Luxe lovers, you’re in for a very special DIY project today! I was challenged by our friends at Totally Dazzled to create something that would show off their beautiful their rhinestone products so, naturally, I wanted to do something that felt rich and luxurious. The deep turquoise blue with the pop of coral-y orange ribbon adds a modern twist to a seaside theme.
For this project I chose a silver and rhinestone Starfish flatback as a pretty embellishment to a silk pyramid favor box. I love this project because it’s great for all skill levels and it’s easily adaptable to other styles, budgets, and color schemes.
Supplies Needed:
- Silk Dupioni (or fabric of your choice)
- Pyramid Box Template
- Computer and printer (not shown)
- White 8.5 inch by 11 inch cardstock
- Scissors
- Bone Folder
- Spray Adhesive
- Ribbon
- Rhinestone Starfish Flatback by Totally Dazzled
- Hot glue gun with glue sticks (not shown)
- Iron and ironing board (not shown)
Instructions:
1. Iron the silk to remove all wrinkles.
2. Print the Pyramid Box Template onto the white cardstock.
3. Cut the box template from the cardstock with scissors leaving about a 1/2″ margin around the template. The little extra margin will help you get a clean, no-fray cut from the silk when you trim it to size later on.
Note: Now it’s time to laminate the template to the silk. This is best done outside in a well-ventilated space and on a protected surface. Spray adhesive will get on everything you own forever sticking every bit of lint, dirt, and debris to every surface it comes into contact with. And it’s nasty to breathe. Again: do this outside!
4. Spray a light, even coat of adhesive on the back (non-printed) side of the template. Be sure to cover the entire template, making sure to get the edges. If the edges don’t bond to the fabric, the rest of the project isn’t going to come out well. There will be tears. Gnashing of teeth. Possible rending of garments. Nobody wants that.
5. Flip the template over and press it firmly down on a piece of ironed, wrinkle-free silk. (Note: I pre-cut pieces of silk to fit the template – 6.5″ by 6.5″ – to save time and have less worry about wrangling bulk yards of silk. If you do this, be sure to leave at least a 1/4″ to 1/2″ margin in case the silk starts to fray. And, pro tip: the silk will fray.)
6. Next, flip the template over and use your bone folder to press any wrinkles out of the silk and help the fabric bond to the cardstock. You want everything to be smoooooooth.
7. Using sharp scissors, trim away the excess edges of cardstock and fabric on box template. Sharp scissors are important here. Dull ones will just shred the fabric.
Ta da! You’re getting closer to your Favor Box of Ultimate Awesome.
8. Flip the box over and punch holes in each of the four points. They’re marked on the template to make it easy for you. If you have any fibers coming through the holes, just trim them way with scissors. (Nail scissors work great for this, btw.)
9. Using your bone folder and a straight edge (like a ruler, for example), score each of the dotted lines on the template. Be sure to use even, steady pressure to get a good straight line. Any “mistakes” will show through on the fabric side so take your time with this step. It’s tedious but easy.
10. Fold the box along the dotted lines.
Note: Add your favor to the inside of the box at this stage because it’ll be a lot harder to do when the ribbon is attached.
12. It’s ribbon time! Cut two 11″ lengths of ribbon. Slip one ribbon through the holes, front to back. Slip the other through the holes, side to side. Pull the front-to-back ribbons together and tie them in a knot. Pull the side-to-side ribbons together and tie them into a bow. The box should be totally closed. Trim the excess ribbon.
Confession: I really fail at tying bows and measuring ribbon so I usually end up with a gross amount of waste. If your ribbon prowess is greater than mine, you can probably get away with using less ribbon per box.
13. With your glue gun attach the pretty little starfish to the front of your box with a couple of dabs of hot glue.
14. Admire your work and pat yo’self on the back. You just created a beautiful gift your guests will love!
Notes and Details:
• The cost per box, minus any treat you may put inside, is less than $2.00 to make. My silk was $20 per yard and it is possible to get 30 boxes per yard of 44″ wide fabric. Add $0.97 for the Starfish, about $0.10 per piece for bulk cardstock, then add in ribbon and spray adhesive and it comes to about $1.75.
• It is possible to use alternative fabrics! Nearly any lightweight fabric will work but, be careful, about bleed-through with the spray adhesive. Get a small test swatch of fabric before you commit to buying in bulk.
• Don’t want to use fabric? No problem! You can print the template on any paper or cardstock. Check scrapbook stores for interesting printed papers and textured cardstocks. (You’ll save on fabric costs as well. Silk is spendy.)
• Make sure you use super-sharp scissors when cutting silk. Silk will fray like the Dickens and anytime you pull a strand, it’ll just get worse. Always trim with sharp scissors to save your sanity. You can use a commercial fray-stopping agent but it’ll likely leave a stain on silk.
• This is a time-consuming project so get extra help or plan way ahead. It look about 15 minutes per box from start to completion. This isn’t something you want to start the day before the wedding.
