Dec 09 2008
Stamp Simply Celebrates Continues: Cozy Cocoa Box
Hello! This is the 10th day of our Stamp Simply Celebrates party and this is my Featured Project day. The idea of my project is to dress up existing packaging to turn it into something a little more special. Dee and Jennifer are kindly sharing samples of this idea, too.
In addition to my project, you’ll find a wonderful project and challenge here at Joan’s blog where she makes a gift of soap and candles. There are a lot of great samples for Joan’s project — check out these ladies: LeAnne, Dee, AJ, Heather, Barb, Darlene, Janine, Sharon. Also — Tammy and LeAnne have blog candy for you! Lots of fun going on today! You can find a complete list of all the activities here.
This is what I made:
And this is what I started with:
I altered the cocoa box and repacked it with the cocoa packs, candycanes and marshmallows. It’s just a little something to take along on a visit — you know, like you’d take a plate of Christmas cookies or candy.
This brand of cocoa can be found in any grocery store, always in this same box size, so just in case you’d ever like to make one, too, I’m sharing the exact dimensions and instructions for altering this box. Whether you make it now or later, for yourself or as a gift, it’s a fun and easy project. If you’re in a country other than the US, I’m not sure about the box size, so I’m sorry if this won’t work for you. Here we go!
You’ll need:
- 2 pieces of designer paper 5 1/4″ x 10″ for box sides
- 1 piece of plain cardstock 7″ x 1 7/8″ for exterior box bottom
- 2 pieces of plain or textured cardstock 6 3/4″ x 10″ for inside lining/upper decorative flap
- 1 piece plain cardstock 2″ x 7 3/16″ for inside box bottom/lining
- Adhesive — my choice for a project like this is Mod Podge, applied with a foam brush (see below). I purchased mine at Wal-Mart.
- Optional: Spray gloss or matte sealer. I sealed my box with an outer coat of Mod Podge and spray gloss sealer. It does add some time to the project, but it gives the box a very nice finish.
Just a quick photo of the Mod Podge and spray sealer:
The first step is to cut the flaps off the box top.
The next photo shows the reverse side of the designer paper. Score lengthwise along the lower edge of the paper at 1/2″. Score 1 5/16″ from each end. Do this with both sheets of designer paper.
Don’t forget the triangle cut for smooth and easy folding of the corners. Adhere paper to box, keeping top edge of paper even with top edge of box.
Adhere the exterior box bottom, as shown below. Since I photographed this after I’d applied the Mod Podge and spray gloss sealer, you can see the glossy finish.
For box lining and flap, score lengthwise at 2″ from one edge. Score across each end at 1 5/16″ (one and five sixtheenth inches). Punch or trim decorative border, if desired. Repeat with other piece of lining.
Again, don’t forget the triangle cut. Make this one long and skinny. This cut is actually too wide. Keep the gap very narrow.
Fold down the decorative border flap so it looks like this:
Note: If you plan to seal the box with a coat of Mod Podge and spray sealer, it’s best to coat the box body and lining separately before adhering the lining. Instructions for this process are on the product containers.
- Apply adhesive to the one broad side of the lining — the side that will fit against the box (facing front in the photo above). Do not apply adhesive to outer border flap or to the skinny side lining flaps.
- Insert lining in box, as shown below, with the skinny flaps raised. You’ll fit it like a cap over the top edge of the box. Press broad side of lining in place and make sure it is secure before continuing.
- Apply adhesive to the skinny flaps and press into place.
- Repeat with other piece of lining.
Apply adhesive to interior box bottom lining and press into place.
The rest is just a matter if decorating as desired and putting it to use. I wrapped a ribbon around it and attached a circle tag, using SU!’s retired Like it a Latte set and Spellbinders Nestabilities.
The finished box is very sturdy due to the lining, the outer covering and the folded-over border around the top. It can be reused for other purposes, especially when sealed and finished so nicely with the Mod Podge and spray sealer. My husband suggested it would be cute to keep the Christmas cards in, or to decorate another one for everyday to toss the mail into.
Now . . . I’ve got to get busy with the rest of my Christmas cards! Have a great day!
Oh my gosh, Leslie, this is JUST DARLING!!! What a wonderful take-along treat for anytime and anywhere!!! OH, how this will be received with glee!!! Thanks so much for sharing the great details and tutorial!!! This is a great idea!!!
What an adorable Project!!! Cute!!!!
Now I’m in the right place- Day10. Great gift idea Lesliie - and oh so cute. tfs the dimensions. I can’t wait to make one.
Oh my goodness this is fabulous!!!
Oh WOW … I Love this!!! And when I think of how many of these boxes I just tossed into the recycle bin …uugh! I could have been making them ready for the holidays. This is such an awesome idea … thanks for sharing all the dimensions!! Great idea!!
Oh this is wonderful! Thanks for sharing!!
what a fabulous gift Leslie!! Your tutourial is wonderful and easy to flow as always. I really like the paper and ribbon you used on this!! I just love this idea thank you so much for sharing it!
Wow, what a nice gift idea! Thanks for the marvelous tutorial, too!
LeAnne
Your project turned out so nice. Love the idea of covering boxes, tins, bottles, etc. No limit to the imagination-just time. tfs
Wonderful gift idea and lovely presentation!! Thanks for the tips on how to make it!
smiles,Deena
Wow! What a darling gift, and your instructions are wonderful! Thanks for sharing this beauty with us…I’ve definitely got to try this… TFS!
This gift box is positively heartwarming, Leslie. It also looks like a lot of work went into it (it looks THAT good). I’m so impressed with your precision and keen eye for color. Your choice in DP is fabulous, my dear, just fabulous!
This is adorable! TFS the tutorial. This makes a very nice take along gift!
This is really cute. Thanks for sharing the how-to pics!
How terrifically “green!” Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful idea! I’m off to my pantry for the box I have! Thanks for sharing and, once again, inspiring!
Love the idea and the out come of the box, Thanks for showing it to us.
How completely ADORABLE! LOVE this!
Thanks for the fun challenge, Leslie! 
Have a wonderful day!
Wonderful tutorial, and great idea! LOVE the edging on the fold down flap! I will be thinking before I toss any packaging away! Take good care, Leslie!
Leslie, not only is this a fabulous project, but you SHARED how to make it - thanks so much, I am sooo trying one of these today since I have one of these boxes on my craft table begging for a makeover!!!! I love visiting here, you always make me smile! *STAMPIN HUGS* Alex
What a fabulous featured project, Leslie!! I totally love everything about it!! Yum!!
This is adorable! Wow, who’d have thunk it? I know I never would have thought to turn a plain ol’ box into this work of art! TFS!
This is so neat….I like to give little presents to members of my work team and this will be great as I know no-one who dislikes cocoa. And is actually something I can do. Thanks so much for the tutorial!
This is so adorable! I love the plaid ribbon and thanks for the great tutorial, too. It must take you forever to write those!
Your box is darling! Thank you for sharing the process and your tips. What a great idea! Hope you have a wonderful day.
OMG Leslie, your finished chocolate goodie box is devine and your Tutorial…….wow, so detailed and I think I have it all figured out. You are definately my “Detail” friend and am I Glad!!! I get groceries tomorrow, so will have to get this box even though we always drink Swiss Miss. Do not want to miss out on this cool, cool project. Thanks Again and Again
I am amazed at all the ideas you have come up with. This box is so professional looking. I can’t believe it had such humble beginnings. Thanks so much for all you share.
What a fabulous idea — thanks for such detailed instructions!
Oh, Leslie, this is gorgeous!!! Thanks for the instructions. I have that cocoa in my cupboard - I love it, with marshmallow, of course
TFS
Wow, Leslie this is amazing. How beautiful you made a “throw away” box. Thanks for showing us how you did this transformation.
I love what you have done to the simple box to turn it into a gorgeous treat. Thanks for all the instructions, you can be sure I want to make a few.
Wowzers!! I love this! I too have that cocoa in the cupboard, I may have to give this a try. You did a beautiful job, thanks for the instructions and thanks for sharing.l Bleesings Renee
Beautiful! Thanks for the tutorial!
This is so neat. I love that you recycled a box. I love doing that.
You are TOOO clever Leslie !!! I would never have thought of using that cocoa box…but I am now, cause I have one in my cabinet…thanks for the tutorial too!!
Fabulous project, Leslie! Such a beautiful and useful keepsake gift. Thank you so much for the detailed tutorial and photos. Linda
So very creative and Lovely, no one would ever imagine what the base was, thanks for sharing the instructions!
Another beautiful gift idea!
I love the box! So many people make over the packets, but to make over the box is ingenious! TFS! I’m definitely including this in my Christmas gift baskets this year! Jeannie
Leslie! Very cute box and brilliant idea! I love how you made the lining and the border edge! Thank you for the interesting tutorial!
Talk about using what’s at hand. This altered cocoa box is so cool. I’ve been having trouble finding the kraft bags I wanted to make some tea gifts, and I’m thinking this would be a great alternate approach. Thank you for including the detailed instructions. Will give it a whirl.
Wow….this is fantastic, Leslie! Such wonderful presentation and great tutorial!
This is such a sweet project, Leslie! I love it- too cute!
I finally got to make my own box. I used the Nestle box and followed your tutorial exactly……well, almost. I scored my DP at 9/16th instead of 5/16th….whoops. I got the black CS on top done correctly though. What a fun and very, very sturdy little box. TFS your awesome tutorial Leslie……..Merry Christmas
My Box: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1168558?cat=500&ppuser=18672