Decorative Christmas Boxes

                                                                      

Decorative Christmas Boxes

Sometimes you just need a little box or maybe three! They can be used for decorating or for gift giving. These cute little boxes are easy to create and inexpensive as well. 
I purchased these paper mache boxes at my local craft store A.C. Moore. They cost $1.00 each. You could also use small tins instead or even large ones depending on your particular need. 

Directions for making gift boxes:

- Purchase or locate, if you already have some, your gift boxes or tins

Paper Mache Boxes

 - Paint the outside and top of each one - I spray painted them with red and green spray paint. You could use anything you want - white or blue would be great too.

- While they are drying, create the fabric tops for each lid. These are actually yo yos. If you have never made one, they are easy.

- Find a fabric that you want to use for your yo yo – I used all Christmas fabrics, but these would work for any holiday.

-Measure the diameter of your box lid - mine where 4 inches across

Measure the Diameter of the Lid

- You will need to double the diameter - my total was 8 inches across. You can use a compass to draw the circle, a plate or bowl if it is the exact size. You can use cardboard to make a pattern or if you are brave like me, I just did it directly onto the fabric. Make sure you use the backside of the fabric to draw your circle.

- Once you have your circle, cut your fabric. 

Cut Circle for YoYo 

- You will now need a needle and a long piece of thread that will go all the way around the circle. The color of the thread is not important for this.

- Begin on the right side and move in about 1/4 inch from the edge. Weave the thread around the edge of the material. Shorter stitches create a larger, more open center on your yo yo. Longer stitches make for a tighter yo yo center.

Stitching Outside of Circle of Yo Yo

Stitched Around Yo Yo Circle

 - Once you have gone all the way around, you are ready to begin pulling the thread.

Pulling Thread on Yo Yo

 Gradually pull the thread until it resembles the picture below.

Finished Yo Yo

- The gathered part should be in the center, you my need to adjust this.

- Complete one for each box lid.

- Use Elmer's glue to attach the fabric yo yos to the top of the box. I just put glue on the outside edge all the way around and some in the middle.

- Press the yoyo onto the lid making sure it reaches to all the edges.

- Let the yo yos dry. (You can fluff it up once it dries)

- You can add any decorative items on top. On one I added a vintage button and jute, on another, a small ornament, on the third I added a cardboard decoration from Martha Stewart that I purchased at the end of the season on sale. They have a sticky back to them so when you remove it, it will stick to the top.

Decorated Christmas Boxes

Box Lid Decorated with Jute and Vintage Button

Box Lid Decorated With Martha Stewart Decorative Trims

 - I decided to decorate the sides of the lids as well. On one I added some lace and then a thin red ribbon, on the second one I put a gold ribbon around the band of the lid, on the third I added some trim from Martha Stewart. These are really great since they have a sticky back to them. All you have to do is peel the paper off and stick it on the each of the lid. 

Decorated Lid Edge with Martha Stewart Trim

Decorated Lid Edge with Lace and Ribbon

Martha Stewart Christmas Trims

 You could just add some decoration to the top and not add the yo yo. Let your imagination run wild!
They can be decorative or fill them with candy or nuts to give as gifts. 

Pecan Filled Decorative Boxes