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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!