Articles : Tutorials - Paper Crafting

Party Favors

Quick and Easy Additions to Set Your Party Above the Rest

I've been having lots of fun making these little party favors!  In this class I will share with you some very quick and easy instructions to create your own.

While my favors are Halloween themed, I am not specifying any particular papers or embellishments for this class so that you can re-create them using any theme you desire. You are probably thinking - "But coffins, what other holiday would you use a coffin?" Well, they would be great for Mardi Gras or an "Over the Hill" birthday party.

These are also hybrid projects; however, that is simply because I chose to print out a few fun papers and embellishments. You can go more hybrid or do straight paper on these party favors.

The few supplies you do need on hand are as follows:

COFFIN
Black Cardstock (8 1/2 X 11)
Patterned Paper (8 1/2 X 11)
Bottom Template
Lid Template
Stapler
Glue Stick

STAR BOX
Heavy Weight Patterned Paper or Cardstock (8 1/2 X 11)
Assortment of Patterned Papers (8 1/2 X 11)
Double Sided Tape
Embellishments/Tag

POP TOP CAN
Pop Top Can

Smooth Edge Can Opener
Assortment of Patterned Papers and/or Cardstock

CRACKER
Tissue Paper OR Large Sheet of Crate Paper (not a crate streamer) - I used a fabric tissue paper found at Michaels
Clean Toilet Paper Roll
String or Ribbon

For all these favors you will want to have some fun fillers - candy, little toys, notes, etc.

If you are going hybrid be sure to print out a selection of patterned papers and accents to match.

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COFFIN

1.  Adhere the back side of an 8.5" X 11" piece of patterned paper to black cardstock.  Note: For my lid I only used the black cardstock.  If you want your coffin lid lined repeat this step.

2.  Print out both templates on regular 8.5" X 11" paper.  Place the bottom template onto the patterned side of your decorative paper and secure by stapling around the edges (do not staple on the inside).  Repeat for the lid template.

3.  Score on the dotted lines of each template.  Cut on the solid lines of each template.  With a bone folder fold on the scored lines so that the creases go toward the inside of the pattern paper.

4.  Flip over the bottom portion of the coffin so that the black cardstock is showing and add glue to each tab.  Adhere the tabs to the inside of the box.  Repeat step for the lid.

   

5.  Embellish the lid with a sticker/tag or leave blank and wrap with twine.  Fill the coffin with goodies.

(Found this project on Martha Stewart's Site)

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 STAR BOX

Note:  For this box it is fun to create your own decorative paper by adhering several different patterns to a base layer; however, you can make a solid colored star too.

1.  Create your decorative paper by choosing a base cardstock sized 8.5" X 10.5".  Adhere strips of patterned paper and/or borders - the length of each should be 10.5, the height is up to your discretion. 

2.  Arrange the paper on its side (orientation horizontal) and patterned side facing down.  Make a score line at 1".  Continue to make score lines at 2" intervals until you have a total of 5 score lines (translates into score lines at 1", 3", 5", 7" and 9").

3.  Flip the page over from top to bottom so that the patterned side faces up.  The left side of the paper will remain in the same orientation.

4.  Make a score line at 2" and continue at 2" intervals until you have a total of 5 score lines (translates into score lines at 2", 4", 6", 8", and 10").

5.  Rotate the page so the orientation is vertical.  Add a score line 1" up from the bottom of your paper.

6.  At the bottom of your paper, the intersecting score lines create ten 1" squares and a smaller tab at the 10" score.  Cut each of the squares into points as shown.  Cut the 1/2" tab off.

7.  Accordion fold at each score line.  With a piece of double sided tape adhere the 1/2" side tab to the inside of the next section.

8.  Along the bottom of the star, fold the tabs in, right over left, and adhere together.

    

9.  Trace the star shape onto a corresponding paper.  Cut out and adhere to the bottom over the tabs.

    

10.  Fill with goodies and add a cute tag or embellishment.

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POP TOP CAN

1.  With a smooth edge can opener remove the bottom of a pop top can.  Rinse the can out and dry.

2.  Measure the can and cut your paper so that it covers the can both from top to bottom and covers around the can leaving a slight overlap.  Adhere the paper with double sided tape.

3.  Trace the bottom of the can onto a coordinating paper.  Cut within the lines so that the circle fits within the seams of the lid of the can.  Cut off a little of the side of the circle with scissors.  You may need to do this several times until the circle fits under the pop top.  Adhere the circle to the lid of the can, under the pop top, with double sided tape.

    

4.  Fill the can with surprises.  If filling with edibles, put them in a baggie so they do not take on the taste of the can or get glue on them.  

5.  Along the outer rim of the cut out bottom add a thin line of strong glue.  Adhere bottom back onto the can.  Wipe away excess glue.  Note: While the glue dries set a heavy object onto the can to create a good seal.

6.  Finish decorating your can with stickers, buttons, tags, etc.

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CRACKER

This is a fun version of the traditional English Christmas toy.

1.  Lay out a piece of crepe paper OR a double layer of tissue paper.  Note:  I found a fabric tissue paper at Michaels (I have seen it at dollar stores too) which works really well for this project. 

2.  Place the toilet paper tube at one edge of the paper in the center.  Roll the tube in the paper until it is wrapped and cut off excess paper.  Adhere the edge to the paper.

3.  Twist one end and tie off with a ribbon or string.

4.  Fill tube with goodies.  Twist the other end and tie off.

5.  Measure and cut a piece of decorative paper to wrap around the tube with a slight overlap.  Wrap the paper around the tube and adhere overlapping edge with double sided tape.

6.  Fringe the ends.

7.  Trim the ribbons at each end and add an embellishment.

8.  Finish decorating tube.

About the author ...
Sarah started scrapbooking in 2005 and shortly thereafter found A Cherry on Top, her scrapbooking haven. In May of 2007, during a crop, she discovered digital scrapbooking which took her obsession to a whole new level. Challenges and new techniques drive her hobby while her family inspires her work. She is in love with David, her husband of seven years, and her two boys, Brennan and Connor.

Published on 08/28/2009. Submitted by davsar