Super Easy DIY Gift Box Ornaments

Looking for a unique and super easy way to make DIY gift box ornaments to brighten your holiday season? This tutorial is your answer! With just a few supplies—most of which you probably already have—I’ll show you how to transform beautiful papers, like Momigami, Suminagashi, or your own digital designs, into stunning gift boxes that can double as ornaments. These creations are perfect for holding small surprises and adding a festive feeling to your holiday decor. 🎄✨ 

Materials Needed for DIY Gift Box Ornaments

Click Here to download FREE Digital Papers & Instructions

Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:

• Papers: Altered papers (Momigami, Suminagashi, National Geographic CitraSolv), digital prints, or store-bought scrapbook paper of different color.
• Cutting Tools: X-Acto knife, scissors, and a ruler.
• Bone Folder: For crisp folds and score lines (or use a substitute like the back of a spoon).
• Pencil: For marking fold lines.
• Twine, Ribbon, or Thin String: For tying the top of your little boxes.
• Large Needle or Hole Punch: This is a great way to create a small hole to thread your twine or ribbon.
• Optional Embellishments: Small gifts, candies, or handmade items like paper bead earrings are the perfect handmade gift.

Personal Insights and Applications

This project offers endless creative possibilities!

• Papers: I used Momigami paper glued to sturdy 80 lb stock, digital watercolor patterns printed on Bristol paper, and even pages altered using the National Geographic CitraSolv process. Each paper added its own unique texture and charm.
• Purpose: This special box isn’t just an ornament—they are ideal as an ornament gift box for gifting earrings, candies, or other small treasures.
• Customization: Adjust the box size by maintaining the width-to-length ratio (e.g., 4 inches wide = 8 inches long). Length must be 2X the size of the width. By following the width-to-length ratio, your homemade Christmas ornaments can be different sizes, adding a festive look to any holiday decor.

Step-by-Step DIY Gift Box Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Paper

• Work on the wrong sides of the paper to mark out your template for folding. 
• Trim your paper to the desired size. For this tutorial, I used a 4-inch width and an 8-inch length.

Step 2: Find the Center Points

• Unfold and mark the center point along the width at both ends. DO NOT crease.
• Fold the paper lengthwise, edge to edge, and crease using a bone folder.

Step 3: Create Fold Lines

• Using a ruler and pencil, connect the center point at the top to the center along the sides and bottom. Repeat for all corners to create a diamond in the center.

Step 4: Form the Box Shape

• Place the ruler slightly below each fold line and use your bone folder to create a crisp edge.
• Gently fold each side inward, reinforcing creases with your fingers or bone folder.

Step 5: Assemble the Box

• Align the edges tightly and press them into place.
• To secure the top, use a large needle or hole punch to create holes about ¼ inch from the edge.

Step 6: Add Twine or Ribbon

• Thread ribbon or twine through the top of the ornaments to holes to close the top securely.
• Optional: Tie small gifts, such as paper bead earrings, to the twine before securing them within the ornament boxes. Then, hang on to the Christmas tree for a special touch.

Project Time

Preparation and Assembly Time:

Approximately 15–20 minutes per box, depending on your familiarity with the process.

Conclusion

It’s fun to repurpose your handmade/altered or craft store papers by creating these dual-purpose gift boxes. They’re practical and bring a personal touch to your holiday season. Whether used as tree ornaments or unique packaging for small surprises, these DIY creations are sure to impress your friends and loved ones. They will become your favorite gift box templates for DIY Christmas ornaments.

Have questions or want to learn how to make the paper bead earrings featured in this tutorial?

Let me know in the comments, or check out my linked video for How to Make Paper Bead Earrings for step-by-step instructions. Happy Crafting. May your holiday season be filled with creativity! 🎁✨

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