Turn a Yarn Box Into a Gift Box

Since I’ve joined a few new yarn clubs, I’ve accumulated a little collection of small cardboard boxes. These boxes are the fold over & tuck in kind, which are perfect to upcycle for a gift box. Way back in 2016 I did a similar post about re-purposing a tea box for a care package. This is a similar process, but these boxes are way sturdier than the tea box, so I used Mod Podge instead of tape. Either way, both are great ways to upcycle a box & give it a second life!

The Yarn Box

Earlier in the year I joined the Jimmy Beans Wool Crochet Club & shortly after that the Darn Good Yarn Club. Both clubs come in little flip top boxes with colorful prints & sayings on them.

As much as I love seeing these little boxes in the mail, I want to totally transform them. What better way to give a handmade gift than in an upcycled yarn box? : D

The first thing I did was remove the shipping label & any boxing tape. That will give me better adhesion between the paper & the box.

These are the other items you’ll need ~>

• scrapbook paper, newspaper, art paper, etc.
• Mod Podge or puzzle glue {I’m using a satin finish, but matte works too}
• Medium size paint brush
• fine tip Sharpie or pencil for tracing
• ruler with sharp edge or bone folder
• paper scissors

I wanted to note something about the Mod Podge here. I’ve seen many things on Pinterest about making a homemade version of this using 1 part Elmer’s glue & 1 part water. I really don’t understand how that’s homemade Mod Podge because adding water to glue just gives you runny glue! Mod Podge is thicker because it has a sealer in it, it’s not just glue. This helps protect your project from the elements over time. The puzzle glue is basically the same, because it’s made to hold the puzzle together & protect it.

That’s my crafty service announcement of the day, so on to the box covering!

Top Template

I traced around the box lid & box back with the Sharpie on the back of the scapbook paper to make a template.

After I cut it out, I used a ruler with a sharp, metal edge to crease the paper on the fold lines. I cut all the way to the end of the paper at the back portion. This will allow me to overlap everything on the bottom of the box.

Next I applied Mod Podge to the back of the paper on just the part for the lid.

Align the center first, then smooth everything out to the edges. I added Mod Podge to the back flap after everything else was in place.

Clean up any excess squishing out the side, then make sure everything still closes properly.

Bottom Template

Time to make a template for the bottom & sides. Put the box in the center of the paper & trace around the edges. Then carefully tilt the box to one side, trace it, then tilt it back to the center.

Keep doing this until you have both sides & the front traced on the paper. I added flaps at the back so I can overlap them & still see the other print. You don’t have to do that, I was just testing it out to see how it would look. ; )

When you cut out the paper, cut all the way to the edge for the side & front flaps. The top edge of the box is exposed in these areas & this will help cover that up.

I added Mod Podge to the bottom & sides first. You can see how that little extra helps cover the top of the sides. The inside can be covered too if you like.

Next I glued down the front & back flaps. Hmmm…. I don’t know if I’m liking the flaps. I’ll probably leave those off next time!

I went over all the edges with more Mod Podge to help secure everything. You can paint it over the whole box if you want to, it will last longer if you do!

Decorate It

Once everything’s dry, it’s time for the real fun – decorations! Now, I’m not sticking anything on my boxes until I decide what goes in them & who they’re going to. I did grab some scrapbooking supplies I had on hand to show y’all some different ways to decorate the box, in case ya’ll needed some inspiration!

A paper tag & some chipboard buttons make this box perfect for a sewing buddy!

This little wooden tag is perfect to hold a picture & I just love the quote on it!

Speaking of quotes, you could also line the inside of the lid with some fun vellum & sticker quotes.

I think this one is my favorite! A glittery mushroom just screams “unique” anyway, right? : D

Here’s another wooden frame with some paper flowers. I would probably add a bead or glitter to the center for more bling.

And here’s just a simple wooden plaque & chipboard button…

This chipboard butterfly is awesome by itself!

As you can see, there are tons of ways to dress this up after you cover it with paper. This box will be like a second gift to whomever receives it! : D

Pin it for later!