Creating A Stunning 3-Tier Wedding Card Box

A 3-tier wedding card box is a great DIY project for your big day. You can save money and add a personal touch to your wedding by making your own card box. To make a 3-tier wedding card box, you will need nested paper mache boxes, fabric, self-stick rhinestones, and decorative cord trim. You can also add your own embellishments, such as embroidery, to make it unique.

First, decide on the theme and fabric you want to use. Cut the fabric to size, spray adhesive on the paper mache boxes, and smooth the fabric over the adhesive. Cover all the sides of the boxes, folding the fabric into the box and gluing it down. Cut an opening in one of the boxes for the cards and glue the boxes together. You can also add a lid to the top box if desired. Finally, decorate your box with rhinestones, trim, or other embellishments.

Choosing a theme and fabric

Consider Your Wedding Theme and Colours

When selecting a theme and fabric for your 3-tier wedding card box, it's a good idea to start by considering the theme and colour palette of your wedding. This will help you create a cohesive and stylish look for your big day. For example, if you're having a rustic-themed wedding, you might want to choose a fabric with a burlap or lace theme. Or, if your wedding colours are navy and gold, you could incorporate those colours into your card box design.

Choose a Fabric That Compliments Your Style

Think about the style and atmosphere you want to create at your wedding. If you're going for a sophisticated and elegant look, you might want to choose a fabric with a sleek and luxurious feel, such as satin or silk. On the other hand, if you're aiming for a more relaxed and whimsical style, you could opt for a fabric with a fun print or pattern.

Keep It Practical

While you want your card box to look beautiful, it's also important to choose a fabric that is practical and easy to work with. Consider the weight and texture of the fabric, as well as how it will hold up over time. You'll also want to make sure that the fabric is easy to cut and glue, especially if you're a beginner crafter.

Get Creative with Patterns and Textures

Don't be afraid to mix and match different fabrics, patterns, and textures to create a unique and eye-catching design. For example, you could use a combination of solid colours, prints, and rhinestones to add interest and dimension to your card box. You can also play around with different types of ribbon or trim to add a finishing touch to your design.

Shop Around for the Perfect Fabric

Once you have an idea of the theme and style you want, it's time to start shopping for fabric. Take your time to browse different fabric stores and websites to find the perfect option. Don't be afraid to ask for samples or bring your paper mache boxes with you to the store to test out different fabrics.

Some Fabric Ideas to Consider:

• Satin or silk for a sleek and elegant look
• Burlap or lace for a rustic or vintage-themed wedding
• Fun and whimsical prints or patterns for a more casual wedding
• Solid colours in your wedding palette
• Rhinestones, pearls, or other embellishments for added sparkle and dimension

Cutting and gluing the fabric

The first step is to decide on a theme and fabric, as well as the number of tiers you want for your 3-tier wedding card box. For my box, I chose a damask print as my main theme and black, white, and purple as my colors.

Now, take the second smallest paper mache box and cut the fabric according to the perimeter of the box. Remember, only the four sides of each box need to be covered in fabric, except for the top tier. Spray half of one side of the box with spray adhesive, and then place and smooth out the fabric with your hand. Make sure to cover your work surface with newspaper or an old cloth, as the spray adhesive is extremely sticky and difficult to remove.

Work on one side at a time, continuing to spray the paper mache and smooth out the fabric. When the fabric meets at the two ends, you don't need to do anything special—the seam will be at the back and won't be visible unless your card box is intended to be seen from all sides.

Once the sides are covered, secure the loose fabric by spraying a small amount of adhesive and folding it into the box. Turn the box over and fold the fabric in at the corners, similar to wrapping a gift. Use adhesive to glue the flaps down. The top of your box should now be covered.

For the top tier, you will need to cover more of the top with fabric, as it will be the most visible. The tops of the other boxes will not require as much fabric. After covering the top two tiers, move on to the second-largest tier, which will have the opening for the cards. Using one of the box lids, trace the opening and carefully cut out the rectangle from the paper mache box with a craft knife.

Cover this box with fabric in the same way as the others. Starting at one end, cut the corners diagonally and slice the fabric across the opening. Cut the corners at the other end as well. Pull the fabric tight and glue it to the inside of the opening. If there is a small amount of fabric folded in, use duct tape to ensure the ends stay down.

Measure and glue decorative trim around the outside of the opening. You can use a tape runner or a thin line of tacky glue for this step.

Finally, cut the lid of the bottom tier so that the cards can fall into the box. This is the only lid you will be using for this project. Using the box with the card opening you just cut, trace its perimeter onto the lid. Draw another box about one inch inside the original trace lines to create a ledge for the box to sit on. Cut along the inside line and cover the lid with fabric.

Now that all the tiers and the lid are covered in fabric, it's time to glue them together! Apply a line of fabric glue along the bottom of each box and stack the tiers accordingly.

Adding a card slot

Step 1: Choose the Right Box

Select one of the middle boxes to be the card slot box. This box will have an opening for cards, so choose a size that is convenient for guests to insert their cards. The box should also be sturdy enough to support the tiers above.

Step 2: Trace and Cut the Card Slot

Using the lid of the selected box, trace the opening for the card slot. Carefully cut out the rectangle with a craft knife. Ensure the edges are smooth to create a neat slot.

Step 3: Prepare the Fabric

Choose a fabric that complements your wedding theme and colours. Cut the fabric based on the perimeter of the box, adding a few extra centimetres to allow for folding and gluing. If your fabric has a pattern, ensure it is aligned correctly before cutting.

Step 4: Adhere the Fabric

Spray adhesive onto the paper mache box, starting with half of one side. Place the fabric over the adhesive, smoothing it out with your hand. Work on one side at a time, spraying and smoothing the fabric. You can also use a glue gun for this step if you prefer.

Step 5: Secure the Fabric

After covering the sides, secure the loose fabric by spraying a small amount of adhesive and folding it into the box. Turn the box over and fold the fabric at the corners, gluing the flaps down. For the top of the box, fold the fabric over, ensuring it covers the edges. The top tier should have more fabric covering, as it will be the most visible.

Step 6: Create the Card Slot

Starting at one end of the card slot, cut the corners of the fabric diagonally. Slice the fabric across the opening and repeat on the other end. Pull the fabric tight and glue it to the inside of the opening. You can use duct tape for extra security.

Step 7: Embellish the Card Slot

Measure and glue decorative trim around the card slot. You can use rhinestones, cord trim, or any other embellishments that suit your theme. This adds a touch of elegance to your card box.

Step 8: Finalize the Card Box

Cut the lid of the bottom tier so that the cards can fall into the box. Stack and glue the tiers together, ensuring they are securely attached. Embellish the finished card box as desired, adding personal touches such as your names and wedding date.

Your 3-tier wedding card box with a card slot is now complete! This handmade creation will be a beautiful addition to your wedding, and you can customize it further to match your theme.

Embellishing the box

Now for the fun part: embellishing the box! This is where you can really let your creativity shine and personalize your card box to match your wedding theme and colours. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Fabric and Trim

Covering your boxes in fabric is a great way to add colour and texture. Choose a fabric that complements your wedding theme and colours. You can either stick to one type of fabric or mix and match a few different patterns and textures. Add decorative cord trim, lace, or ribbon along the edges of each tier to give it a finished look.

Rhinestones and Gems

Add some sparkle to your card box with self-stick rhinestones or gems. You can use them to create a pattern or design, spell out your initials or wedding date, or simply scatter them randomly for a touch of glamour.

Flowers

Flowers are always a beautiful addition to any wedding decor. You can use fresh flowers that match your bouquet or opt for fabric or paper flowers that will last long after the wedding. Attach them to the top of your card box or use them to fill in any gaps between the tiers.

Ribbon and Bows

Ribbon and bows can add a touch of elegance or whimsy to your card box, depending on the style and colour you choose. You can use ribbon to create bows, streamers, or simply to wrap around each tier.

Personalization

Make your card box extra special by personalizing it with your names, wedding date, or a meaningful quote. You can use embroidery, paint, or stickers to add your personal touch.

Locks and Keys

If you want to keep your cards secure, consider adding a lock and key to your card box. This can also be a cute decorative touch, especially if you find an antique-looking lock and key set.

Remember, these are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to mix and match different embellishments or come up with your own unique ideas. The sky's the limit when it comes to personalizing your 3-tier wedding card box!

Stacking and gluing the tiers

Now that you have your boxes covered in fabric, you can begin the process of stacking and gluing the tiers.

First, decide which order you want your boxes in. You can stack them with the smallest box on top, or the largest box on top. It's up to you! Once you've decided, take the bottom box and apply a line of glue along the very top edge of the box. Carefully place the next box in your stack on top of the glue, making sure to line up the edges and corners. Hold the two boxes together firmly for a few seconds to allow the glue to set.

Repeat this process with the remaining boxes, gluing and stacking them one by one until all the tiers are stacked. It's important to work slowly and carefully to ensure that your boxes are stacked straight and evenly.

Once all the boxes are glued and stacked, you can add any additional embellishments or decorations to your card box. You can add rhinestones, trim, or other decorative elements to give your card box a truly unique and personalized look.

Frequently asked questions