Fabric-Covered Wedding Card Box: Diy Guide

A DIY fabric-covered wedding card box is a fun and creative way to save money on your wedding. It's also a chance to incorporate your wedding design elements and let your personality shine through. You can make a fabric-covered wedding card box using a variety of materials such as paper mache, fabric, glue, and decorative elements like ribbons and rhinestones. The process involves covering a sturdy box with fabric, personalising it with decorations, and creating an opening for cards. This project is perfect for those who want to add a unique and memorable touch to their wedding while staying within their budget.

Choosing a theme and fabric

First, decide on a theme. Do you want your card box to be elegant and glamorous, or would you prefer something more rustic and simple? Perhaps you want it to match your wedding cake, as in the example from Crafts Unleashed. You could also choose a theme that reflects your interests and hobbies. For example, if you love reading, you could decorate your card box to look like a stack of books.

Once you've chosen a theme, it's time to select your fabric. Consider the colour scheme and overall style of your wedding. You can choose a fabric that complements your wedding colours or goes with the season. For instance, you could opt for a bold floral print for a spring or summer wedding or a rich, luxurious fabric like velvet for a winter celebration. Bring your paper mache boxes with you to the fabric store to ensure you purchase enough fabric to cover them. You can also order fabric online, but be sure to allow for delivery time.

If you're having trouble deciding on a fabric, consider browsing wedding blogs and Pinterest for inspiration. You can also ask for suggestions from craft stores or fabric suppliers. They may have a wider variety of options than you'll find in stores.

Don't be afraid to mix and match fabrics or add embellishments like rhinestones, ribbons, or trims to create a unique and personalised card box for your special day.

Cutting and placing fabric

Cutting and placing the fabric is a crucial step in creating a fabric-covered wedding card box. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:

First, decide on the fabric you want to use. Choose a fabric that complements your wedding theme and colours. You can select from a variety of materials, such as cotton, silk, or damask print. Consider bringing your paper mache boxes with you to the fabric store to ensure you purchase enough fabric.

Next, cut the fabric according to the size of your boxes. You will need enough fabric to cover the four sides of each box, with a little extra for folding and gluing. Measure the height of your box and add an extra inch to determine the width of the fabric strips. Cut out these strips for each box, ensuring they are identical in size.

Now, it's time to start covering the boxes. Working on one side at a time, spray half of the box with spray adhesive. You can also use fabric glue. Place the fabric over the adhesive, smoothing it out with your hand to avoid wrinkles. Repeat this process for the remaining sides of the box.

When covering the top tier box, which will be the most visible, cut the fabric diagonally at the corners. Slice the fabric across the opening and glue the fabric to the inside of the opening. This will create a neat finish.

For the remaining boxes, simply 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, similar to wrapping a gift. Glue the flaps down with adhesive.

If you want to add any embellishments, such as rhinestones or decorative cord trim, now is the time to do so. You can also consider embroidering your names and wedding date on the fabric for a personalised touch.

Finally, let the adhesive dry completely before stacking and gluing the tiers together. And that's it! You now have a beautifully fabric-covered wedding card box.

Gluing fabric to the box

To glue fabric to a wedding card box, you will need a few materials:

• Fabric of your choice
• Adhesive spray or glue
• Paper mache boxes
• Scissors
• Ruler

First, decide on the theme and fabric you want to use. Measure the perimeter of the box and cut the fabric accordingly, adding an extra 1/2" at the seam. Ensure that the fabric is about 3/4" above the top and bottom of the box.

Next, take a ruler and draw a straight line from top to bottom on the side of the box. Spray your adhesive very lightly on the box, being sure to cover your work surface with newspaper or an old cloth to avoid a sticky mess. Line up the straight edge of your fabric with the line you drew, and work your way around the box from the centre to the outer edges.

When you reach the top and bottom, cut slits in the fabric to fold it over evenly. You can cut off any excess fabric later. Repeat this process for each side of the box, ensuring that the seam is at the back and will not be visible.

To finish, 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 a neater finish, you can cut the fabric for the top and bottom separately, or add ribbon to hide the seam.

Adding a card slot

Step 1: Choose the Right Box

Select a sturdy cardboard box with a lid, ensuring both the bottom and top are intact. Opt for a deeper box if you plan to cut a card slot. For a unique look, consider a round box, a vintage suitcase, or a glass box.

Step 2: Prepare the Box

Wipe down the box or paint it to create a smooth surface for adhesives and decorations. If you're using a cardboard box, you can also apply spray adhesive and cover it with fabric or paper.

Step 3: Cut the Card Slot

If you want to add a card slot, use an Exacto knife or a craft knife to carefully cut a rectangle on one side of the box, preferably the lid. Make the slot about 1/4" wide and at least 6" long. Ensure the box is deep enough so that cards don't fall out.

Step 4: Finish the Card Slot

If you've cut a slot, you'll need to finish it by covering the inside edges with fabric or paper. Cut a piece of fabric or paper that's slightly larger than the slot. Apply adhesive to the back and carefully stick it inside the slot, smoothing out any wrinkles.

Step 5: Secure the Fabric or Paper

Once you've covered the box and finished the card slot, secure any loose fabric or paper by spraying a small amount of adhesive and folding it neatly into the box. You can also use duct tape to ensure the ends don't pop up.

Step 6: Embellish the Card Slot

Add some bling to your card slot by gluing decorative trim around the opening. You can use a tape runner or a thin line of tacky glue to attach the trim. This step will enhance the overall appearance of your card box.

Your fabric-covered wedding card box with a card slot is now ready! This DIY project is a creative and budget-friendly way to add a personal touch to your special day.

Final touches and embellishments

Now that the hard part is over, it's time to decorate your wedding card box! Here are some ideas for final touches and embellishments:

Fabric Trim

Add a fabric trim around the box using fabric glue. This will give your box a polished look and help to cover any uneven edges. You can use a trim that matches your fabric or choose a contrasting colour for a pop of interest.

Rhinestones and Gems

Self-stick rhinestones or gems can be added to your box for a touch of sparkle. You can use them to create a pattern or border, or simply scatter them randomly for a more whimsical look.

Ribbon

A ribbon can be used to tie a bow around your box or to create a slot for cards. Choose a colour that complements your fabric and secure the ribbon with glue. You can also use ribbon to create a handle for your box, making it easier to transport.

Flowers

Fabric or paper flowers can be glued to the top or sides of your box for a romantic touch. You can also use fresh flowers, but be sure to attach them just before the wedding so they don't wilt.

Personalization

Add a personal touch by embroidering or painting your names and wedding date on the box. You can also use stickers or stamps to create a custom design.

Banners and Signs

A small banner or sign can be attached to your box to let guests know it's for cards. This is especially useful if you're using a non-traditional box, such as a suitcase or picnic basket.

Remember, the final touches are all about adding your own creative flair. So, don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it!

Frequently asked questions