Paper Crafting: The Cube Box Template and a New Printing / Folding Technique

Paper crafting has become a huge craft - and it's one that keeps growing, because technology is keeping up with crafters' needs. All of the amazing things that were once the sole domain of huge cutting machines and factory labor are now in the much more loving hands of crafters.

Whether a cube box is just what you need to toss a promo item into, for packaging your jewelry or other handmade item, or you simply want to play around with making boxes, this little cube box template has you covered. At its default size (without any changes by you - which you totally can do) is 2 1/4" x 2 1/4", the perfect size for most jewelry and small handcrafted item needs.

Not only will this guide walk you through the creation of a great little cube box, but it introduces a new printing and folding technique that I've been using obsessively and haven't found a guide on. So, in this cube box template guide, you get a two-for-one. You create a great looking cube box and you learn a technique using transparency paper so you never have to print your template again. Eco-friendly and fun.

Cube Box Template Materials

Since we're going to create an eco-friendly template that can be used over and over again, the cube box template needs to be printed on something entirely different than usual and the actual process of making the box will be a little bit different than you're used to - but it's a lot quicker! I promise you'll love this ... just go with it.

- Printable Transparency Sheets (sold in the office supplies / stationary section, usually in the same area that you find printable t-shirt transfers and labels, in boxes of 10 sheets) and a Printer

- Scissors, Craft Cutter, or Xacto Knife

- Box Paper (anything from plain card stock to handmade papers will work, but the thicker the paper, the sturdier your box will be so consider what it will be holding before you decide)

- Cutting Mat, Scoring Tool, and Ruler

- Optional embellishments, drawing tools, or painting tools

The Plastic Cube Box Cutting Template

Okay so this is where the really cool part comes in - an actual plastic template that you can use repeatedly, without the cost of purchasing some brittle plastic thing that never really stores right anywhere.

First, you'll need to print out the cube box template on the transparency sheets. You will have a much easier time finding transparency sheets for inkjet printers than laser printers. Both can be found, though, pretty easily and at a very reasonable price. Especially if you consider the cost of ink being used once instead of repeatedly each time you create an item.

The Cube Box Template is available for free in Adobe Acrobat format here. Save the file to your computer for printing later, or you can print straight from your browser. Use your printer manufacturer's recommended settings for printing on transparency paper. Do not resize the template until you have created at least one box using this method and are comfortable with the way it works before you create boxes of different sizes.

Once your template is printed, you will need to carefully trim it using a pair of sharp scissors or a craft knife. Cut just outside the thick black lines, trimming the plastic away. There are two spots on the template where tab slits need to be cut, also indicated by thick black lines. Do NOT cut the dotted lines. These indicate folds.

Note: In the future, you can use this method with all your paper craft templates, simply by printing them on the transparency paper instead of card stock or another paper method.

Using the Plastic Cube Box Template:

Now that you have your template ready-to-use, it's time to pick your favorite paper and use it!

1. Lay your box paper out, pattern or colored side up. Place the plastic cube box template on top of the paper. You can see through the template, allowing you to choose the exact location you want to use (great for patterned paper).

2. Using a craft knife, carefully cut the paper around the cutting template. Optionally, if you don't have a craft knife, lightly trace around the template with a pencil. Cut just inside the pencil lines, and erase any markings once your box has been cut.

3. Referencing the cutting template as a guide, use a scoring tool and a ruler to "mark" the fold lines on the inside (un-colored or un-patterned side) of your cut box paper. This helps you create sharp, crisp folds that really take a handcrafted box and turn it into a thing of professional beauty.

4. Fold all sides and tabs made with the scoring tool inward. The short side tab should go to the inside. This is the only tab that must be glued. The bottom of the box will lock into place, but you can choose to further reinforce it for strength with glue or a small piece of tape.
5. Embellish as desired. Place your product inside, tuck the lid in, and you're all done!