How to Make a Woven Ribbon Decorative Box

The possibilities with this craft are endless. I was thinking it could be a jewelry box, hair bow holder, or decorated in Christmas colors and make a great ornamental holiday box. The directions on this craft vary from the style and size of the box. It is going to take some measuring on your part to decide the ribbon width and amount of ribbon. I hope that my gift box inspires you to try your own box.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Paper Ribbon (varies styles, colors, and widths)
• card board box
• 2 Buttons
• 1 No Ouch Rubberband
• Thread
• Felt
• Hot Glue
• Embroidery Needle

1. Trim box so that there are no flaps on the top cover the box. The top should be a perfect square. It will not close properly until the end of the project when we make a clasp for it.
2. Start at the top part of the box. Measure the length and width of the top of the box to decide the width of your ribbon. Paper ribbon can always be cut to the correct width that you need.
3. Begin by cutting the ribbon that you will need to go across the top of the box. Arrange ribbon so that it is next to each other with no spaces. Bend the edge of the ribbon over and hot glue to the underneath of the cover.
4. Once the ribbon is attached across the width of the box. Begin to cut the ribbon to go lengthwise across the top and down the back side.
5. Weave the ribbon through the top and leave it flapping down the sides. Once all the ribbon is woven across the top, fold the ribbon over at the top and hot glue. Next, pull tightly and hot glue the ribbon to the bottom of the box.
6. The back end of the box now has ribbon going lengthwise across. The three other sides need ribbon lengthwise, as well.
7. Cut the ribbon to the appropriate length to go along the sides. Hot glue one end of the ribbon to the inside of the box. Pull tightly and hot glue the other end to the underside of the box.
8. Measure long strands of ribbon that can be woven around the entire perimeter of the box. Hot glue one end, weave it, and then hot glue the other end.
9. Once box is woven you need to attach a button to the front of the box. This will be the catch that holds the box closed. Use an embroidery needle and embroidery thread.
10. Attach an "ouchless" rubber band to the top of the box. Use needle and thread to attach one end of the rubber band to the top of the box. Make sure rubber band lines up with the button on the front of the box.
11. Attach a bead or button to the top of the rubber band so that you can not see your stitches.
12. Cut out felt to line the inside of your decorative box.
13. Cut felt for the bottom of the box.

Tips & Warnings

• When weaving the paper ribbon cut the ribbon at an angle. The pointed end helps to weave the ribbon easier.