Altering Empty Boxes Art Project

A Rainy Day Arts Project That Makes a Unique Gift

© Jennifer Hollowell

Oct 2, 2007

Using a recycled box, create a piece of mixed-media art useful as a gift, to hold trinkets or send through the mail. Use of collage techniques is applied.

Transform an old box into a creative gift! This project is great for those rainy days when kids are bored and claim there’s nothing to do. It will teach them about recycling, using unusual items for art projects, designing and mixing up media. This project is also useful for those looking to give a unique gift or for those looking for unique packaging for an item.

Materials needed for this project:

  • an empty box that’s the same size as a macaroni and cheese box
  • mod podge (gel medium, white glue or another strong adhesive of choice)
  • decorative papers (choose a themed paper from the scrapbooking section of the craft store or department store)
  • blank tag (can be handmade or bought in the craft section of a store)
  • ribbon in a co-ordinating color
  • scissors
  • standard sized hole punch
  • small envelope (can be handmade, or the coin-sized envelopes work well)
  • coordinating collage embellishments (nothing too bulky or weighty)How to complete the project:
    1. Cut the top flaps off the box and, if the box is apart, glue the bottom together.
    2. Wrap the decorative paper around the box as you woulod if you were gift wrapping a present. Use a generous amount of adhesive to attach the paper to the box. Fold the end papers to fit the inside of the box and affix them. Use a bone folder or the handles of the scissors to smooth out bubbles.
    3. Punch a hole in the “spine” of the box about an inch from the top.
    4. Add collage embellishments in random places all over the box.
    5. Affix the small envelope to the front of the box at an angle
    6. String the ribbon through the hole and the tag, tie the blank tag on to the box.
    7. Allow this project to dry completely before using.
    What are these altered boxes for?
  • gift boxes
  • mail art swaps
  • trinket holders
  • correspondence holdersAlternatives for this project:When choosing decorative papers to cover over the box, consider painting these papers yourself. Create a tie-dyed look, create a watercolor wash, or use fancy text or any other kind of painted or written design. Also, consider layering the collage elements all over the box instead of covering it over with decorative paper. This will give the box an edgy; outsider art feeling.Also, if this project is going through the mail, don’t cut off the top flaps. Instead, cover them over like the rest of the project and then seal the box as usual. Another point to remember, if this is going through the mail, the ribbon and tag additions must be left off or else the box will get caught or ruined in transition.

    • The copyright of the article Altering Empty Boxes Art Project in Altered Objects is owned by Jennifer Hollowell. Permission to republish Altering Empty Boxes Art Project must be granted by the author in writing.




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