PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

This is a great way to recycle old greeting cards and make little boxes for small gifts (or for storing small objects). This box is different from an origami box because it includes a top and a bottom. It requires only a few simple tools and supplies, and the result is charming and eco-friendly.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Gift box #1

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Box out of a Greeting Card
    The easiest way to make the top fit over the bottom is to make sure both halves of the card are the same size, so you may have to trim a little. You will use the colorful front of the card as the box lid.
    Advertisement
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Box out of a Greeting Card
    This may depend on the design on the front of the card, or on how big the item is that you want to enclose. This demonstration uses 1 inch (25mm) for the top, and 1 and 1/16 (27mm) for the bottom. Add a little to the measurement for the bottom, so the top will fit over it.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Box out of a Greeting Card
    You can mark just the corners, making a square so you can see where to cut.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Box out of a Greeting Card
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Box out of a Greeting Card
    Cut along the score line from the edge to the next, perpendicular score line in each corner, but do so for only one side of the square you drew. Leave one side of the box uncut to make a tab. Do this for all four corners of the card.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Box out of a Greeting Card
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Box out of a Greeting Card
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Box out of a Greeting Card
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Box out of a Greeting Card
  10. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Square gift or trinket box using an old card

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Box out of a Greeting Card
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Box out of a Greeting Card
    Use the shorter edge as your measure, or decide what part of the image you want on top of your box. Make this the center of your square.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Box out of a Greeting Card
    Do not fold.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Box out of a Greeting Card
    Make a crisp crease.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Box out of a Greeting Card
    Then unfold.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Box out of a Greeting Card
    Unfold when done.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Box out of a Greeting Card
    This makes 2 large triangular shapes, pointing toward the center.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Box out of a Greeting Card
    Stop just short of cutting the triangular piece. Cut carefully to the intersection of the creases for a nice straight edge on your box. Unfold when done.
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Box out of a Greeting Card
    Turn the two cut flaps up and in, then fold the remaining flat sides up and over the top of the flaps, tucking it down inside your box. It should hold by itself.
    • Repeat for the other side of the box.
  10. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Box out of a Greeting Card
    This will allow for the box to fit together nicely, without being too tight.
  11. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Box out of a Greeting Card
  12. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Box out of a Greeting Card
    If using construction or cardstock paper in solid colors, decorate as you wish.
    • Hint: Use a small amount of glue stick to help hold the inside of the boxes down if needed.
  13. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Box out of a Greeting Card
    Use yarn or ribbon and add a bow.
  14. Advertisement


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Where I can find the materials?
    Community Answer
    You can find the materials at Jo-Ann's, Hobby Lobby, Michael's, or Costco during Christmas time.
  • Question
    How do I make a larger rectangular box?
    Community Answer
    Just use poster board, or a bigger piece of paper, and follow the instructions to suit your size.
  • Question
    Can I use paper for this?
    Community Answer
    You can use paper if you want, but it's not gong to be as sturdy.
Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • If you have trouble getting glue to stick to the glossy surface of a greeting card, help it out with a little tape on the inside. Or use an emery board or small piece of fine sanding paper to very lightly rough up the paper to take the glue better.
      • To score the card, take your dead pen or other instrument and draw along the ruler from edge to edge on the paper, pressing down hard enough to mark the paper but not hard enough to cut through.
      • Reuse is a great way to recycle.
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • A greeting card
      • Ruler
      • Pencil
      • Pair of scissors
      • Something to "score" the cardstock (the point of a compass, an old ballpoint pen that is out of ink works perfectly, as does the tine of a fork, a butter knife, or a small-gauge knitting needle)
      • Tape
      • Paper clips

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 379,835 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Uddipan Das

        Dec 31, 2016

        "This is a very good website. We can know the process of making cards in this without a video. Thanks for this."
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement