Gift Box with a Blooming Bouquet

Today, on The Garden Club Live, I showed how to construct this simple, but stunning box that you use for gift giving. My plan was to create these boxes for my grands for Easter since they are getting too old for baskets! A sturdy box that can not hold just Easter treats, but also their treasures. Also, Mother’s Day in the United States is coming up in May and these would be perfect to give your mom, grandmother, sister, or best friend for the occasion.

Let’s Get Started

I designed this box so you can use 8 1/2″ x 11″ (A9 in the UK) 100 lb./300gsm cardstock, which seems to be more easily obtainable. In fact, I used Spellbinders/Poppy for this box, but they have an array of other colors to choose from.

1. Box Base – (Cut 2) 9 3/4″ x 7 1/2″. With your cardstock in landscape, score at 9 1/4″ – 6 3/4″ – 1/2″. Turn your base counterclockwise into portrait and score at 7″ and 4 1/2″

2. After you score the bottom, mark with pencil a 1/2″ line as shown in red. Now, cut away on the areas marked with hash-lines in red.

Repeat with the second piece for the base.

3. Place one of the bases right-side-down, then place the second base on top as shown.

This is how the base will go together. Glue the center area of the box and of the first box laying down, then carefully place the second on top, making sure you align them within the score lines. (Refer to the video on my FB LIVE). Use a brayer or the Tool-in-One Roller to create a good seal.

4. Burnish ALL score lines. Fold in side tabs and glue the box together. Then, glue the 1/2-inch score lines and fold down, starting with the shorter ends, so your box has a finished edge. (again, refer to my FB LIVE).

Box Top – (cut 1) 9 3/8″ x 7 5/8″. Score all four edges at 1/2″ and 1″ as shown.

Then, cut alway all the edges in diagonal red lines and cut the tabs in solid red lines.

Your box top should look like this. Next, burnish all score lines and glue tabs to form the top. Glue the 1/2″ score lines to fold down, starting with the shorter ends, to finish the edges of your box.

Double-Sided Paper for the Top

Cut (1) 4 3/8″ x 6 1/8″ (top)

Cut (2) 3/4″ x 4 3/8″ (short sides)

Cut 2) 3/4″ x 6 1/8″ (long sides)

Now, decide on the blooms you wish to decorate and let your creativity flow!

Double Diamond Pop-Up Card

This is a beautiful and relatively easy card to create. With a little patience to manipulate the folds, you will have this technique done in no time. I have not only filled the center diamonds with flowers, but chose to burst the bouquet with Gerber on the side panels, but make sure your card will still close up to the 6″ x 6″ size!

LET’S GET STARTED

Step 1

Using your trimmer, cut a piece of cardstock, preferrably 100 lb/300 gsm, to a 12″ x 6″ base. Next, using your scoreboard, score at 3″ – 4 1/2″ – 7 1/2″ – 9″ with the 12-inch side up.

Step 2

At the first and last score line, use a pencil to make at 3″ and at the top and bottom at 6″ as shown. Place the base on a piece of cardboard and use the Leaf Tool from my Spellbinder’s Tool Kit and a metal ruler to score the diagonal lines as shown on the template below.

Don’t burnish the score lines until you have cut (shown in Red) across the middle. After you make the cut, burnish the vertical score lines, with a “valley” fold and then take your time to fold and burnish the diagonal lines, doing one diamond at a time, with a mountain fold.

Step 3

Mats and layers: I did my mats in a solid cardstock (80#/217gsm) and then chose a DSP for the top layer. You can use mirrored cardstock and embossed the top layer–your choice!

Mats:

(4) 2 3/4″ x 5 3/4″ (side panels, front and back)

(2) 1 7/8″ x 1 7/8″ (center diamonds)

(2) 1 3/4″ x 1 3/4″ cut in half diagonally

(4) 1 3/4″ x 1 3/4″ cut in half and then in quarters diagonally

Layers:

(2) 2 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ (side panels for front)

(2) 1 5/8″ x 1 5/8″ (center diamonds)

(2) 1 3/8″ x 1 3/8″ cut in half diagonally

(8) 7/8″ x 7/8″ cut in half diagonally (I just used scissors to cut these smaller shapes)

Next, glue the layers on the mats and then onto the card. Once done, have fun creating your paper garden!

Ribbon Closure Gift Box

I fell in love of these boxes when I came across them on Pinterest; Jo Blackman, a Stampin Up Rep in the UK created them with such detail and I thought how wonderful they would be with my flowers.

Let’s Get Started

I used a sheet of 12″ x 12″ cardstock in 100 lb./270-300 gsm for the base. You will also need some plain cardstock and double-side paper (DSP) in addition to ribbon.

Jo had all measurements in metric, which most of our trimmers display, but if yours doesn’t, just purchase a metric ruler.

Piece A – Trim the cardstock to 29.75cm x 18cm and Score at 11cm and 22cm along the 29.75cm side, then turn to the 18cm side and Score at 1 cm on both sides.

Piece B – Trim the cardstock to 24cm x 18 xm and Score at 12cm with the 24cm side up, then Score 1cm on all 4 sides.

Piece(s) C – Trim two pieces of carsick to 11cm x 12 xm and Score with the 12cm side up, 1 cm.

After burnishing all score lines you will be trimming corners as shown on Pieces B & C

For Piece A, you will also burnish all score lines. On the flap end, mark the center with a pencil and you will score from the center out to outside as shown. Fold the flaps towards the center and draw a pencil line across to trim above your 11cm score line. Trim with scissors; this will help the flaps to lay flat.

Burnish those folds and trim away the excess 1 cm piece, then angle cut the rest of the flaps as shown. Glue down the flaps, shown above, and the side tabs of the top of the box–this is for aesthetics.

Glue the side pieces to the next section above the front of the box on each side. Repeat with the opposite side. You will also glue down the flap on the front section for aesthetics as shown.

You will need 3 pieces of cardstock trimmed at 15cm x 10cm and 3 pieces of DSP trimmed at 14.5cm x 9.5cm. For the side pieces, you will need 2 pieces of carsick 10cm x 10cm and 2 pieces of DSP 9.5cm x 9.5cm.

Glue the DSP onto the cardstock and adhere to the base; make sure if you have a directional DSP, that you pay attention how the box is constructed and get it facing in the correct way.

This is the front of the box and I made sure my scene is facing correctly.

For the Flap, you will trim a piece of carstock 14cm x 6.5cm and DSP, 13cm x 6 cm. Along the long sides of both of these pieces, mark the center and trim the paper from the center to the bottom points on both sides.

Next, mark the holes for the ribbon before you glue the box sides together. On the sides, you will mark at the center, which will be 5cm and come down 3cm. Use a Crop-a-dile to punch the holes. Repeat for the other side piece.

Glue the side pieces to the box, starting with the back pieces, then do the front. To mark the holes on the flap, which the ribbon threads through to hold the flap down, I use a metric straight edge and mark at 11cm and 5cm as shown.

Use the Crop-a-dile to punch these two holes. Thread the ribbon through, starting from the inside of the front panel, go across to the next hole, pulling it inside, then through the side, across the top of the box and finally through the other side. Before tying it off, make sure you have enough ribbon to provide the handle.

Now, have fun decorating and filling the boxes!

Since my video didn’t not upload, I suggest you go to YouTube and check out Jo Blackman’s video for this Ribbon Closure box!

Gift Bag Pop Up Card

This is probably one of my all-time favorites; especially when gift cards are so popular, this is a perfect card to go along with it. Easy to make and I know you’ll be using this style a lot, just like me.

Let’s Get Started

1. I used a 5″ x 7″ card from 100 lb./280-300 gsm for my base. For the gift bag, I used DSP (Mintay/Time of Wonders. Trim a piece 4″ x 10 1/2″. Place on your scoreboard and score as shown: along the 10 1/2″ side up–1/2″ – 1″ – 5″ – 5 1/2″ – 6″ and 10″. Next, turn the paper with the 4″ side up and score at 1/2″ – 3 1/4″.

2. Trim away the sections as indicated, by red lines, on the pattern above. Add tear & tape along the bottom 1/2″-inch edge as shown with the right side facing you.

3. Fold the piece in half and make the holes needed for the handles on the 3/4-inch side, below the score line. I use a ruler to measure in about 1″ from either side. Use a hole punch or Croc-a-dial. Measure & cut two pieces of twine or ribbon about 3 1/2 inches for the handles.

4. Open the piece up and thread the twine or ribbon through the holes. Use tear & tape to hold down the twine, below the score line. Trim the twine and add another piece of tear & tape at the top and fold down to finish off the edge.

5. Add a piece of tear & tape on the side flap and bring the bag together forming a “gusset” at each side.

6. Now, all you have to do is adhere it to the center of the card. Open your card and center the bag as shown. Peel the tear & tape from the bag and close the card. Press to adhere. Open the card and repeat for the back of the card.

I made this card a few weeks ago on FaceBook, but unfortunately, it has been deleted by FB:-( I hope this helps, but if you need more detail help, go to YouTube and search “Gift Bag Pop Up” for a video. Have fun!

Pop Ups–Hexagon & “Z” Fold Cards

Both of these cards are fun to make and give us paper gardeners more ways to show off our flowers! Definitely celebrating the first day of Autumn was on the agenda when I chose which flowers and foliage I would create, but easily either one of these card styles would go for any season. Have fun deciding your bouquets!

Hexagon Pop Up

1. I used a 100 lb/280-300 gsm cardstock to create the base (including the circle or square that would hold my flower bouquet). Cut two (2) 2″ x 6 1/2″, one (1) 2″ x 8″ and two (2) 1 1/2″ x 9 1/2″. I also cut a 5 1/4″ Circle or 4″ Square from this same cardstock to hold my flower bouquet.

2. On the two (2) 2″ x 6 1/2″, you will score on 2″ – 4″ – 6″

On the one (1) 2″ x 8″, you will score on 2″ – 4″ – 6″

On the two (2) 1 1/2″ x 9 12″, you will score on 1/2″ – 1 1/4″ – 2″ – 2 3/4″ – 3 1/2″ – 5″ – 5 3/4″ – 6 1/2″ – 7 1/4″ & 8″. All scoring in shown above.

3. Burnish all fold lines. Start with joining the two (2) 2″ x 6 1/2″, gluing at the 1/2-inch tabs to form the hexagon. If you’re decorating with DSP as I have done, cut three (3) up to six(6) squares 1 3/4″ x 1 3/4″ and add to the areas. I left one square open to stamp my quote so I cut five (5).

4. Add the center support as shown on my FB video for September 22, 2022.

5. Accordion fold the 1 1/2″ x 9″ pieces, applying glue to the 1/2″ tab to adhere to the end. Repeat with the second strip, then glue these two together to form the spring. Glue to the inside of the base, centering it as show on my video.

For the other papers, Circle 4 1/4″ DSP, Circle 4″ Plain 80lb./217 gsm cardstock; Square 3 3/4″ DSP, 3 1/2″ Plain 80lb.217 gsm cardstock.

*When glue the Circle or Square to your base card, make sure you height measurement doesn’t exceed 6-inches.

Z-Fold Pop Up

1. I used 100 lb./280-300 gsm cardstock for the base and Z-fold. Cut the base 7″ x 10 1/2″ and score at 5″ – 10″. Cut the Z-Fold, 5″ x 7″ and with the 5″ side at the top, score at 2 1/4″ and 4 1/4″ as shown.

2. Burnish the fold lines. For the base card, you will need to cut a piece of DSP 4 3/4″ x 6 3/4″ and glue to the front of the base; the side without the 1/2″-inch tab!

3. Choose whether you want a square, rectangle or oval or circle. Lay it on the side with the DSP and run just that section, back and forth through your die-cut machine. (You will need to have at least an 8-inch platform die cut machine, i.e., Platinum).

4. If you want a frame…take this same die and choose the next size up to cut a frame from a contrasting piece of cardstock as I have shown above.

5. Attach the Z-fold to your base, matching the tabs and glue to the base. I used the cut out as my piece to add my flowers & foliage to, but if you want another piece in a solid color, match the die you used and cut.

Like the Hexagon, this Pop Up is also a unique way to show off our flowers; Hope you give them a try!

Surprise Pop Up Gift Box

An easy and surprising box to give for any occasion; I chose to accentuate Autumn with my Woodland Leaves and this beautiful quote, but it would also be amazing for holiday gift giving.

Let’s Get Started

1. You will need to cut two pieces from 100 lb./270-300 gsm) cardstock. The base is cut at 9 1/2″ x 8 1/4″ and the drawer is cut at 6 3/4″ x 10 1/2″. Place it on your score board, with the 9 1/2″ at the top and score at 2 1/4″ – 4 1/2″ – 6 3/4″ and 9″. Turn the piece, with the 1/2″ score line at the bottom and score at 2 1/4″.

2. Burnish all score lines then use scissors to cut up to the 2 1/4″ score line as shown and trim the corners of the tab. Apply glue along the tab and close the base to form a tube.

I suggest trimming about 1/16″ from three of the flaps; bottom and two sides before glue them together to seal the “tube.”

3. For the panels, cut three pieces of metallic cardstock– 2″ x 5 3/4″ and one that 2″ x 2″, three pieces of DSP–1 3/4″ x 5 1/2″ and one that 1 3/4″ x 1 3/4″. You will also need a piece of DSP that is 2″ x 5 3/4″ for the bottom of the drawer.

Glue these pieces on three sides of the base (I didn’t add one to the bottom, but you are welcome to do so, just cut 4 pieces of both the metallic and DSP).

4. Next, the drawer, which is the 10 1/2″ x 6 3/4″ piece, has to be trimmed 1/16″ on two perpendicular sides.

You will need to create a “shim” for scoring the drawer by using a folded piece of the same cardstock. Place this piece on your score board on the left side of the scoreboard, then line up your drawer piece. Score at 2 1/4″, turn and repeat this technique for the other three sides.

Burnish all fold lines and cut along the score lines as shown, shaving off a bit on the sides to fold in to form a box. Before constructing the drawer, I decided to punch a semi-circle at one end for ease in pulling the drawer open. The original design was to add a ribbon as a pull, but I felt that created bulk and wasn’t as attractive. After you punch the first semi-circle, you will need to fold in the side flap and pencil in the pattern, punch, then repeat for the other side. Also, if you are adorning the from with the 2″ x 2″ square of metallic paper/1 1 3/4″ x 1 3/4″ DSP, you will need to mark that opening as shown. You will also glue the DSP (2″ x 5 3/4″) into the bottom of the drawer.

Glue the sides to form a box.

5. If you want to add a divider where the spring-mechanism will be, cut two pieces of the same cardstock 2 3/4″ x 2 1/8″. On both pieces, with the 2 3/4″ side at the top of your score board, score at 1/4″ and 2 1/2″. These pieces are glued, back-to-back, then glue is applies to the edge flaps for installing inside the drawer.

6. (Optional) If you want to make the pop-up mechanism, cut 6 pieces of 80lb./217 gsm cardstock lengthwise in 3/4″ pieces. Start by gluing two pieces together, at a right angle, fold the top piece under, then the next piece, which is now on top, is folded under. Repeat this until you run out of room, then glue the next strip on top and continue this folding under.

Glue this to the bottom of the first compartment of your drawer.

I added a Leaf on the top of my Pop Up to coincide with the them of The Trees are About to Show Us How Lovely it is to Let Things Go!

Double Diamond Stand-Up Card

This unusual card style is perfect for our holiday projects. It has plenty of space to show off your bouquet and add your own creativity to it!

Step 1

You will start with a base that is 6″ x 11″ preferably 100 lb./300 gsm cardstock in your color choice. You will also need (4) 2 3/4″ x 2 3/4 squares of cardstock for your first layering and (4) 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ squares for your top layer; which can be a patterned DSP or a plain paper you have embossed as I have done above.

Step 2

Now, for the scoring. Along the 6-inch side, score at 3″. Turn your paper to the 11-inch side and score at 3″ and 8″. To create the folds that bring the card together…fold your paper in half length-wise and “notch” at 3 1/2″ and 7 1/2″. Next, open up the cardstock and along the 11-inch side, make notches at 4 1/2″ and 6 1/2″, then turn 180-degrees and do the same at 4 1/2″ and 6 1/2″ just like the template shows.

Using your Leaf Tool and small ball Stylus, score to connect those lines as shown above. Refer to my FB video to see how this will fold in to form two Diamonds!

Step 3

You will also need to trim two pieces of the same 100 lb./300 gsm cardstock for the bridge and place holder for your Oval center piece. Those both measure 1″ x 2″. You will score one piece, along the 2-inch side at 1″ and one piece along the 2-inch side at 1/2″ – 1″ – 1 1/2″ as shown. Refer to my FB video LIVE to see how these will be placed on the card.

Step 4

The larger of the Ovals measures 4 1/2″ x 3 1/2″; for the other ovals, just use what you have in the set that come next. I did 3 layers, but you could use only two and you can change the shape to Round or Square.

Have fun developing your own creativity with this card style.

Hexagon Tower Box & Double Flap Box

On THE GARDEN CLUB LIVE this week, I demoed how to do two very interesting, but easy boxes. The first is this Hexagon (Stepper Wrap) Tower Box which is perfect to add treats to for a special recipient–this on is for my daughter for Mother’s Day. She is an exception mother and I’m so proud of the mom she has become.

Here are the patterns with the measurements:

1. The base is 8″ x 10 1/2″. I cut this from 100 lb./270 gsm paper for stability. With the 10 1/2″-side up, you will score at 1 1/2″ – 3″ – 4 1/2″ – 6″ – 7 1/2″ and 9″. Fold and burnish all score lines.

2. For the “Hexagon” boxes, cut from the same cardstock, (5)five pieces 3″ x 9 1/2″. With the 9 1/2″-side up, you will score at 1 1/2″ – 3″ – 4 1/2″ – 6 – 7 1/2″ and 9″. Turn the paper with the 3″-side up and score at 1 1/2″. Fold and burnish all score lines.

Along the bottom row, cut up between the lines up to the middle score line. Trim away the 1/2″ along the bottom and trim the “tab” along the upper half as shown.

3. For the Lid, cut from the same cardstock, 3″ x 9 3/4″. With the 9 3/4″-side up, you will score at 1 3/4″ – 3 1/4″ – 4 3/4″ – 6 1/4″ 7 3/4″ & 9 1/4″. Turn the paper with the 3″-side up and score at 1 1/2″ Fold and burnish all score lines.

You will repeat cutting up the bottom score line to the mid score line, again, trimming away the piece at the bottom as shown to create a tab.

4. For the DSP you will need the following:
Base: (14) 1 1/4″ x 7 3/4″ – I cut 9 of my main pattern paper and 5 of a contrasting one, but your choice!
Boxes: (25) for the outside of the box – 1 1/4″ x 1 1/4″ ; (30) for inside of the box – 1 1/4″ x 1 1/4″

Follow the instructions on my FB site, Susan’s Garden Club to construct box. I decorated the top with a beautiful Peony; a replica of the one my grandmother gave me 54 years ago! Let dry completely, then fill with Lindt Truffles!

Now, The Double Flap Box:

All in one with a bi-opening Lid is a perfect little box for our resin jewelry or a treat. Fun to make and to decorate with our beautiful paper flowers. I did a red Peony with some white Forget-Me-Nots.

1. The base is 5″ x 10 1/4″. I cut this from 100 lb./270 gsm cardstock. With the 10 1/2″-side up, score at 2 1/8″ – 3 1/8″ – 7 1/8″ and 8 1/8″ as shown. Turn the piece to the 5″-side and score at 1″ and 4″. At those one-inch sections, cut up to the score line and create “tabs” as shown. You will also cut, from the same cardstock, (4) Four pieces that measure 5″ x 15/16″ (that’s 1/16″ smaller that 1″). With the 5″-side up, score these pieces along at 1″ and 4″. Fold and burnish ALL score lines. Glue two these pieces which will create the sides of the box. Repeat with the remaining two pieces.

Follow my instructions on my FB page to form the flaps and the box.

2. For the DSP, you will need the following:

(2) 2 3/4″ x 1 7/8″

(2) 2 3/4″ x 3/4″

(4) 1 7/8″ x 3/4″

I also die cut a couple of ovals and used foam tabs to adhere to half of the box so I could add paper flowers to.

I hope you have fun with these two boxes; I did!

Letter Box for Mother’s Day

This sweet letter box is perfect to hide some treats for your mom, sister, aunt, daughter, or special friend who might be celebrating Mother’s Day. It’s easy to create and adding your favorite paper flowers will certainly put a smile on her face!

Product List:

100 lb/280-300 gsm cardstock- 12″ x 12″ for the box and scraps to make your templates.

Double-sided patterned cardstock (DSP)

Glue

Let’s Get Started

1. Transfer the measurements I’ve given on a 6″ x 6″ square cardstock to create a template.
2. Cut out 2 pieces of cardstock, 6″ x 6″ and trace around this template to form the front & back of the box.

3. Repeat this to make a pattern for the patterned cardstock, but this time, it will be on a 5 3/4″ x 5 3/4″ square piece of scrap cardstock. Cut two pieces of Double sided Paper at 5 3/4″ x 5 3/4″ and trace around the template.

Other pieces you will need in the Double Sided Patterned Paper are as follows:

(2) 1 1/4″ x 5 3/4″

(2) 1 1/4″ x 2 3/4″

(2) 1 1/4″ x 2″

(2) 1 1/4″ x 1 1/4″

3. Next, from the same cardstock as you chose for your letterbox, cut the following:

These (5)five pieces will create the sides to your box. Score, as indicated with “black” lines, all five pieces.

4. Fold and burnish on all the score lines. Then trim as shown (watch the video on my FB page, if necessary.)

These boxes will be a great hit and after you’ve made a few, you should be able to do other letters of the alphabet if you choose. Keep in mind, the letter needs to be in block style so you have angles, not curves to go around.

Reference for Flowers

stc-flower-season-reference-compressedDownload