Recycled Gift Boxes

Last Updated on August 2, 2017 by lydiaf1963

Hello and happy March! Today is reveal day for the Creative Craft Blogger’s Group. The challenge for March was to use scrapbook paper to create something beautiful. Since we’re also in Lent, I wanted to do an upcycle craft since I participate in the Lenten Carbon Fast and in past years I’ve been focused on reduce, reuse, recycle, refuse. In keeping with the spirit of the Carbon Fast, I’ve added to the challenge by only using supplies I had on hand.

Manualidades or crafts are just as popular in Spain as they are in other parts of the world. Most of the mercantiles carry basic craft supplies like yarn, beads, felt, jewelry findings, glue and surprisingly, canvases, paints (both acrylics and oils) and brushes. It’s just a matter of knowing which store carries what. The intimidating bit for me comes from having to speak to the clerk as many shops require you to inquire about a product at the counter and then the clerk will show you what’s available and assist you in making your selection. If necessary I’ll drag Rick along to act as translator but usually I can manage and people are too polite to make fun of my bad accent. At the moment, there aren’t any stores like Hobby Lobby or Michael’s to be found although there are shops dedicated to particular crafts, like yarn shops, painting and photography.

The problem with shopping here is if you see something you like, you’d better purchase it because there’s no guarantee it will be there when you return to the store. And there’s no guarantee you’ll find the same or similar product in any other store. We’re spoiled in the US by the megamarts and their huge supply chains.

Anyway, such was the case when I found these pretty papers awhile back. I bought them thinking I’d do a little origami or other paper craft but never had an inspiration to work with them until the challenge.

For the upcycle part I had a couple empty boxes that seemed to be begging to be decorated. Two had tea and the third sweetener. They were all different sizes and it was interesting to see how they were assembled. Each box had a different configuration. I thought they’d all be the same, just different sizes.

To cover the boxes carefully take them apart, then place the opened box on top of the paper. Both the paper and the box should be face down. Due to the size of the paper it was necessary to piece it together and also use some scraps because of the width of the box. I tried to put the seams in places where they won’t be noticeable. You might not have the same problem.

Trace around the box, then cut inside the lines. Glue the paper to the box and let dry. Once dry, assemble the box, gluing the sides and securing them while they dry. I used clothespins.

These little boxes are the perfect size for a gift of homemade cookies, candies or perhaps a hand embroidered handkerchief. What will you put in your recycled gift box?

Don’t forget to go and visit the other great projects that were in our monthly craft challenge!