Sunday, 4 August 2019

Textured Evil Queen Crown

In previous posts, I showed you how to create two different versions of my Evil Queen crown. I started with the black one, which I created using core'dinations Colour Core cardstock (Black Cat, 250gsm), and then I made the gold one, which I absolutely love for its simplicity and shine!

Wednesday, 3 July 2019

Cactus Favour Box

Introducing my latest favour box design! These cute little cactus boxes are easy to assemble, and have plenty of room inside for delicious sweets or small treats! 


Similar in style to my cupcake favour boxes, I used a hexagonal design for the plant pot base and created the cactus as part of the lid.



The PDF templates are available now from my Etsy shop, and are designed for use on A4 card (200-250gsm recommended), however they can be re-sized before printing.

*UPDATE* I have now converted the templates to include SVG cut files so that they can also be used on digital cutting machines. See my new blog post here.




If you don't want to use them as favour boxes, they would look great displayed upon a shelf as little storage boxes.


To make your very own little cactus boxes, you will need:

  • Computer and printer to print the PDF templates
  • White photo paper (200-250gsm recommended)
  • Scraps of coloured paper
  • Craft glue / PVA
  • Craft knife / scissors
  • Scoring tool
  • Ruler

Approximate dimensions of base: 8 x 7 x 5.5cm

Approximate height of lid and base together: 12cm (without a flower)

Watch my video tutorial showing how to assemble the cactus box: 




As part of the template I have included an outline for the flower so that you can choose whatever colour flowers you wish to have on top of your cactus boxes. Alternatively, you can make them without a flower. I used up some scraps of coloured paper for my flowers, but if you have a particular colour for your party or celebration, then you can customise the flowers however you wish!

Saturday, 1 June 2019

Pringles Tube Mailbox

Following on from my previous post, where I showed you how to create a UK postbox out of a Pringles tube, this time I am making one into a US mailbox! As before, it can be used as a money box, a worry box, a message box or just for somewhere to store things in.

Sunday, 28 April 2019

Pringles Tube Postbox

I am so excited to share my latest upcycling project with you! This tutorial will show you how to make a UK postbox out of an empty Pringles tube. It can be used as a money box, a worry box, a message box or just for somewhere to keep your ideas in.

Esselle Crafts: Upcycled Pringles Tube Postbox

Friday, 5 April 2019

Envelope Tote Bag

There are so many different tutorials showing how to make a paper tote bag, but I am going to show you how to make one using an old envelope. As you know, I love to upcycle whenever I can, and these little bags are so cute and so easy to make, they are perfect for last minute favour bags!

Esselle Crafts: Envelope Tote Bag

Saturday, 16 March 2019

Spring Chicken Favour Box

After making lots of Easter bags and Easter baskets for this year, I thought about creating a different kind of favour box for Easter too. And the theme I chose to use was a Spring chicken!

I started off with a simple pyramid box, then started experimenting with the various features until I was happy with the design. I eventually decided upon a heart-shaped theme. Apart from the eyes, all of the chicken's features are made up of hearts and I love how they all work together.

Esselle Crafts: Spring Chicken Favour Box


Sunday, 24 February 2019

DIY YouTube Play Button

Time for another upcycling tutorial! This time, I will be showing you how to turn an empty pastille tin into a YouTube play button.

Esselle Crafts: DIY YouTube Play Button

Saturday, 23 February 2019

Easy Easter Crafts

With the shops already full of Easter eggs, I thought that I would start early and make a few Easter baskets and bags, so that I am ready for when the day arrives.

Esselle Crafts: Easy Easter CraftsEsselle Crafts: Easy Easter Crafts

Monday, 18 February 2019

Miniature Tea Set

So, I challenged myself to see just how small I could make a paper teapot and teacup using my templates ... and this is the result!


Aren't they cute?

I scaled the teapot template down to approximately 11% and the teacup template to approximately 7% of the original size.


Yes, they were extremely fiddly to make, but if you fancy making one yourself, or if you think you can make one even smaller, then just remember, the smaller the size of the template, the thinner the paper or card you will need to use.

You can find the PDF templates for these items, and more, on my Etsy shop.

Happy crafting!

Saturday, 16 February 2019

Paper Flower Tutorial

Following on from my paper rose tutorial, I now have a video showing how I create the different paper flowers that adorn the top of some of my teapot boxes. They are really simple to make and, I think you'll agree, they give the teapots a more elaborate quality!




I hope this inspires you to create some of your own different paper flowers. You can use a matching colour or a contrasting colour to add that extra special finishing touch to your teapot boxes.