Thank You Box

I remember when I was growing up that at the conclusion of each party I attended, I was handed a small plastic bag loaded with candy and other random stuff that I know my mother chucked that night after I fell asleep. The plastic tops, kazoos, and yo-yos tended to get tangled, stepped on, or seriously annoying. How would you feel if your child was sent home with an easy-to-operate musical instrument? Yikes.

Some people still like to provide these treat bags, and you know what? That’s great. It’s the thought that counts and I am by no means here to knock anyone else’s party style. I just choose to have our guests leave with something more durable and useful in the long run. I’d rather spend the money I’d put into brimming full plastic treat bags towards a single more exciting gift.

These treat boxes are a sweet way to package your parting gift to your guests. Not only are they stronger than a paper or plastic sack, but they just have that extra pop to them and can be found for a fairly inexpensive price. And because of their adorable mini cuteness, they could be left as-is, but I just wasn’t able to do that. Details are so important at a party and I was happy to add that last little detail to these boxes.

The first thing you’ll need to do is gather your materials:

• mini gable boxes
• a roll of tulle
• Gorilla Glue (I know the glue in the picture is different. I wasn’t happy with the results with other glue, so I broke out the trusty Gorilla Glue again.)
• thank you printable or other decoration

1.   Measure around the outside of your box and cut two lengths of tulle double that measurement. For example, if your box has a diameter (like that fancy math language?) of 12″, you’d need to cut the tulle 24″ long.

2.   You’re going to set your sewing machine settings to the same as when we ruffled for the tablecloth. Stack the two lengths of tulle and fold them in half lengthwise. That’s hot dog style if you were a teacher in a past life like I was. Sew a single stitch down the center so your tulle will look like this:

3.   Now is your chance to play with your Gorilla Glue again. Just as I said last time we used it, make sure you’re in a well ventilated area when you use the stuff. On one of the long sides of your box, put small dabs of the glue on each side and in the center. Lay your ruffle down on the glue and press firmly. You’ll need to hold each side for 30 seconds to a minute to make sure the ruffle stays in place. Repeat this step for each side of your box.

4.   After your ruffle is in place, I’d start working on the next box so that the glue has a little more time to dry. When you’re ready, take your printable and place a small dab of the Gorilla Glue on each side. Place it gently on top of the ruffle and then press it firmly into place. Hold it for another 30 seconds to a minute to set the glue. A note about printables: The ones that I used were from The TomKat Studio–Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE her?–but there are also sites out there like iShare printables where you can find loads of free printables too.

You’re done! I let my boxes dry overnight to make sure that the ruffles and thank you printables were securely attached the box. Now you can send your guests home with a detailed reminder of how fabulous your party was!