How to Make an Illuminated Gift Box
Illuminated gift boxes are simple decorations that add festive charm to your holiday décor. Make several lighted gift boxes to place beneath the Christmas tree or create a decorative holiday display on your front porch. Illuminated gift boxes also make decorative centerpieces for wedding or baby showers. Wrap the box in paper and ribbon appropriate to your next event.
Things You'll Need
- Pre-drilled glass block
- 50-light strand, battery operated
- Batteries
- Gift-wrapping paper
- One-inch wide ribbon to match paper
- Large pre-made bow
Instructions
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1
Select the size of pre-drilled glass block that fits the gift box you intend to make. Craft stores and online retailers offer at least two sizes of glass blocks with an access hole on one edge.
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2
Place the batteries in the light strand. A 50-light strand with a white cord is the best option for creating most illuminated gift boxes.
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3
Remove the plastic cover from the hole on the side of the glass block. Insert the entire strand of lights through the hole to place them inside the glass block. Replace the plastic cover over the pre-drilled hole.
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4
Wrap the glass block with sturdy wrapping paper or thin fabric. Make sure to tape the wrapping together along the sides of the glass block so you can cover them with ribbon. The front and back of the glass block should be covered with a smooth layer of paper or fabric.
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Wrap the one-inch wide ribbon around the sides of the glass block two or three times. The objective is to cover the sides of the glass block with ribbon. Tape the ribbon in place.
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If you plan to display the gift box standing upright, tape a large bow to the center of the top panel of the glass block. If you plan to display the illuminated gift box horizontally, place the bow in the center of the front panel of the glass block.
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Tips & Warnings
To make holiday decorations that you can turn on and off, use electric lights and drape the plug through the pre-drilled hole to the outlet. Wrap the cord, too, with the paper or fabric.
Resources
- Photo Credit Gift box image by Mahno from Fotolia.com
