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Thursday 30 December 2021

Updated Pencil Box

Hello, and welcome to my final blog post of 2021!

Towards the end of this year I started making some of my pencil favour boxes for end of term gifts, and it occurred to me that instead of just using a patterned cardstock for the main piece, I could use a plain colour cardstock as a base and add some patterned paper panels on top to give it a smoother, cleaner look. The extra layer also provides added strength to the main part of the box.

Pencil Favour Box by Esselle Crafts

Doesn't this one look amazing with its delicate Christmas paper panels? 

Friday 29 October 2021

Red Telephone Teapot Box

I first made one of these red telephone teapot boxes about a year ago, but I have only just got around to designing the template for it. It was a bit tricky to work out at first, but with a bit of trial and error, and a lot of determination, I am absolutely thrilled with the results!

Red Telephone Teapot Box by Esselle Crafts

There are two different versions of the template included with the download. The one pictured above, with the OPEN windows, is designed for using acetate windows so that you can see through it, like a real telephone box. You might want to use this version with little lights inside it, and display it on a shelf or a windowsill.

The one pictured below, with the BLANK or filled in windows, is designed for using paper or card windows. You might want to use this version if you are intending it to be a gift box, and you don't want the gift to be seen inside!

Saturday 2 October 2021

Cuboid Gift Box

I've been asked several times whether it's possible to make a rectangular (cuboid) box using my heart favour (cube) box template.

Well, the answer is yes! And here's the result!

Aren't they cute?

Watch my video tutorial to see how I converted my cube box template:



To make one of these boxes, you will need:

* Heart Favour Box template (PDF and SVG available)
* Computer and printer to print the PDF template and instructions
* Digital cutting machine
* Double-sided cardstock / patterned card (220-250gsm / 80-92lb recommended)
* Lighter, double-sided card or paper for the bow )160-220gsm / 60-80lb recommended)
* Craft glue / double-sided tape

If you are not using a cutting machine you will also need:

* Craft knife / scissors
* Scoring tool
* Ruler

Although I converted my SVG template in Cricut Design Space, you could just as easily use the PDF template and stretch it (resize the width only) using something like Photoshop, before printing it out.

Let me know how it goes, and maybe I'll try a tall rectangular box next time, by resizing the height instead!

Suzanne

Saturday 18 September 2021

DIY Christmas Cards - Easy Upcycling

In my previous post, I showed you how to make an upcycled mosaic desk tidy from used greeting cards. I had lots of those little punched squares left over, so I decided to use them to create my own little Christmas cards!

Upcycled Christmas Cards by Esselle Crafts

Sunday 12 September 2021

Mosaic Desk Tidy - Easy Upcycling

Following on from my previous post, showing how to create hanging star decorations from used Christmas cards, the next upcycling project I'd like to share with you is this stunning mosaic desk tidy!

Mosaic Desk Tidy by Esselle Crafts

Again, I have used my old Christmas cards here, together with a few other greeting cards that I had saved, but you could just as easily use scraps of coloured cardstock. 

Saturday 4 September 2021

Hanging Star Decorations - Easy Upcycling

For the last few weeks I've been sorting through my huge pile of used Christmas cards, wondering what I could possibly do with them...

Used Christmas Cards

Most of them had glitter on them and were donated to me last year because they couldn't be recycled. So I started to come up with some ideas of how to upcycle them into new creations. The first of which is these fabulous hanging star decorations!

Hanging Star Decorations by Esselle Crafts

I created a template (see below), which is about 7.5cm high, and cut out as many as I could from the cards. Then I sorted them into groups of 5 and put them together. As they are double-sided, you will need 10 of this shape to complete one star decoration:

To make one, you will need: * used Christmas cards, greeting cards or card packaging * star template (see above) * pencil or pen * scissors or craft knife * ruler * scoring tool * strong, all purpose glue or double-sided tape * ribbon, string or thread

Here's my video tutorial showing how to make the stars:


They really are a fabulous way of using up old Christmas cards, greeting cards or card packaging. 


Hanging Star Decorations by Esselle Crafts

I will be back soon with my next Christmas card upcycling project!

Until then, happy crafting!

Sunday 22 August 2021

Strawberry Trug

I am super excited about introducing you to this little trug basket!

Strawberry Trug by Esselle Crafts

I tried to keep the style of the trug very close to the Sussex trug, which is where I live. It is traditionally made up of seven base boards, two rim pieces, a handle and two feet. I needed to make slight adjustments to get the template to work, but overall I am extremely pleased with how it has turned out!

Sunday 15 August 2021

Handbag Favour Box

I wasn't sure whether to call this a favour box or a bag, but it certainly has plenty of room inside to carry some tasty treats!


Perfect for wedding favours, bridal showers, birthdays and Mother's Day, you can find the template for this cute, little handbag in my Etsy shop.


❤️ UPDATED January 2024 ❤️
I have now split the template up so that a larger sized bag can be made on a 12"x12" cutting mat. This means that it can now hold a standard sized gift card, as well as a lot more goodies!
To make one, you will need:

* Handbag Favour Box template (PDF and SVG available)
* Computer and printer to print the PDF template and instructions
* Digital cutting machine
* Double-sided cardstock (220-250gsm / 80-90lb recommended)
* Thinner card or paper for the lid panel (90-160gsm / 60-80lb recommended)
* Craft glue / double-sided tape
* Optional: Embossing folder

If you are not using a cutting machine you will also need:

* Craft knife / scissors
* Scoring tool
* Ruler

Watch my new and updated video tutorial showing how to assemble the handbag, and be sure to follow the tips below.


TIP 1: Make sure to glue the front base piece on top of the back base piece, so that it gives a neater finish at the front.


TIP 2: After gluing the handle panel on top of the handle, curl the handle into shape before the glue dries. Then, once it is glued in place, push the handle sides inwards slightly to give it a more defined shape.

TIP 3: If you are using plain paper or card for the lid panel, try embossing it first to give it some texture. I embossed mine with small polka dots.


TIP 4: After gluing the heart lock in place, pinch the heart at the front, then carefully slide a bone folder or a ruler in underneath the lid to allow the lid to open up. You can then press the heart lock into place more easily.


TIP 5: If you want to make a larger (or smaller) sized handbag, then you can easily resize the template. The base is very sturdy with its double layer, but if the contents are too heavy, then you may need to strengthen the handle by adding on another layer or two.


This beautiful pink version perfectly matches my dress favour box and would make wonderfully unique wedding favours!

I hope you are inspired to make some of these favour boxes for a special occasion, and I would love to see your beautiful creations. Feel free to share your photos of them with me on Instagram or Facebook.

Suzanne

Thursday 5 August 2021

Upcycled Caravan Box

Welcome to another upcycling project! I am using my old favourite again - a Pringles tube - and this time I will be showing you how to turn it into an amazing little caravan box!

With an opening underneath, this sturdy box can be used as a money box, a treat box, a keepsake / storage box or even a unique little gift box. Without the opening, it would make a great ornament or centrepiece!

Upcycled Caravan Box by Esselle Crafts

Monday 2 August 2021

Pumpkin Teapot Boxes

For Halloween this year, I decided to create a pumpkin treat box using my Teapot Favour Box template as a starting point. It's an idea that I've been working on for quite some time now, and here is the result!


Isn't it great! However, not satisfied with only having one design, I went ahead and created five more!

Monday 12 July 2021

Union Flag Cupcake Boxes

My Union Flag cupcake favour box template has had a Great British makeover, and is now available in my Etsy shop as both an SVG cut file and a PDF.

Easy to assemble, these adorable little boxes have a removable lid and can be filled to the brim with sweets or small treats. Ideal for birthday parties, Royal wedding favours, British tea parties and more!

Saturday 19 June 2021

Teacup and Saucer Tutorial

Over the last couple of weeks I've been busy updating some of my favour box assembly tutorials over on my YouTube channel. Not much has changed, so don't panic, but since I started offering my templates to include SVGs, I felt that the videos also needed a bit of a refresh. So the next one that I'd like to share with you is this tutorial for my Teacup and Saucer Favour Box.

Teacup and Saucer by Esselle Crafts

This gorgeous little 3D teacup can be filled with delicious treats, and makes an ideal gift for any tea-lover!

To make one of your own, you will need:

Teacup Favour Box template (PDF and SVG available)
* Computer and printer to print the PDF template and instructions
* Digital cutting machine (I have only tested this on my Cricut machines)
* Double-sided cardstock (220-250gsm recommended)
* Craft glue / PVA

If you are not using a cutting machine you will also need:

* Craft knife / scissors
* Scoring tool
* Ruler

Watch my NEW, updated video tutorial showing how to assemble the teacup and saucer, and be sure to follow the tips below.


TIP 1: When attaching the handle, position it a couple of millimetres up from the second score line.


TIP 2: If you are using patterned cardstock, try turning the hexagon pieces until the pattern matches up or looks right. The glue them into place on the saucer.


Teacup and Saucer by Esselle Crafts

So, what will you fill your little teacup with? Chocolates? Candies? Biscuits? Teabags? The choice is yours!

TIP 3: Team the teacup and saucer with my teapot favour box, then you can create your own fantastic little paper tea sets!

Teapot Favour Box by Esselle Crafts

Teapot Favour Box by Esselle Crafts



Teapot Box Tutorial

Over the last couple of weeks I've been busy updating some of my favour box assembly tutorials over on my YouTube channel. Not much has changed, so don't panic, but since I started offering my templates to include SVGs, I felt that the videos also needed a bit of a refresh. So the first one that I'd like to share with you today is this tutorial for my Teapot Favour Box.

Teapot Favour Box by Esselle Crafts

With a removable lid, this adorable little teapot can be filled to the brim with delicious treats, and makes an ideal gift for any tea-lover!

To make one of your own, you will need:

Teapot Favour Box template (PDF and SVG available)
* Computer and printer to print the PDF template and instructions
* Digital cutting machine
* Double-sided cardstock (220-250gsm / 80-92lb recommended)
* Craft glue / double-sided tape

If you are not using a cutting machine you will also need:

* Craft knife / scissors
* Scoring tool
* Ruler

Watch my new, updated video tutorial showing how to assemble the teapot box, or follow the step-by-step instructions below.


Once all of the pieces are cut out and folded, begin by assembling the main teapot piece. Apply glue to one of the large tabs, and a tiny dot of glue to the small tab below it, then line it up carefully with the adjacent side. Hold it firmly in place until it dries, then repeat with four of the other sides.

Glue the two handles together, back to back, then glue the two little tabs to the inside of the last teapot side.

Teapot Favour Box by Esselle Crafts

Glue the last teapot tab into place.

Next, fold the spout piece in half and glue the long tab to the inside. Bend the curved ends of the spout outwards slightly, then apply glue to this area only.

Position the spout carefully on the teapot so that it looks right from the front and is directly opposite the handle.

For the lid, tuck each of the six flaps into one another, and glue the small tab to the inside.

Teapot Favour Box by Esselle Crafts

Align the flaps equally where they meet in the centre, then apply a tiny dot of glue to the centre to hold it all in position.

For the rose, start by rolling the end of the spiral, and keep rolling until you reach the other end (the centre). 

Teapot Favour Box by Esselle Crafts

Teapot Favour Box by Esselle Crafts

Allow the spiral to unroll slightly, then glue the end (the centre) to the base of the rose, and hold it in place until it dries. 

Finally, glue the rose to the top of the lid.

Teapot Favour Box by Esselle Crafts

Now, what will you fill your little teapot box with? Chocolates? Candies? Biscuits? Teabags? The choice is yours!

Teapot Favour Box by Esselle Crafts

And don't forget, if you team the teapot box with my teacup and saucer favour boxes, then you can create your own fantastic little paper tea sets!

Teapot Favour Box by Esselle Crafts

Teapot Favour Box by Esselle Crafts