How to Make Decorative Stack Boxes

Beautifully decorated stacked boxes make a lovely display for a wedding reception or bridal luncheon. Using three boxes in graduating sizes, they can be made to resemble a wedding cake. Choose colors to match the party decor and place the stacked decorated boxes as centerpieces on the tables. The bride can choose to give them as appreciation gifts to the wedding party or use as functional organizing decor for her new home. These papier-mâché craft boxes come in many shapes, so finding the perfect shape for your decor should be no problem. For these instructions, round boxes were used.

Things You'll Need

• Three round papier-mâché boxes, 8 inches, 6 1/2 inches and 5 inches
• Two acrylic paint colors that match theme
• Crackle medium
• Paint brush
• Floral wallpaper scraps to match theme
• Scissors
• Craft glue
• Sponge brush
• 6 yards, 1 1/2 inch wide wired ribbon
• Craft wire
• Wire cutters
• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Base coat the inside and outside of the boxes and lids using one color of the acrylic paint. This color will be the undercoat to the crackle finish and will show through the cracks. Allow the paint to dry and add a second coat it needed.

2. Apply the crackle medium to the outside of the boxes and the top and outside of the lids, following the crackle medium manufacturer's directions. Allow the crackle medium to become dry and tacky. Apply the topcoat acrylic paint to the outside of the boxes and the top and sides of the lids. The crackle medium will cause the topcoat to crack, allowing the base coat to show through. Allow the paint to dry.

3. Cut out the flower images from the wallpaper. You will want an amount to fit between the bottom edge of the lids and the bottom edge of the boxes and only enough for the "front" of your boxes. For best results, use the same image on all three boxes. Apply craft glue with the sponge brush to the backs of the wallpaper cut out. Cover the backs completely, but generously. Apply the cut outs to the box. Press and smooth well. Do not get glue anywhere else on the box. As the flower cut outs dry, continue to press down the edges.

4. Stack the three boxes in graduating sizes. Measure from the top center of the top box, down one side, under the stack and up the other side to the top again. Add 6 inches. Cut a length of ribbon using this measurement. Wrap the ribbon around the boxes and tie in a knot at the top of the stacked boxes. Form a loopy bow with the remaining ribbon and tie with an 8 inch piece of craft wire. Use the craft wire ends to tie the bow to the top knot on top of the decorated stacked boxes.