MILK CARTON TREAT BOX (WITH FREE PRINTABLE TEMPLATE)
I hope you enjoy this DIY milk carton treat box, because I have news for you! I love these kinds of crafts! And when I love a craft, you’ll likely see more ideas that are similar. So, if you like it too, make sure you’re a subscriber…
When I studied graphic design, one of my favorite segments was creating 3D packaging. While most of my graphic design experience has since been invested into this blog, I still enjoy that angle of it. I used it in my pillow boxes, which I package jewelry in.
While normally, creating a 3D package like this would require either heavy equipment that cuts and scores (see below – step 6) the box, creating it manually is also an option. Creating it manually will usually require you to carefully line up the print file with the die cut (template), and make sure your design is right on target. I probably will be bringing you more options like that.
For now, I’ve created this set using scrapbook paper. That means that you can choose your own print, and even print out a set that fits a specific theme, such as this July 4th pack. You can even make it out of your child’s (or your) artwork!
WHAT THIS MILK CARTON TREAT BOX IS GOOD FOR:
I made these with Halloween in mind, but they are good for a lot of things! You can insert larger items by sealing the top after you put it in. Since you’ll be leaving half the top open, smaller items can be inserted afterward.
- Small treats (popcorn, chocolate).
- A stack of cookies or brownies.
- It’s the perfect size for a muffin or cupcake.
- A piece of jewelry, or any small (handmade!) gift.
- Anything else you want!
WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THE MILK CARTON TREAT BOX:
(Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links).
- The printed template (default size is letter paper. You can scale it to fit other sizes. The quality might not be the same, but you’ll be able to use it just fine.)
- Scrapbook paper in your choice of prints (Letter size is big enough.) If you want it to be stronger, you can use card stock.
- Craft knife
- A good ruler (I like to use a metal one).
- A surface for cutting on (as you’ll likely cut through and scratch/cut the surface below). I used a padded mailer, or you can use a cutting mat.
- Glue and invisible tape, double sided tape, or washi tape in a coordinating color. You’ll also want some kind of tape that removes easily, such as washi.
- A pair of scissors (I like to use detail scissors) for corners, and holes. You can use a deep hole punch for the hole.
- For the handle: Wire (plus tools to work with the wire – pliers and wire cutter) or baker’s twine.
[convertkit form=5124998]
HOW TO MAKE THE MILK CARTON TREAT BOX:
- Tape the template onto your scrapbook paper using a tape that will be easy to remove.
2. Using a ruler to guide you in keeping your edges straight, cut out your template along the solid lines. Make sure your cutting surface is protected.
3. Mind the curves! Use detail scissors or the craft knife to move along them. Use a hole punch, craft knife, or detail scissors to take care of the holes. I simply made an X with the craft knife to make a hole for the wire.
4. Your milk carton treat box is now cut out. It should look like this. The template will separate from the scrapbook paper.
5. Tape your template back onto the scrapbook paper, making sure it lines up well.
6. Now use THE BACK OF YOUR KNIFE – the DULL side, not the SHARP side to “score” box along the dotted lines. Scoring means that you are breaking a layer of the paper fibers, without cutting through. This marks the fold lines, and makes the box assembly easier and neater.
7. Remove the template from the scrapbook paper. Pre-fold along the score lines (this time making sure you fold in the right direction, for the most part) and then unfold.
8. Fold the box as pictured, and tape or glue the little flap in place. I used bright green washi tape just so that you can see clearly where I connected it. You can use invisible tape, tacky glue, double sided tape, or a coordinating color…
9. Fold the shorter sides of the bottom in, and then overlap the two flaps as pictured. Secure into place.
10. If you are using a wire handle, I highly recommend reinforcing the hole with a piece of tape (again, it doesn’t need to be as obvious as the color I used.)
11. If you are making a wire handle, bend it upward as pictured. If you’re using string, make a double knot, big enough to not fit through the hole.
12. Insert your wire or string from the untied/unbent side, from the inside to the outside.
13. Insert it back in on the other side of the box, from the outside. Reach into the box to bend your wire up again to stop it from coming out, or to double knot your string.
14. Time to seal the top!If you’re putting in something big, make sure that it’s inside at this point. Bend your top as pictured.
15. Seal it halfway (until the center score lines).
The other half opens and closes just like a milk carton! You can seal it if you want and write in “open here”, or you can leave it unsealed, but closed.
You now have the most adorable milk carton treat box! Time to make a few more!
You can use the template a few times, but after a lot of uses, it might get worn along the score lines. If you plan to make a lot of milk carton treat boxes, you can print out a few copies.
WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO DO WITH THIS MILK CARTON TREAT BOX? DOWNLOAD THE FREE TEMPLATE, AND SHARE YOUR IDEAS BELOW!
[convertkit form=5124998]
These are really cute! At first glance, I assumed you used actual milk cartons. I’m going to have to try making these. Pinned!
Thank you, Tricia 🙂 We don’t usually get cartons so we need to make our own!
These will make really cute teacher gifts.