Origami boxes...

If you've read any of my posts recently, you know I make cards for a local thrift store. The thrift store sells them to support its various programs that help low-income families in the area. Those services include a weekly food shelf and daily bread give-away.

I've started to also make small decorative boxes to sell (very cheaply!) in the jewelry department. When customers buy jewelry at the thrift shop, it most often does not include a box. If they want to give it as a gift, they definitely want a box or pretty container for it.

Here's an example of what I make:

These are simple origami boxes that I've added a bit of embellishment to. If you want to learn to fold an origami box, check out these instructions. They're super simple. I use two different size squares of designer paper (not cardstock!);, one of them is cut 3/8" smaller than the other. The smaller square makes the box, and the larger square makes the lid.

Here's another view that shows you the depth of the boxes. You can use a little double-sided tape during the final step of putting these boxes together, if you wish, just to hold them a bit more securely.

I add a little shredded paper inside each box as a filler.

These have been popular sale items at the thrift shop - especially with Mother's Day looming.

If you have designer paper that you think you'll never use on a card, you could use it to make a box. And there's no rule that says the box and lid have to be made from the same paper. You could mix and match or use plain for one and patterned for the other. I hope you'll give it a try.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and remember to laugh-- a little or a lot--every day.
Cheryl