* Yes, I know it’s September, but I couldn’t resist sharing a little holiday preview—ScotchBlue.com is hosting a contest where you can enter to win $5,000 toward a home makeover! Details are at the end of this post, but first: a quick trip forward to Christmas.
During the busy holiday season I love projects that pull double duty. These DIY ornament boxes are a delightful gift (ideal for holiday hosts) and serve as charming seasonal decor. Leave a few on the coffee table for a decorative accent and tuck treats inside for guests or children to find.
Supplies:
- Thin but sturdy cardboard
- Computer paper (for templates)
- Craft paint and paintbrushes
- Pencil
- Hot glue gun
- Craft knife, cutting mat, and ruler (optional)
- ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape Delicate Surfaces with Advanced Edge-Lock™ Paint Line Protector (#2080EL)
How to make the ornament boxes:
- Create templates on computer paper for each ornament shape you want. Trace the template onto cardboard and cut out the shape.
- To make the lid, trace the original shape and expand it by about 1/16″ all the way around. Use a ruler to mark this offset and cut the slightly larger shape for the lid.
- Cut strips of cardboard for the sides: for the lid, cut strips 1.5″ wide; for the box bottom, cut strips 2″ wide. The number and length of strips depend on the size of the ornament—use long pieces of cardboard when possible to minimize seams.
- Assemble with hot glue. Start by gluing the bottom piece to a 2″ side strip. Apply a thin line of hot glue to a small section, press the strip in place, and hold until set. Work around the shape in small sections. For curved edges, gently bend the strip to match the curve.
- If you must join two strips, place the seam at a corner or point (top or bottom) for a cleaner look. Add extra hot glue along the ends and overlap them slightly.
- Repeat the same assembly steps for the lid using your 1.5″ strips.
- Paint the inside of the box first and let it dry—white is a simple, bright choice.
- Prime the exterior with white paint to make the colors stand out. Once dry, paint the box bottom in your chosen color and prepare the lid for decoration. Sketch your lid design on scrap paper before painting.
- To create stripes and crisp edges, use ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape to mask off sections of the lid. Wrap the tape around the sides so the stripe continues seamlessly. Paint over the exposed areas for contrasting stripes and use tape to block the base of the ornament top before painting the metallic area.
- Carefully remove the tape to reveal clean lines and let the pieces dry completely before placing the lid on the box. Allowing full drying time prevents smudging and helps the lid fit properly.
- Tip: For thin white stripes, stick tape onto a cutting mat and slice a narrower strip with a craft knife. Use these thinner pieces to mask and create delicate stripe details.
All photos by Studio DIY
ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape Contest: Enter the Home of ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape Contest at www.scotchblue.com/homecontest from October 1, 2014 through November 15, 2014 for a chance to win $5,000 toward a home makeover. The first 500 eligible entries will receive one roll of the new ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape with Advanced Edge-Lock™ Paint Line Protector.
This project is featured as an example for the contest. I’m proud to be a 3M-sponsored blogger and had the opportunity to evaluate ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape while creating these boxes. Opinions are my own and additional products used were selected by me.
Contest details: Open to legal residents of the U.S. and D.C. (excluding AZ, MD, NJ, ND, TN and VT), 18+ (19+ in AL & NE; 21+ in MS). Void where prohibited. Entry period runs through November 15, 2014. See the official rules at the contest site for full terms. Sponsor: 3M Construction and Home Improvement Markets Division, St. Paul, MN.