Works for Me Wednesday!

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I was going to do a post on how to wrap shoe boxes, but then life got crazy and I failed to remember. So it's hitting the press today!

For those of you who have no idea WHY you would need to have this information, let me give you two reasons:

1. It's an easy reusable gift box. That is, so long as you can keep the receiver from tearing it to shreds (or *gulp* throwing it away)!

2. Operation Christmas Child. This is a GREAT organization. Our church does hundreds of these every year. You fill a shoebox with toys, school supplies, hygiene products, candy, etc., drop it off at one of the designated locations, and your gift is on its way to a needy child somewhere in the world! You can click the link for more details.

Ok, now onto the good stuff. HOW TO WRAP. I have figured out quite the system for these little guys and I want to share it with you. I wrapped 8 boxes in about an hour at church last month, which I think is pretty good considering these were somewhat of a challenge to me at one point in time. So here goes....

Step 1. Separate box from lid. Cut your paper to fit approx 1 inch over inside edges of box. Tape two opposing sides in middle.

Step 2. Snip corner edges in all 4 corners.

Step 3. Fold untaped sides in one half at a time, forming a triangle.

Step 4. Pull triangle up and over box edge to inside. Tape in place.

Step 5. Observe box. Beautiful, isn't it?

Step 6. Cut paper to fit approx 1 inch over inside edges of led.
(The lid is much easier if you are precise.)
Tape in two opposing edges, just like you did with the box.

Step 7. Follow same procudure for sides...although this time you won't
have enough paper for it to make a triangle, but rather a pentagon-ish shape.
Anyway, it doesn't matter.
You can see the picture, so you know what I mean.

Step 8. Fold ends in and tape.
Place small pieces of tape in any areas that are sticking out.
(This is more common on the lid, plus you want it to close tightly.)

Step 9. Put your box together and view it in its entirety!
Give yourself a pat on the back!

Step 10. Add ribbon if desired. Wah-lah!

I do hope that wasn't terribly difficult to understand. Have fun box-wrapping!