How to Make a Memory Box

"We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they're called memories. Some take us forward, they're called dreams. " --Jeremy Irons

You will need:

• Heavy-duty video storage box (NOT PLASTIC)
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Hot Glue/Glue Gun
• Decorative scrapbook paper
• Theme appropriate scrapbook embellishments (stickers, buttons, brackets
• Decorative Ribbon

Instructions

Step 1
Select a theme for your memory box prior to purchasing your scrapbook supplies. For example, if you are giving your box as a birthday present, you might select birthday appropriate embellishments ... Valentine's Day, love and relationship embellishments ... etc. Each memory box should have its own unique theme and meaning. When selecting base scrapbook paper to cover your box, it is wise to select paper in a solid color. You do not want your box to be too "busy."

Step 2
Cut the decorative scrapbook paper into sections that are size appropriate to your video box. To do this, you will use a ruler to measure out the appropriate dimensions. For example, if the length of your box measures 4 inches by 8 inches, you will cut out a 4 inch by 8 inch section of paper. Cut sections for all four sides and the top of your box.

Step 3
Attach the decorative paper sections to your box. To do this, you will trace a thin line of hot glue along the extreme most edges of your paper section and QUICKLY and ACCURATELY adhere it to the appropriate section of your box. Be careful. The glue is very hot and dries rapidly.

Step 4
Once your glue has dried, it is time to begin embellishing your box. You will notice that once you have glued the paper to your box, the edges appear raged and uneven. To correct this, you are going to cover the raged edges with decorative ribbon. Begin by taking your decorative ribbon and cutting it in pieces just long enough to cover the edges of your box. For each outer corner of the box, you will need 2 pieces of ribbon - that is 8 pieces total. Glue 1 piece of ribbon alongside the corner line of each box. This means for each corner, you will have glued 2 pieces of ribbon side by side.

Step 5
Next, you will add decorative ribbon to the top of your box. To begin, cut 4 pieces of ribbon to outline the top of your box. Hot glue the pieces of ribbon around the outermost edge, creating a flat ribbon border. Now, cut 4 pieces of ribbon at a length that will allow you to make a proportionally appropriate bow. Tie each piece into a bow. Now, you will glue a bow to each corner of the top of your box.

Step 6
It's time to be creative! Use your scrapbook embellishments to decorate the box however you choose. For example, if you are creating a "love" box, you might use alphabet stickers to spell out the names of the couple and their anniversary date. Use as few or as many embellishments as you like!

Bonus Tips:
Select 3 to 4 colors to focus on - you don't want a rainbow of bizarre color combinations!
Stick to a central theme and build your box around it.
Remember, personal touches are the most meaningful - it is supposed to appear "crafty."