and at 1" on all 4 sides

Instructions:
Using a bone folder, fold on all scored lines.  Beginning with base piece, snip up on one side to score line and notch edges.  Apply adhesive to the notches and fold up to form the box bottom.

On the lid, the configuration is a little more involved because the top edge will fold over to make the lid stronger and sturdier on the 3/8" fold. On each corner snip on both score lines, cutting away the outside and half of the second snip.  Then, notch the edges.  Apply adhesive to all top edges and notches, then fold over all edges to make a nice and tidy edge.

I decorated the tops to the boxes with assorted ribbons, jute or twine, but you can use whatever you like.  On one of the boxes I made a belly band and it was a very easy way to secure the box closed.

This would be a super easy way to make gift giving fun and also use up that pretty paper before the season ends.  I especially like that I was able to fit a dvd box inside along with 2 candy bars.  If you want your box to be larger or even deeper, but make the paper that much larger and adjust the score line depth on the edges.  Additionally, keep in mind that the lid will need to be a mere 1/16th of an inch larger than the base.  Have fun!