American Crafts Studio Blog: Birthday Cake Box Tutorial by Elizabeth Gardner

Elizabeth Gardner (Blog: Elizabeth Gardner | Instagram: @myscrappylife | Pinterest: @elizgardner) thought "outside the box" with her birthday cake box tutorial:

Supplies: Cutesy Cupcakes (366164) - Polka Dot Party; Striped Straws (366179) - Polka Dot Party; Warm Welcome (366160) - Polka Dot Party; Giddy Guest (366167) - Polka Dot Party; Delightful Display (366162) - Polka Dot Party; Luminous Lights (366175) - Polka Dot Party; 2nd & Oak (35812) - 5th & Frolic; Sparkling Stars (366161) - Polka Dot Party; Perfect Picture (366163) - Polka Dot Party; Clothespins (683384) - Oh Darling; Veneer Set (366204) - Dear Lizzy; Black Paint (366868) - Chalkboard Paint; Chipboard Shapes (366789) - Dear Lizzy; Wood Buttons (366796) - Dear Lizzy; Die Cut (366787)- Dear Lizzy; Resin Bows (366075) - Details; Epoxy Stickers (366198) - Dear Lizzy; Puffy Accents (366777) - Dear Lizzy; 2" Punch (63123) - Knockouts; Triangle Banner (63111) - Dear Lizzy; Bakers Twine (89423) - Premium Ribbon

Gather your supplies:

Start by designating patterned paper or paint for each section of the boxes. For my project I used a different design for the top of the lid, side of the lid, and side of the box. But you could do the entire tower in all of the same patterns for a more cake-like look.

Now measure each box by lining it up on the edge of the patterned paper of your choice. Draw a line with a pencil and use that as a guide to trim strips using your paper cutter. Do the same for the lids.

Then lay the lids flat on patterned paper and trace each circle, cut out for the correct top sizes.

Now that everything is trimmed to size you are ready to glue. Paint a layer of Mod Podge on the outside of the box and place a strip of paper on top. Then paint another layer of Mod Podge on top of the paper to secure. Layer papers until the entire outside of the box is covered and set aside to dry. It's best to do this one item at a time because the adhesive tends to dry quickly.

Next paint the outside of your chalkboard box and the number with paint and set aside to dry. The cool thing about this paint is that you could take customization to the next level and use these sections to write a name or message for the birthday girl.

Paint a very thin layer of Mod Podge for the crepe paper lid and gently scrunch the paper into the adhesive. Repeat for the second layer. Trim edges as desired.

While waiting for those elements to dry punch banner shapes from patterned paper. Tape them to a piece of twine.

Adhere the number to the top of the box using more Mod Podge. Stack the boxes and begin to adhere all of the embellishments.

Now you have a really cool gift box cake tower that will not only hold gifts but look really cool at the party as well! Who wouldn't love to have this at their birthday party?!