Today’s post is another one of those projects that’s been in the back of my mind for at least a year. I’ve debated adding it to the calendar so many times to try it, but I just never did…until I found the prettiest wrapping paper at Home Goods. Pro tip: Home Goods has really cute, affordable wrapping paper that you won’t find anywhere else.
I found this pretty pink floral wrapping paper that reminded me so much of Rifle Paper Co.’s signature patterns, so snagged the last roll and knew it would be perfect for finally making these DIY wrapping paper covered boxes with leather handles for storing all of my random crap. No, really, that’s what they’ll be used for.
I bought several IKEA cardboard storage boxes years ago for our office but I was getting board of them, so wrapping paper was the perfect makeover. Rather than simply covering the boxes with paper and being done, I used thin leather strips and gold thumb tacks (yup, thumb tacks!) to add “handles” to the front. While I don’t recommend actually trying to pull these by the handles, they make the boxes look more interesting. You could also use labels instead to perk up the front of the boxes and make it easy to find what you’re looking for.
Boxes like these are very easy to update with wrapping paper as long as you know the basics of wrapping a box (just like a gift). You essentially wrap the boxes like a gift, but instead of wrapping all the way around, you just glue the ends to the inside of the box. While you may end up with some bubbles or unevenness, you should be able to pull back the paper while the glue is still wet and make adjustments as needed.
Here’s how to make your own wrapping paper covered boxes!
Time: 15 minutes
Supplies:
- Cardboard boxes with lids
- Wrapping paper (thick, high quality)
- Mod Podge
- Large paint brush
- 1/2 inch leather strips
- Thumb tacks
- Scissors
Note, if the original box has a pattern on it, you want thicker wrapping paper so that the original pattern does not show through the paper.
Step 1: Remove the box lid and set aside. Unroll wrapping paper on a large flat surface (pattern facing down) and place the box in the middle. Ensure you will have enough paper to cover the entire box and then cut.
Step 2: Apply Mod Podge to one long side of the box with a large brush and fold the wrapping paper up to stick to it and smooth with your hands. Repeat on the opposite side of the box.
Step 3: Cut a slit in the paper where the corners of the box are in order to fold the paper down to the inside of the box. Brush with Mod Podge first, then stick in place and smooth. Both long sides of the box should now be securely glued.
Step 4: To finish the sides, fold the paper inward just like wrapping a gift. Once folded, the corners should be straight and clear. Apply Mod Podge to the inside of the paper and press down, smoothing with your hands. The fold should be barely visible.
Step 5: Trim the top as needed so that it neatly fold over to the inside of the box and glue in place. Repeat with the opposite side of the box.
Step 6: Although the box top is much thinner, follow the same above steps to wrap and glue the paper in place. Once the glue is dry, place the top back on the box.
Step 7: Cut a strip of leather about 3-4 inches depending on the size of your box. Poke a tack on each side.
Note, I found these gold tacks in a small pack at Target!
Step 8: With the top of the box on, determine the placement of the leather. It should be at least a half inch down from the top and centered. Remove the box and carefully poke the tacks through the cardboard to secure.
Step 9: If your tacks are long and intrude too much into the box, use a pair of round nose pliers to bend the point to the side (this will prevent you from accidentally poking yourself when reaching into the box). I personally did not need to follow this step due to the thickness of my supplies.
Now your boxes or boxes are ready to use! Fill ’em up, place them on a shelf and no one will ever know that they’re full of random stuff that doesn’t have a real place. Or maybe you’re more organized than me and each box has a purpose? Add labels by hanging them from the handles to stay extra organized, and just sit back and enjoy your new, pretty storage!
Note, this post may contain affiliate links from which I may collect a small profit if you choose to make a purchase. I only link products that I have used and recommend.
Barbara
I love your ideas and really enjoy your blog. Painted furniture is my passion and I love the colors and techniques that you use in your makeovers. I would love to see a decoupaged table top and a tutorial on how it’s done.
Thanks, Kathy, for your inspiration and sharing your creations with us!
Ursula Rosien
I’m a sucker for pretty boxes! Very nice tutorial and excited to give this a try 😉
Ursula