I have been asked for a template for the gift boxes, but as greeting cards come in all different sizes, there is not a template which will cover them all. So a tutorial is the next best thing. It is best to try it with an A5 card or similar first, as a trial run and then go for smaller cards once you have worked out the technique and measurements.
1. Find two greeting cards that are of similar size and the pictures will look good together. ie 2 red christmas cards.
2. Cut both of them to the exactly same size. This is very important - otherwise it will not sit properly as a box.
Decide which is top and which is bottom.
3. For the top of the box, measure 15mms from the edge on all four sides and score.
4. On the corners, the scoring should make a box. Cut it diagonally from the corner to the scored meeting point. Fold all scored lines.
5. On each of the corners. On one bit cut up from the centre half way to create a folded small triangle.
Cut the other scored line half way down as seen in photo. This is to make an interlocking corner.
6. Fold the slitted triangle into the half slit from the top to make an interlocking corner for the box. ( Sorry not very good at explanations - if anyone can describe this better - your welcome to use the comments section)
7. Do this for all four corners to make the box top.
8. For the bottom of the box do steps 3 to 7, but make the measurement 1mm smaller.
9. You may want to sellotape or glue the corners, but it is not necessary.
These 15mms measurement can be changed according to whether you want a deeper or shallower box. The size of the card can change as well. The only measurement that needs to remain the same is the 1mm difference between the top and bottom box.
This recycling idea does not work well with greeting cards that have extra 3D embellishments already on them.
Ideas to make the box special:
You may want to put a serviette / tissue paper in to not let your gift slide around.
You may want to wrap ribbon or the like with a bow at the top.
Add embellishments or name tags or write a poem in a coloured pen.
I hope this tutorial gets people to reuse their greetings cards. I would love to see some of the gift boxes that people have made from their greetings cards.
