Recession Friendly Gift (DIY Money Box)

By Dara

Summer is finally here!  It’s about time.  Well, actually it doesn’t quite feel like summer in NYC.  It still feels like spring time especially since it’s raining almost every day.  If it wasn’t for the tall buildings, you’d think its Seattle. 

 Anyways, summer is a time for celebration.  There’s graduation, Independence Day, and just time to enjoy the warm sun.  If you’re planning a celebration this summer for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries or graduation, then why not make it recession friendly.  Instead of receiving gifts, ask for a thick envelope with cash instead. 

You’ll need a safe place to store all that cash.  So today, I decided to make a money box!  The money box should be very popular this year; especially with the recession, who wouldn’t want some cash instead of a toaster for your gift. 

 The money box I made today measures 8 inches all around.  If you plan on doing the same size then you’ll need:

•  6 pieces of 8” x 8” form core boards.  (You can purchase a large one at a craft store and cut it with a box cutter)
• 30” x 9” fabric of your choice (This is the fabric that is going to wrap around your box)
• 9” x 9” fabric of your choice (This is the fabric that is going to cover the top of your box”
• 11 inches of the 1 ½” satin ribbon
• 13 inches of the 1 ½” satin ribbon
• 24 inches of the 1 ½” satin ribbon
• 27 inches of the 1 ½” satin ribbon
• Rhinestone button of your choice
• 2 yards of the 2 ½” hand-dyed silk ribbon
• Small box cutter
• Ruler
• Gem-tac glue
• Needle and matching thread
• One can of multipurpose adhesive spray
• Four straight pins

 Instructions:

1.  You have 6 pieces of the 8” x 8” board, take four of them and glue them together along the edge to build a box.  There should be a hole in the center after you finish.  It’s the space for the top and the bottom of the box.  Let is dry before continuing to the next step
2. While the glue is drying, work on the top of the box.  With the ruler, measure 2 inches from the edge of the board and mark it with a pencil. Mark the opposite side with about 5 inches from the edge. Then mark 1.5 inches on both the left and the right edge of the board. 
3. Using the pencil and ruler, trace the marked areas.  It should form a long rectangle.  It should be about ½” long. 
4. Use the box cutter to cut out that area.  It will be the hole for the money.
5. Now, using the multipurpose adhesive, lightly spray the top of the board and lay the 9” x 9” fabric on top.  Smooth out the fabric. 
6. With the cutter, cut through fabric into the hole you just created for inserting the money.  Leave enough fabric so that you can cover the inside and give it a nice finish.
7. Take the gem-tac glue and glue don the extra fabric onto the other side of the board.
8. Now, going back to the box.  Take the 30” by 9” fabric and wrap if around the box after it finished drying.  You can use the multipurpose adhesive and spray it around the box first.  It helps smooth out the fabric. 
9. Wrap it tightly and at the end, fold the extra fabric inside.  Then use the gem-tac and glue it in place. 
10. Use the gem-tac to glue the other extra fabrics along the edges of the box.  Fold the fabric into the inside of the box.  If it’s hard, use scissors to cut the corners and then fold the fabrics and glue it in place.
11. Using the pins, pin the top part of the box with the rest of the boards.  This should close the top.  We’re using pins instead of glue, so that you can take out the money when the party is over.
12. It’s time for the satin ribbons.  The 11” goes in front of the box.  The 13” goes in the back of the box.  The 24” goes along the side of the box.  Glue them in place.
13. Center the 27” ribbon and glue only the center of the ribbon to the center of the box.
14. It’s time for the hand-dyed silk.  With one hand, hold the end of the ribbon.  With your other hand, start folding the ribbon over to form a flower. 
15. Take the needle and thread and stitch the center in place when you’re done.
16. Glue the flower down on the top of the box and glue the button in the center of the flower.
17. When the glue for the box dries, flip the box over and glue the bottom of the box on.  You can add a strip of rhinestone trim to the button like how I did. 
18. You’re all done!