Christmas Boxes AND Caramels

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This Christmas season has been different from any other Christmas that I’ve had since I realized that Santa Claus didn’t exist. I’ve actually looked forward to it. I’m not necessarily looking forward to Christmas morning, but I’ve had so much fun getting ready for Christmas! This year I’ve realized that it’s up to me to initiate Christmas traditions and also spread the excitement for the Christmas season.

In order to spread my Christmas cheer, the first thing I needed to do was to make something to spread the cheer with… Nothing spreads cheer like homemade caramels. The second thing I needed was something festive to contain the delightful bonbons, which gets me to the point of the blog. When Chris’s work sent us a welcome basket with goodies a few months ago, there was a very cute corrugated box-like container with pistachios in it. After the pistachios were gone I didn’t have the heart to throw out the container. I wanted to do something with it. I didn’t want it to go to waste. No, no. It wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I fully realized the potential of this little box. I suddenly realized that this corrugated cardboard box was a perfect template. I also realized that if I modified it a little the box would be perfect for small gifts.

I tweaked the pattern just a little, and digitized it (which made the process of doing 19 boxes for friends so much easier), and now I give it to you with simple instructions, so you too can spread your holiday cheer (whatever holiday or occasion that may be) with your own personal touch!

christmasboxessm.jpg

First, print out the Box Template on heavy cardstock. The thicker the better– I printed out the box template on a coated 100 lb dull cover. Any sort of thick scrapbook paper would do well, too.

Second, cut out the template. I glued on wrapping paper to the back of the template to dress up the paper before cutting the template out. If you plan on doing that or something similar, use PVA glue (Elmer’s glue might work) and apply with a thick brush. Then place the decorative paper on the back of the template and work flat with a bonefolder.

Third, score along dotted lines. With a ruler and scoring tool (bonefolder or a dull pencil might do) make sure everything lines up just right

Fourth, cut out slits for the side tabs.

Fifth, fold the side tabs in (labeled A and B) corresponding slots.

Sixth, fold the top and bottom tabs in order of number.

Seventh, ENJOY!!!

OH… and… Here’s the caramel recipe:

Caramels That Won’t Fail(seriously)

4 cup sugar
1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups karo syrup
2 cans evaporated milk

Melt butter, add karo, then sugar. Cook until boiling. Add evaporated milk a little at a time (so candy won’t stop boiling), stirring continuously. cook to firm ball stage (235º on candy thermometer). Pour into buttered jelly roll pan. Use a long handled wooden spoon for stirring.

FOR MORE PRINTABLE BOXES, CLICK THE LINKS BELOW:

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 | 20122013

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    1. Kate says:

      Okay Melissa, I seriously want to be like you!!! Teach me!! Hehehe~ You are my “Crafty” hero!!!! Those boxes are so cute, and the treats were mighty tasty I might add!!

    2. tanveer says:

      hy how are u
      i am tanveer from pakistan.
      i see your portfolio good designs…
      keep it up

    3. […] for the 2007 Christmas candy box, click here. […]

    4. um, what actual amount is 2 cubes of butter. my butter doesn’t come in cubes….

    5. […] hartia lipita si indoiesti muchiile. Tiparul si toate detaliile le gasesti pe blogul Melissei: christmas-boxes […]

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