Introduction: Nightmare Before Christmas Shipping Package

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About: time!

When I'm sending a present in the mail, I really like the box to look as pretty/special as possible, and I also like to reuse boxes although they tend to look a bit sad.

This year I'm sending a friend her Christmas present in the mail, and since we're both fans of The Nightmare Before Christmas, I decided to decoupage it which is also what I did for her birthday although I used a different print (i.e., the health warning that food may contain human flesh from Bob's Burgers).

If you need additional incentive to do this, I've heard that the prettier the package, the better the treatment it receives. I cannot say whether this is true or not, but it's what a clerk at USPS said to me - she was very impressed with what I'd done.

So lets make some Christmas!

...shrunken heads are optional...

Step 1: Materials

You will need:

  • Prints
  • Glue
  • Brush
  • Scissors
  • Tape
  • Box

Note: I created the print in Inkscape using the Chiller font.

Note: You obviously do not need to use this particular print. Definitely feel free to create your own, and be sure to share it in the comments! The more random and busy, the better it will look on the box.

Step 2: Repair

Make any necessary repairs to your box. I'm using a Smirnoff box from the liquor store, and a couple flaps were ripped. I simply glued an additional piece of cardboard to fix it.

At this point, you should also glue the bottom flaps firmly shut. Mine were already glued, so that saved me a little bit of effort.

Step 3: Glue

Glue the pages to your box.

Note: This can be a little fiddly, and you want the pages to overlap and wrap around the edges. You will need to occasionally cut the page when you come to a corner.

Note: If you're using craft glue, thin it with a little water and brush it on.

Double check that all pages are securely glued, and then allow to cure to 30-60 minutes.

Optional: Coat with very thin layers of clear spray paint.

Step 4: Tape

Pack your box and tape closed.

Tape all edges/corners of the box itself as this is where failure is the most likely to occur during shipping.