One of my favorite Christmas traditions is baking Christmas cookies. I also love making fun packaging for them to go in and giving them out as gifts. This year I made milk carton boxes. I would love to show you how I made these so let's get started!
Supplies:
- Cardstock Warehouse Cardstock Paper:
- Colorplan 100lb Nubuck Brown
- Lessebo Colours 100lb: Cherry, Lime Green, and Bubblegum
- Adhesives:
- Liquid Glue
- Foam Dots
- Assorted Ribbon
- Cutting machine (I’m using a Cricut)
- Cutting files:
- Milk Carton SVG from Etsy
- Apron Tag Cricut File w/ Gingerbread man (optional)
First, you will download the milk carton file from Etsy and upload it to your machine. Size the file to the size you want to make your box. Make sure you have all the pieces selected when you resize it. You’ll also want to make sure that the pieces will fit on the size of paper you are using.
Now choose a file for decorating your box. I added a basic gingerbread man shape from Cricut Design Space and sized it to fit on the front of my box. I also made some apron tags using Cherry, Kelly Green, Flamingo, and White Lessebo.
Now cut your pieces. I am making three colors of boxes: Cherry, Lime Green, and Bubblegum. My gingerbread man is Colorplan Nubuck Brown. Since I am using 100lb paper, I used the “cut twice” setting on my Cricut to ensure it cut all the way through.
Once you have your pieces cut, lay them out so the holes are on the top and both sets of tabs are on the right. Then fold all of the score lines. Most of them all fold the same direction, with the exception of the angled lines at the top of the box. Those will fold the opposite way. (Don’t worry, if you fold something the wrong direction, you can just fold it the other way when you are assembling.) You can see how mine were folded in the photo below.
Once your score lines are folded, lay your pieces back out with the holes on the top and the tabs on the right. Apply glue to the tabs on one piece (the left piece) and glue them to the non-tabbed side of the other piece. This will join them together to make one large piece.
Now, you will fold the piece into a rectanglular box and glue the remaining tabs to the non-tabbed edge on the other side. This will give you a rectangular “tube” shape.
Flip your box so you're looking at the bottom and fold the tabs into each other to close it off. You can glue these tabs if you are going to put something heavy in the box, or you can just leave them folded and tucked if you want to be able to open the bottom again later. If you need a really sturdy bottom, you can measure the bottom of your box and then cut a rectangle of thick paper that is 1/4 of an inch smaller than the measured box bottom. Hot glue this rectangle into the bottom of the box, creating a sturdy base.
Now it’s time to fill and decorate your box! Add your goodies to the box, and then fold and pinch the top to create a closed carton. *Tip: If you're adding food items, like freshly baked cookies, place them in a plastic treat bag first.*
Once your box is full, close up the top. You can glue it shut, or you can use tied ribbon to hold it closed. I added multiple strings of assorted ribbons to add some color and texture.
Add foam tape to the back of your gingerbread man and then attach it to the front of the box. You can also cut out other shapes, the name of your recipient, or just leave them blank. If you’re feeling really fancy, you can make these Apron Tags from Cricut Design Space to add to your boxes.
Now your boxes are ready to gift and spread joy!
You can also adapt this treat box project for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Easter treats, or any other holiday. You can stuff these boxes with party favors, baked goods, candies, small gifts, gift cards, or even money! The milk carton file is very versatile, and Cardstock Warehouse paper is perfect for 3d crafts!
Making any fun paper crafts for the holidays? Be sure to show us on Facebook and Instagram! You can tag your creations with #cardstockwarehouse to be featured in our stories.
Happy Crafting!
Melissa
Instagram: @sweetbuttercupdesigns & @diy_melissa
Etsy: Sweet Buttercup Designs