Pillow Box Tutorial

These are pillow boxes made with the scrips and scraps left over from the tiny album in a box class I did for Live With Prima (with some minimal additions):

The one below even uses the packaging (the green scalloped card):

I'm going to show you how to make the one below:

Beyond the scraps from the kit, and the tools we used to put it together, you will need:

• Glitter (I used Doodlebug in Bon Bon and Limeade)
• Glue Pen (I used Sakura Quickie Glue Pen)
• Prima e-line pearls (I used #300692)
• Pillow Box Template (download the template and print it at whatever size you wish)

STEP ONE: Create the Box.

Tape two scraps of paper together.

Cut out the pillow box template.

Flip the taped together scraps over and trace the template.

Notice that the seam (where the tape is) on the patterned paper scraps is perpendicular to the fold marks on the template. This is *very* important.  If the seam runs the other way, the box is not stable.

Once you've traced the template, mark the fold lines with a ruler and pencil.

Cut out the box shape.

Score the two fold lines.


Fold the box in half and then add adhesive to the flap.

Fold the flap over (on the outside of the box).

Gently coax the ends to fold in.  They will somewhat naturally fold in on a curve.

And now your basic box is done!

STEP TWO: Create the Butterflies

Begin by cutting out two butterflies.  One large and one small.

Use a glue pen to trace the lines on the large butterfly's wings.  Pour glitter over the glue lines.

In the photo above, you can see I've only glittered one little line near the top.  Work in small sections until all the lines are covered.  Don't forget to do the antennae!

Then use the glue pen to color in the edges of the wings and add larger glitter to those sections.

When the butterfly is all glittered, it will look a bit like this:

We're going to use pearls to create the body of the butterfly!

Use two small pearls for the eyes and then use a series of decreasing in size pearls for the body.

Don't forget to glitter and glam up the small butterfly too!

STEP THREE: Decorate the Box.

Take your remaining lace and wrap it around the box.  Use glue dots to hold the lace in place.

Punch a large scalloped circle from one of your scraps.


If you don't have a scalloped circle punch, cut it by hand or use a circle instead.  Any shape will do! 

Add one of the remaining flowers to the circle.  Place foam adhesive on the backs of the butterflies.

Adhere butterflies to circle and over the flower.

Add this little collage to your box and voila!  A lovely way to give a gift!

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial!  I have a Live with Prima class on Monday (May 3), where we'll be making this:

Be sure to buy your kit and then come and play with me!