YOu Don’t have to spend money to Give a nice gift

It’s that time of year when many of our most special celebrations begin. How do you manage all of those graduation gifts, wedding gifts, mother’s day gifts, father’s day gifts, and summer birthday gifts? It can get pricey really quick. You probably have items in your home that you can transform into something lasting and useful for just about anyone. Here’s a quick and easy way to make cute home décor with a cardboard box.

How do you upcycle a cute little cardboard box? Cover it in jute twine, add some denim fabric and a few embellishments. Another easy project using a hot glue gun and jute.

I decided to use 4mm jute twine. 
First, I cut the top flaps off the box.

Then I found some old denim jean leg scraps and used the box to measure and draw the shape to cut them out and line the inside of the box, using a hot glue gun. I am a seamstress, but instead of finishing off the edges of the denim before gluing the panels, I just glued some jute at each seam to cover the raw edges.

I then started wrapping the box with jute twine using the glue gun. I started at the top opening of the box and worked all the way down, covering the bottom as well.

I embellished the box by gluing on a large button and layered it with a wood cutout. I made this little box with items I already have in my craft stash.

This such a simple idea that can be dressed up for any celebratory gift giving. It can hold desk supplies in a dorm room, supplies for a baby changing table, cards and small games, remote controls, glasses, or just about anything that you want to get off the counter or desk.

I love this little project. Even though it’s perfect for my TV remotes, I think the the starfish looks cuter!