Why would you want to use a paper napkins transfer idea to create an amazing mini gift box? Well, I can think of a few good reasons.
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- There are so many really cute or pretty napkins.
- If you have a theme for a party and already have the napkins, you can carry the theme through with matching mini gift boxes.
- The napkins give a unique tactile feel to the box.
- No one else will have the same gift boxes!
- Your friends and family will think you’re so creative!
Although I love Mod Podge for many different crafts, it would be messy for this application. If you have ever used Mod Podge, gotten bubbles, and felt a little frustrated, this transfer method will impress you. This method leaves a neat, smooth, and clean end product. It’s a simple hack for decoupaging without Mod Podge.
You may remember a previous post showing how to apply a paper napkin to cardstock with plastic wrap. This is the same method of napkin transfer, but a different shape of a box, which is so stinking cute!
Easy Paper Napkin Transfer That Will Blow Your Mind!
How To Make Perfect Little Boxes For Gift Giving
A Word About the Supplies
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Usually, I use our regular iron for transfer web, and also this decoupage hack that uses plastic cling wrap. I spotted this little inexpensive traveling iron on Amazon and decided it would be a good investment for these little projects, and I couldn’t resist this cute little silicone iron rest in hot pink!
The napkins used on this project are from Tuesday Mornings. The store always has some really pretty napkins. (We aren’t an affiliate.) When I bought these, I didn’t realize the floral pattern is only on one section of the napkin. Disappointed at first, but I actually think it creates an interesting effect on the gift boxes.
A 1/4-inch hole punch is way too big for these little boxes. Use a 1/8-inch hole punch instead.
As you’ll see, I used a scoring board so that the lines would be crisp and not crinkly. This is not absolutely necessary but it will be easier to bend the cardstock and the end product will look neater.
Supplies
- Paper napkins
- Cardstock
- Plastic wrap
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Scissors
- 1/8 – inch Hole punch
- Ribbon
- Scoring board and tool (optional)
Determine the Size of Your Gift Box
Using a 9-inch square of cardstock, I attempted to make a prototype of one of these. Guess I didn’t realize how large the box would be. The base measures 3-1/2 inches square and it’s 4-1/8 inches tall, way bigger than I wanted!
My vision was a delicate little box that sits nicely on top of a napkin on a salad plate in a place setting. A few little candies will hide inside.
A 7-inch square makes a base measuring 2 – 7/8 inches square and 3 – 1/4 -inches tall. This one is still bigger than I wanted.
A 6-inch square stands 2 – 3/4 inches tall and has a base of 2 – 3/8 inches square. This seems the perfect size for my purposes.
Paper Napkins Transfer Idea Directions
Prepare the Napkins
Paper napkins have layers of paper. Peel the plain white layers off the back. Usually, there are three layers. You only need the top layer with the design on it.
If you have some trouble peeling one of the layers, use a small piece of Scotch tape, press it onto the napkin lining, and pull it upward. The lining should lift without damaging the design layer. Run your fingers under the torn layer and pull it away from the design layer. Use the tape again on any stubborn pieces.
Stack the Layers
First, lay a large piece of parchment paper on the ironing board to protect your ironing board cover. (I cut two pieces about eighteen inches long.) It needs to be large enough for plenty of room on all sides of your cardstock.
Place the cardstock on top of the parchment paper on the ironing board.
Cut a piece of regular plastic wrap larger than the cardstock you are using. Be sure it extends past all the edges of your cardstock. The plastic wrap will act as the glue to adhere the napkin to the cardboard.
Tip* If you are one of those people who can’t tear off the plastic wrap without mangling it, use your scissors to cut off a piece! This is one time you don’t want to wrinkle and stretch the plastic.
Place the napkin in the position you want. You can see it easily covers the cardstock, which is cut into a 6-inch square. I lined up the gold border design with the edges of the cardstock leaving a little border of pink. You can see the edges of the cardstock showing through the napkin.
Carefully, place another piece of parchment paper over the top of the layered cardstock and napkin completely covering the cardstock, the plastic wrap, and the napkin.
Ironing the Napkin
Using my regular iron in the previous post on napkin transfer, I set it on medium heat. A couple of people have reported they didn't have luck with this process. I'm thinking it's because their irons weren't hot enough.
It's a simple process, the iron has to melt the plastic, which acts as the glue. This time, I set this little iron on high heat. It melts the plastic wrap quickly and works like a charm.
Gently press the iron over the parchment, being sure to press the entire paper napkin covering the cardstock. Then, press an area, slide the iron slightly and repeat until the entire napkin surface covering the cardstock has been heat-pressed.
Be sure the plastic is completely covered with parchment paper and does not come in contact with the hot iron or it will stick to your iron!
Turn the napkin over. Look how nice and smooth the napkin looks! Cut along all edges of the cardstock, removing the excess plastic wrap and napkin. This can be cut with scissors or a sharp X-Acto knife
and a straight edge. (I’ve tried both ways successfully.)
Score Lines
This is not absolutely necessary, but I believe scoring the fold lines makes it much easier and more accurate.
First, score the square in half at the 3-inch mark. Turn the square and score in half again creating 4 quarter sections.
Score from corner to corner. I laid a small metal rule on the scoring board to measure and be sure I was using the correct scoring line for the diagonals.
Folding the Gift Box.
Next, fold the cardstock in half along the scored line. Then, open and fold in the opposite direction. Fold diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner. Open and fold the two remaining corners diagonally.
Pull all four corners to the center. Then, lay the folded shape down on a flat surface. Flatten the cardstock. See the pictures below. This is what confused me in the videos I’ve seen. It wasn’t very clear. Hopefully, these pictures make it easy for you.
Fold the top edge to the center creating a triangle shape. Then, fold the opposite side to the center. Unfortunately, I haven’t figured out how to score the rest of the lines! You’ll just have to fold them. Since we scored the first ones, they should be pretty accurate.
Repeat on the flip side. Then, fold the small triangle at the bottom upward. Turn over and repeat folding the small triangle at the bottom upward.
When you open up the folded shape, it should look like the picture below. The center square will be the base of the gift box.
Fold and crease just the lines forming the square on the bottom.
Then, fold and reinforce the crease on each of the angled lines on all four quarters.
Punch Holes
Punch a hole about a half inch from each corner. An easy way to make sure the holes are in the exact location on each corner is to place a post-it note over the corner along one edge. Punch the hole. Then position the post-it note on each corner and use the hole as a template. The sticky edge of the post-it note will hold it in place as you punch the hole.
Run a ribbon through the holes, pull the ribbon to close the gift box, and tie a pretty bow. Isn’t this adorable? The paper napkins transfer idea makes it unique. Just imagine the little trinkets or candies you can hide inside!
Be sure to check out the previous post on paper napkin transfer. ◄
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