DIY Network

Shoebox Gift Boxes This gift box is a work of art. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-139

This festive box is as much fun to make as it is to receive.

Gift boxes done up right need no wrapping and can live beyond the gift exchange. In this project, Michele Beschen takes gift wrapping to another level by adding an element of sculpture: She uses papier mache techniques to dress up plain shoeboxes into special containers your gift recipients will want to keep for years to come.

The project requires a good, solid cardboard box with a lid—like a shoebox. Aside from that, you'll need newspaper, glue, paint and a lot of creativity. The final result: a gift box that's a gift in its own right.

Scroll down for Michele Beschen's how-to.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Shoebox Gift Boxes

• Prime the box by brushing on a water-based polyurethane sealer. This will keep moisture from the papier mache glue mixture from damaging the box. Allow the polyurethane to dry.

• Mix glue—plain white glue is fine—with a little water to thin it out. Don't use too much water; you don't want the glue to get runny.

• Rip newspaper into strips. Individually coat strips with the glue mixture, squeeze off the excess and wrap the newspaper around the box (figure A). Repeat this process until the entire box and lid are covered.

• As you wrap the papier mache on the box, smooth out any bubbles with a sponge brush. Be careful not to get too much papier mache built up under the lid, since the lid still needs to fit on the box (figure B).

• Set the box up to dry on waxed paper for about two days.

• Once the glue is set, paint the box however you like. Seal the final product with another coat of polyurethane, and top it off with a twist of wire or other "hood ornament" to complete the look (figure C).
  

  
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Wrap it in Window Screen
  	Purse Gift Bags
  	Shoebox Gift Boxes
  	Waxed Paper Gift Wrap