Oct 14 2008
Perfect Presentation – Part I
Presentation is everything! This begins a multi-part series on quick and simple ways to present your gift items — tricks, treats, teacher gifts, hostess gifts, little gifts– this week I’ll beshowing you different ways to contain and present gift itemsin lovely fashion during the autumn season. Today I’ll beginby makingsome giftboxes which is a sure-fired way to give an inexpensive little gift some instant appeal. Here’s the 3 we’ll be doing today. Tutorials for all 3 will follow:
I LOVE making boxes — my absolute MOST favorite of all 3-D projects. They are quick, easy, functional and usually create a big WOW!!! And WOW is good — especially when you are presenting a little gift that is perhaps NOT so WOW on it’s own — LOL!!!
I have used Crate paper, Crush Collection, for all three of these boxes. The tags were either punch-outs that came with the paper, or something I made using the same paper. I LOVE Crate paper for boxes. It is nice and heavy, it has a great texture, and it even has it’s own smell — have you ever noticed that? Really, it does!!! I’ve had this paper for quite some time and over the years I’ve purchased Crate productsfrom both Jacksonbelle Embellishments and Eclectic Paperie. This is THE perfect box paper!!!
I’ll start with the uprightnarrow box on the left. It measures 4 x 8 and it houses a simple set of Autumn themed metal cookie cutters made by Wilton from Wal-Mart. They were $2.47 and came tied on a cardbooard backing with metal twist ties — MOST unattractive. I love metal cookie cutters and thought they would be nice for a little teacher treat or girlfriend gift — anytime! Take a look:
A pumpkin, leaf and a turkey — fun — resting on some shredded paper also purchased from Wal-Mart. It makes a great filler!!! The box top slips over, it gets tied with a pretty ribbon, a tag hung on, and ready to go!!! Here it is all wrapped up:
This tag was a punch out that came with the paper and I used my Harmony Rectangle Stamper by JustRite with the Brayton alphas tostamp my To and From. The edges were DTP’d with the ink as well (Palette Burnt Umber). My ribbon is 1.5″ wide striped grosgrain by May Arts. The trick in doing this box is to make sure the top is a tad larger than the bottom — then it slides on and off so nicely. Here are my hand-written templates — nothing fancy — but I hope it’ll get the information across to you.
I used my full sized Scor-It to quickly and easy make these boxes. To make the box bottom, cut the paper 11 7/8 x7 7/8, then simply score 2″ from all 4 outer edges. Fold on the score lines, and then cut on the lines highlighted in yellow, and assemble the box using a strong double sided tape.
About scoring on the Scor-It: The Scor-It makes a hinged score which isa very functional score that works extremely well, but you should be sure to fold the paper in the right way so your hinged score works properly. When you score, one side is indented and one side is humped out (highly professional terms — LOL!). The INDENTED side is the OUTSIDE of the fold. An easy way to remember without having to think each time, when you lay your paper on the cutter, put it upside down — so the side you want for the FRONT, is laying down against the rubbery pad — then it’ll come right. You will actually be running your scoring tool along the WRONG side. Easy —
And here’s the box top. Cut your paper 10 x 6, and then simply score 1″ from each outside edge, fold, cut on yellow lines, tape, and done!!! See how we made the box bottom a bit smaller — now this top will slide on and off very easily!!! When you try it, you’ll see!!!
My second box holds a $1 Wal-Mart jar candle. I tied a ribbon on the jar (it is Crate ribbon to coordinate with the paper). And even though this candle was very inexpensive, it smells just luscious!!! Mulled Cider — how perfect for a crisp fall evening!!! I lined the box with more of the shredded paper and it perfectly protects and nestles the candle. Here it is all wrapped up.
This tag was another punch out in the Crush pack of paper. I used a very old PSX stamp for the To and From. The brown hemp I am using to tie on my tags is from the jewelry making section of Wal-Mart. I am particularly fond of this 3.5″ square box. Here’s the templates for it:
For this square box bottom, cut your paper 10.5 x 10.5 and score 3.5 from each outside edge. Fold, cut on yellow lines, tape and assemble. You can see I have my paper guide set at 3 1/2 inches. When I’m just scoring cards on my Scor-It, personally, I don’t use the guide. I find it very easy to just lay my paper on the correct measurement. But when I’m making a box, it is really important to get all your measurements accurate to make the box fit correctly, so I do use my paper guide for boxes. It easily adjusts to any measurement you need. Here’s the box top:
Again, I wanted this slip on box top to be a bit larger than the bottom, so I added that 1/8th of an inch — it makes all the difference. Cut your paper 7 5/8″ square, and score 2″ from all four edges. Again fold, cut on yellow, tape, assemble.
And here’s my last little gift item. This box measures 4 x 6 and is only 1″ tall. It holds ribbon — what a great gift for a stamping friend!!! The box topis made of acetate or clear cardstock, allowing us to see the gift inside — how cool!!! This time I made the box top smaller rather than larger than the base. Can you see how this box top goes INSIDE the box. Making it that 1/8 inch smaller does the trick. This functions very nicely as well as shows off the gift inside!!! I made this tag using the same PSX stamp and a die cut tag from Tags Five by Spellbinders. Here’s the templates:
Cut box bottom 6 x 8 and score 1″ from each of the 4 edges. Finish off as the above boxes.
And here’s the template for the acetate box top. It’ll be just a tad smaller than the box and it’ll slip inside the box as displayed above just perfectly!!! And don’t fret about having to score your acetate or clear cardstock. It’s no problem at all using the Scor-It — it’ll score just like butter. You will have to apply a bit more pressure than you normally use when scoring cardstock, but you’ll be able to tell/feel once you start — it’s no problem at all. Once scored, it is harder to fold the acetate than cardstock, but just use your fingers to press it down on all 4 sides, and once it takes its shape it’ll hold it well. These are SO FUN to make when you can see through and into the box!!!
If you’d like to read more about the Scor-It or find a retailer near you, you can do all that on the Scor-It site. They do not sell the Scor-It boards from their site, but I know Ellen Hutson carries them (they are under TOOLS, her service is phenomenal) and in doing a Google search I also came up with another store that I’ve been unfamiliar with — Marco’s Paper. And while I was cruising their site — guess what??? Michelle Zindorf is running some of her brayering classes there — how cool is that!!! OH, I only WISH I could go, and I even checked the map, but it’s way too far for this country girl!!!
Thanks so much for stopping in — always appreciate it!!! Part II continues tomorrow with more gift presentation ideas. Hope you try some boxes — they are SO fun!!! Talk to you later!!!
53 responses so far
Great ideas Sharon. Beautiful boxes and a wonderful Tutorials!
I have printed it off and hopefully will get some made soon!
Joan
Your boxes are just beautiful. Thanks for the tutorials.
Thanks for this tutorial. I love it! The boxes are so beautiful. Bye, Silke
Hi Sharon,
These are definitley PERFECT PRESENTATIONS! Just lovely. Thank you so much for the tutorials.
Barb
Some really cool ideas, the boxes and the gifts! Beautiful work! TFS
fabulous Sharon…thanks:)
Fabulous Sharon!!! Thanks so much for all this wonderful inspiration!!!
Marvelous tutorial and beautiful gifts! I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Marvelous tutorial and beautiful gifts! I can’t wait to see what’s next!
GORGEOUS presentation! I love checking your blog out every day. You have such beautiful ideas.
Awesome….love your ideas!
Thank you sooo much for sharing your beautiful projects.
Fantastic set Sharon. I love love love the ribbon. Might have to do a little gift set also! Thanks so much for the measurments! have a blessed day!
Thanks so much for these tutorials. My daughter is always asking me to wrap up my granddaughter’s teacher’s gifts and these will be perfect!
Your gifts are always so beautiful– you almost hate to open them! These are no exception– just amazingly gorgeous! Will have to try these out– thanks so much for the tutorial!
Thank you for sharing your templates! Your packaging is gorgeous.
Thank you so much for doing these. It’s amazing how a pretty box can make any gift look fab-o! 🙂
Sharon, I LOVE your blog and check it daily. This time I just HAVE to leave a comment! These boxes are incredible! I’m off now to search for this paper AND the beautiful ribbon! I’m ready to put together a few gifts to have on hand for last-minute gift-giving needs. Thank you so much for the inspiration.
Fabulous post, Sharon!! Your Queen of Gift Boxes title is seconded only to your status of Ribbon Queen!! Gorgeous!!
I love a beautifully wrapped gift and these are gorgeous!!! I will definetely be using these directions and ideas 🙂 When a person sees something wrapped beautifully it heightens the anticipation and makes the gift all the more special! Thank you, Sharon, for sharing these beautiful wrappings.
These gift boxes are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing!
Sharon, you are the top dog of generosity…sharing your beautiful boxes and all the deets! I can only imagine the time you’ve put into this and really appreciate it–I’ll be back for future reference. And BTW, the boxes are just lovely!
Amy
Sharon, these are all FANTASTIC!! I love the papers, the boxes, the ribbon, and all the fantastic little gifts!! You are a creative genius!! Thanks for the tutorials too!! WOW!!
This is beyond gorgeous! What a stunning presentation! TFS!!!!!!!
WOW, is all I can say…you ROCK!!
This set is just gorgeous!
Your tutorials are great. Thank you for sharing your creativity. I love your blog.
These are absolutely stunning! Wow!
I love your blog and admire your talent. Thanks so much for sharing the tutorials.
These look good enough to eat! Thank you very much for these tutorials, they are going to be so useful.
Your blog is wonderful! Inspirational and chock full of beautiful things to admire. Thanks again.
Marion, UK
Sharon,
You are the queen of elegant! TFS!!
Your “Perfect Presentation” is Perfect! Just beautiiful!
Thanks so much for sharing.
Over-the-top project Sharon, I can’t wait to make these boxes! Tthank you so much for sharing the tutorials. You’ve never made Crate look so good! I knew you would work magic with those papers, they’re gorgeous!
thank you so much..great tutorial…I tried to make a box with a lid this week-end..and finally gave up…love your site.
So elegant Sharon!!!
Sharon these are beautifully presented gifts!! I love making boxes too, and my favorite paper is Crate as well, it really is sturdier than the rest! Thanks for sharing these lovely ideas. The ribbon is fabulous too!
smiles,Deena
Your tutorials are so great…thanks for taking the time to explain things so thoroughly. Love your fall color palette.
How cool is this? Sharon you just never stop coming up with fun and easy ideas to make a $1 find look like a million bucks. Thanks for the tutorial I know these little boxes will come in handy for little neighbor, teacher etc. gifts this Holiday season and all year long.
You are the BEST!!!!!
You are so right about the presentation, Sharon. It makes ALL the difference! These are simply gorgeous and they sure do dress up the gifts. There’s no reason why cookie cutters and candles have to be expensive, but there’s also no reason why they can’t be turned into something special like this. Wonderful!!
I am not a container maker but had to tell you that the colours and papers used are truly beautiful.
I check out your blog almost daily and find some wonderful, clever techniques and cards.
You are very talented and I thank you for sharing those talents with us.
These are great boxes, love the colors you used! Thanks for sharing the tutorials!
Wow. It really IS all in the presentation and your presentations are outstanding!!
Martha Stewart has NOTHING on you! These are absolutely stunning, and your tutorial is marvelous! Thanks so much for all the good you share with all of us! Best, Curt
I was SO inspired, Sharon and needed something like this SO much! Here are my No Time Boxes:
http://angelosity.blogspot.com/2008/10/no-time-boxes.html
Thank you for the inspiration!
~Angel
thanks for the templates! I have used them a lot already and can see using them often in the future!
I love your blog & your creating style.
thanks for sharing!
Tammy
[…] boxes are a different size and shape so I’d like to encourage you to visit her post here to see her measurements and some absolutely fabulous ideas for turning a simple gift into […]
These are soooooo cool! I can’t wait to try some with my stamp clubs!
LeAnne
These boxes are all awesome and you are a doll for sharing the details!!!
[…] from the other sets as soon as I can. I plan to do a box tutorial when I get a chance but Sharon has an excellent one and so does […]
Your boxes are totally gorgeous, Sharon!! THANKS so much for all of the deets!! YOU ROCK!!
Sharon, I have posted my box and you can see it at:
http://joanscreations.blogspot.com/2008/10/tall-box.html
You tutorial is wonderful and you make it so easy with the pictures and your step by step instructions. thank you!
Sharon – these are stunning! This is another in the growing list of your posts that I will save and go back to for reference. Thanks for taking the time to show us how to make these and sharing your beautiful style again.
Question for you – I love this ribbon – but am not sure where to get it. I thought I remembered seeing it on Flourishes website – but it is not there now. Any suggestions on where to purchase it?
Great boxes! Wonderful inspirations!!!
LOVE your boxes; finally got to try one out!
http://whimsicalcreations.blogspot.com/
Thanks for the great inspiration!!
Hi Sharon, thanks for the tutorials. I love to make boxes too. Let me tell you one thing I’m a real mess with those measures, I mean the 5/8, 16/ …..