the hybrid chick

One of my most favorite things to do is to take a template and use it for something other than it’s original suggested use. And today’s post is no different.

Today I’m going to show you how to take Kelleigh Ratzlaff’s Canister Box template set, flip it over and turn it into a graduation cap gift box.

But wait….not only is this gift box a super sweet and fun way to give a gift, but it also makes a great table centerpiece for that graduation party you are giving!

For the graduate, you could fill the box with a small gift or money.

As a table centerpiece, it could hold candy kisses, nuggets, M&M’s or anything else you can think of.

So let’s get started with our supply list:

Kelleigh Ratzlaff’s Canister Box Template Set – I used the short canister template

computer paper to print the template on

black cardstock – I used cardstock from Stampin’ Up!

adhesive of choice

black brad

embroidery floss

1. Open Kelleigh’s short canister file in your photo editing program.

2. Hide all layers of the template except for the lines.

3. Print the template on computer paper – this will be your pattern to trace around on the black cardstock. Unless you have a printer with a white cartridge, you will be unable to print directly onto the black cardstock.

4. Open the canister bottom file – hide all layers of the template except for the lines.

5. Resize the canister bottom to 96%. This will allow the piece to fit inside of the canister.

6. Print the canister bottom on computer paper – again this will be our pattern to trace around.

7. Cut around the printed canister – I cut out the connecting center sections of the template as they won’t be needed.

8. Cut around the printed canister bottom.

9. Position the computer paper canister and bottom template on the black cardstock and trace around the edges using a pencil. It may be a little hard to see but totally worth not having white gel pen lines showing on the black cardstock. Cut out the black cardstock canister and canister bottom.

10. Score all canister and bottom score lines.

11. Assemble box by gluing the tab on one side of template to the inner side of the other side of the template to form canister. Fold tabbed pieces inward and secure with adhesive of your choice. (See Kelleigh’s instructions included in canister template)

12. Cut a 5 x 5 inch square piece of black cardstock. Punch a hole in the center of square – I used my paper piercing tool. Center and adhere canister bottom on square. Punch hole through canister bottom piece.

To Create a tassel:
13. To create a tassel, wrap white embroidery floss around a 2 1/4 inch strip of firm cardstock or cardboard approx. 20-25 times. The more times you wrap the floss, the thicker your tassel will be. Holding the floss, cut it along one edge of the cardstock/cardboard.

14. Using a long piece of floss, tie a square knot against the bunched floss. These long pieces will become the string that the tassel hangs from.

15. Fold the bunched floss in half to form a tassel and tie a small piece of embroidery floss approx. 1/2 inch from the fold and then hide the tied knot in the center among the longer tassel pieces.

16. Put the top of the graduation hat on the canister. Hold the tassel by the long strands of floss at the center of the black square and shorten the hanging length of the tassel to what you desire.

note: if the above steps to make a tassel didn’t make sense, just google “make your own tassel” and you’ll find lots of instructions and photos!

17. Secure tassel in place with a black brad.

18. Put the top on your graduation cap box tucking rounded tabs to the inside of the cannister.

And there you have it, your very own graduation cap box – ready to fill with goodies!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and project. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask here in the comment section. I’d love to see your version of this graduation box!

Other Articles by wildblueeyez:

• Card Caravan challenge #12 - use ribbon - February 5th, 2012
• It's a Card Template challenge! - February 2nd, 2012
• Looking for some new Hybrid Chicks! - January 24th, 2012
• Card Caravan Challenge #11 - Punches/Dies - January 22nd, 2012
• Card Caravan Challenge #6 - Birthday theme - November 13th, 2011