Twenty to Make: Mini Gift Boxes: (Twenty to Make)

Michelle Powell has designed this gorgeous collection of mini gift boxes, decorated using pretty papers, glitter, ribbons and any other kind of embellishment you can think of. They can be used to hold wedding favours, tiny gifts for handing to guests at the end of a party, or simply to hold a small, personal present for someone special. Craft shops are filled with readymade ones, but it is easy, and much more fun, to make your own! They are an ideal way of using up all your left over scraps from other projects, and all you need are some basic craft materials and tools.

About the Author :
Michelle Powell studied art and design at Gloucester College of Arts and Technology, before graduating with a degree in teaching art from Bath College of Higher Education. Previously editor of Practical Crafts, Scrapbook Magic and Craft Stamper magazines, Michelle is now part-time editor of Beads and Beyond magazine and part-time mum to baby Phoebe. She is currently building her own house with her partner Christian in Gloucestershire, UK.

Review :
Part of the 20 to Make series, this book has projects for personalising gifts with a handmade gift box. These imaginative and creative boxes range from a tiny baby's shoe, a Santa, a piece of cake and so much more. Fun to make and give, they will be treasured. This colourful 48 page book is full of ideas and also comes complete with templates to get you started.-KarenPlatt.co.uk There is something about an unwrapped present that enchants everybody - the contents could be the thing you want most of all. If you can keep the wrapping instead of putting it in the recycling bin (or ironing it flat for another gift as I do) then this is so much better, especially if the gift has come in a beautiful keepsake box. Here are twenty such boxes, plus another twenty ideas for variations. I've loved making my own boxes since I learned how to make nets in a school math class, and the ones in here are truly lovely. They cover a variety of occasions, including Christmas, Valentines Day, Easter, New Baby and Wedding as well as those for more general use. Make a cupcake box, wee shopping bag, pram, angel, geisha, trainer and even a snowman made from a stack of small boxes. To do this there are some nets and templates, but many boxes are the plain ones you can buy in craft shops to decorate which is good for a beginner or anybody in a hurry. You can also recycle old gift boxes in this way. Many more boxes are made using a Cricut die cutting machine as well as several craft punches, so unless you are an expert net designer one of these might be a good investment if you plan to make a lot of boxes. I was drawn to the sheer inventiveness of the boxes, and their lovely neat appearance decked out with the addition of diecut or punched shapes, ribbons, beads and more. To complete the look each box also has an accompanying tag idea, so your presents have never looked so smart. A lovely book that is sure to be dipped into many times.-Myshelf.com With 20 unique designs plus 20 more based on the same methods, there will be something in this book to suit every style and occasion. It's a gorgeous collection of mini gift boxes, decorated using pretty papers, glitter, ribbons and any other kind of embellishment you can think of. They can be used to hold wedding favours or tiny gifts for handing to guests at the end of a party. They can simply hold a small, personal gift for someone special. Craft shops are filled with readymade boxes, but it's easy and much more fun to make your own! They're an ideal way of using up scraps from other projects and all you need are some basic craft materials and tools.-Machine Knitting Monthly Even the smallest gift becomes really special when you present it in a handmade gift box. This book is full of great paper boxes for you to wrap gifts in, with designs suitable for everyone in the family. For elegant party favours, try the easy floral pillow box or the champagne glass cube. Kids will love the 3D ladybird boxes, and the clever card prams are perfect for welcoming new arrivals. For Christmas, we like the Santa-shaped boxes, as well as the jolly penguins! Pop this book in your craft kit and you'll never be stuck for gift box ideas.-Papercraft Inspirations I really enjoyed reading Mini Gift Boxes by Michelle Powell. It is a small book, but Michelle manges to pack a lot into the pages. The book contains 20 very different projects which can be adapted to many occasions. With the price of the book being comparative to the price of a magazine (particularly given some of the discounts that some book stores offer) it certainly represents good value for money. I appreciate the strength of the projects and the amount of material that the book manages to cover. I found that the fact that the individual steps are not illustrated means that I would need to work through the projects in scrap paper first. I found the projects well written and easy to understand - however I am an experienced papercrafter. A complete beginner may find it better to start with the projects that adapt and customize ready bought boxes. My main gripe with the book is that some of the projects use die cut machines to produce pieces. Although many experienced crafters will own a die cut machine, it is certainly not a common tool among beginner crafters, however suggestions for alternatives are provided for people without die cut machines or the necessary cartridges. I would recommend Mini Gift Boxes to anyone interested in making gift boxes. It is ideal for stampers who are looking for a new challenge. This is a small book, however represents excellent value for money and would make a great stocking filler.-About.com For crafty fingers this book is a must. Inside are twenty enchanting handmade gift box designs. Just right for that small present or table gift for wedding guests to make them feel very appreciated. There is even a cake portion box made to look like a piece of chocolate gateau complete with chocolate cigars on the side (all in card that is).-Cake Craft & Decoration