Homemade boxes are so awesome!

When we sat down to wrap all the many many homemade gifts I found three small bags the right size, since we had way more than that I  grabbed some cards from last year and we started to make boxes.

I found the directions several years ago, and I thought they sounded a bit complicated, but now that we have made so many of them (one recipient even commented on how she received the same thing from me last year...humph)  they are super easy to whip up.

If you just want the basic, what we did directions, skip to the bottom link.  If you want to follow me on my journey of discovery with extra ideas feel free to click them all.)

I started to type up the directions for you, but with no photos it looks kinda hard.  Instead I googled and found:
This cute site with complex directions

That isn't the super simple box we made, but I might have to try it, since it prolly doesn't take any glue.  Though It think you would need to use only big cards with all that folding.

Then I found this simple text directions with a video.  I can't watch the video since it is naptime, and I would have to stop the music, not willing to risk waking up the toddler for it.  The text matches what we do though.  And the fundraiser idea is kinda cute.

This site has photos, very pretty.  Only we were lazy and didn't measure, just made X's on the card like the last link to find the middle, also we fold a smidgen away from the middle for the top of the box.  (makes it the smidgen bigger you need to go over the bottom)

I had no idea how hard it would be to find the simple directions we have been using for years!  Though looking at all the other sites, I have some good ideas for the next batch.

Finally!  This is basically the directions.  I have used tape, glue or even a stapler to keep the edges folded in.

I have discovered my oldest (4th grade) cannot handle the simple concept, his boxes are always very messy looking and hardly ever fit together.  My Princess (2nd gradeish) on the other hand is pretty good at it, she can make adjustments as needed.  Little Man does half decent so long as you are standing by to make the adjustments.  So try it with the kids, if it works great, if not, no worries.  (Dude can play piano, type programs, and yet can't make a box.)

Now you all know the secret of cute mini boxes.  Perfect sized for little ornaments the kids make most years.  (and yeah you did get one last year, and will next!  Unless you don't want the ornament)