Making a Custom Size Box

I thought it would be a good day to show you how to make a simple box to fit any size notecards.  It takes a little bit of measuring, a little bit of math, and a little bit of cardstock and adhesive.

First, measure whatever it is you'd like to put into your box.  My envelopes are slightly bigger than my notecards so I'll measure the envelopes.  The envelope measures 5 3/8" by 4 3/4".  To make things simple I usually just round up to the nearest quarter inch so I'm calling these envelopes 5 3/4" by 4 3/4".

Second, you add a little bit to each side because you need sides on the box.  To hold four notecards and four envelopes, I added 3/4" to each side making the amount of cardstock needed 7 1/4" by 6 1/4".

Still with me?

Now, use your bone folder and your paper trimmer to score 3/4" from all four sides.

Cut the lines on one side where your score marks intersect.  Repeat this with all four corners.

You're only cutting a tiny bit to make a tab.

Put adhesive on these little tabs

Fold up your sides and adhere the corners, making a cute little box to hold your notecards.

The lid of the box is made the same exact way except you need to make sure your lid fits over your box.  This means your starting square of cardstock needs to be about a quater of an inch bigger.

So, my starting piece of cardstock for the lid is 7 1/2" by 6 1/2".

I scored my lid 3/4" on each side, cut the lines where the score marks intersect (just like for the box) and then put the cardstock through my Big Shot with the Top Note die.

This Top Note die cuts out a shape in the middle of the cardstock like this:

Save the piece you just cut out because I'm sure you'll find a good use for it.

I put adhesive on the corner tabs, folded up my sides, and added a piece of square Window Sheets for the window on the lid.

And then tied it all with a Satin bow.

Hope you get the idea despite my poor photography.  It is hard to work and take pictures at the same time. 

Just remember, packaging can make or break a gift.  A custom box dresses up a gift of simple notecards way better than any fancy shmancy gift bag or store bought container.  Plus, you get to use those same math skills your third grader is learning.