Make Your Own Pillow Boxes

Pillow boxes are perfect for so many occasions, whether you are giving a gift, or looking for a fun way to package a party or wedding favor. Here is a quick tutorial on how to make your own... in whatever color or paper you choose. There are so many fun possibilities.

I made small pillow boxes... perfect for cash, candy, jewelry, etc... but a little bit too small for a gift card. (Scroll down the to bottom of this post for a larger version). You could just print a template, cut, and assemble, but that ends out being complicated and you have to go through more steps that way. It is faster to just make these boxes from scratch.

Step 1 - Start with a piece of cardstock that is 4.5 inches by 4.5 inches. (I used 4-1/2 by 6-1/2 Matstack ) Fold creases at 2 inches and 4 inches so that the flaps are 2 inches, 2 inches, and half an inch.

Step 2 - Draw a straight line half an inch from the top and the bottom, so that you now have 2 rectangles in the middle that are 2 inches by 3.5 inches. Use a CD to trace arcs above and below each line segment. Cut around the outside arcs so that you are left with the shape seen above in Step 2. Use a dull knife or a pair of scissors to lightly score the paper across the inner arc. (If you are using scissors be careful you don't accidentally cut all the way through the paper.)

(After I had written half of this tutorial, I searched for pillow boxes to see what else was out there, and came across this great tutorial from I Try DIY which is where I got the tip to use a CD for the arcs)

Step 3 - Fold over the half inch flap and apply glue. Apply pressure until the glue is completely dried. (Make sure that you also cut this flap along the arc of the CD.) Now push in the little almond flaps and your simple pillow box is complete.

Step 4 - Decorate! Be creative. Use buttons, ribbon, twine, thread, scrapbook paper, washi tape, paper punches, stickers, stamps, paint, markers, etc... I used a strip of washi tape, a flower shaped paper punch (like this flower punch), and a button.

You can make these boxes in many different sizes. I made a larger version that worked well. Fold 2.5 inches, 2.5 inches, and half an inch. Then Make a rectangle that is 4.5 inches long, and use the CD to add the arcs. This larger size will hold a gift card.