Super Simple Custom Boxes with Basic Tools - Easy Tutorial for Recycled Mailers or Gift Packaging

Hello everyone, welcome once again to the bindery! I wanted to share with you how I re-use shipping materials - especially large, unwieldy boxes - as packaging for my handmade books. These simple boxes are fast and easy to make with the most basic of tools, but with professional looking results! They are really adaptable too; I show you two ways to modify the design and even throw in a basic gift-wrapping tutorial at the end. I hope these instructions will help you with all of your packaging needs - if it does, don't forget to give it a like and subscribe to the channel if you haven't already.
Until next time, happy crafting!
Cheers,
Dennis
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Tools and Materials
cardboard
utility knife
metal ruler
sharpie marker
pencil
bone folder
tape
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[@Beryllahawk]

Not only is this useful for holiday times, it's fabulous for any maker! I cannot imagine how much hassle (and possibly money!) I could save myself, trying to ship jewelry items that I've made - delicate and tiny, but standardized shipping boxes are NEVER a good size >.< What a really clever and simple way to use what we probably ALL have just lying around cluttering up our homes! Thank you!

[@XyerDark]

I've had to do something similar just to avoid a dice tray I made to avoid getting dust all over it a month or so ago, I would still recommend using bubblewrap before making the custom box if you are shipping it, because far too many times I've had to deal with boxes breaking apart due to rain and poor care from the post workers, especially for something as carefully made as your books.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

All too true! Luckily its easy to adjust this box design to accommodate additional padding. Thanks for the comment!

[@industrialtumbleweed3849]

I burst out laughing when you said your mom uses ALL the tape to wrap a gift. My mom is known for her extensive tape usage to wrap gifts as well. Thank you for the informative video!

[@markedis5902]

I use double sided tape and hot glue. If I’ve done a good job it’s hugely entertaining watching people try to find an edge.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

How positively evil of you. I love it!🤣

[@maartenhappel9014]

my mother in law was known for reusing the wrapping paper :-)

[@Soul_Watcher]

Same. 😂

[@tjmarx]

I double, triple or quadruple wrap gifts so when they open them there's another wrapped box inside. I like to glue or use all the tape on the final box just so the frustration really sets in. Then I just stand back and watch. My wife hates receiving gifts from me for this reason, which works for me. Much cheaper.

[@wendywilson1736]

Thanks for idea if using the marker for making crease marks. I have bone folders, and yeah, I've ripped my cardstock, even, with them. Custom made boxes are the extra touch for good shipping. I like that idea of leaving the extension for protection.

[@negotiableaffections]

If its a cuddly toy, a football or the ubiquitous pair of socks, it goes in a nice rectangular box, so I can wrap it in a satisfying manner! Thanks for this simple box guide - I get too carried away making my boxes, cheers.

[@amajjikakumara6942]

😂 the faceless mega corporate way 🙌🏻

[@Dollectable_Dreams]

I thought I was the only one incapable of making straight cuts on cardboard with my cutter but I'm happy to see it's not just me 😊 Great tutorial! Thanks!

[@bernadetteclark6270]

Love your channel. As an artist I find so many little tricks watching your videos. And I watch one every morning before work. God bless! Subscribed.

[@kellywicker3903]

Super idea for custom gift boxes!

[@robbabcock_]

Terrific stuff! I guess I shouldn't be surprised that a bespoke book would get a handmade box!😎🙏👍

[@MomIrregardless]

OMGoodness!!! i like the 'megacorporate way ' to package for shipping!! ROFL thank you so much for that, you earned my subscription!! my grandparents ran a 'press' when i was a child, i have always been interested in paper craft, and especially book binding and creation!! looking forward to watching all your videos!

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Welcome!!

[@ninjamania]

Nice tutorial. I’d recommend putting your books into a freezer bag to protect from rain damage.

[@michelleflynn3986]

I’ve just found your channel and I’m really enjoying watching through your videos. Your books are beautiful you are a talented craftsman

[@loreauvillephil]

This has got to be one of the coolest videos I've ever watched.

[@DebKiwi]

Dennis, I worked in a couple places that involved gift wrapping (got paid so I guess you could say I’m a professional ;-) ) and you nailed it! 👏

[@turtlesilk]

This video is definitely a keeper. Thank you for a clear demo and adaptable technique!

[@Artsixtyfour]

This is great thank you, I am new to making books and just purchased cardboard wraps to use, once all gone I will definitely make my own 🙏🏻 thank you for sharing

[@maryjanew20]

Thank you so much, this was a very useful tutorial. I’m saving it to my favorites!

[@daveturnbull7221]

A remarkably simple but highly effective way of making a secure package for anyrhing that is environmentaly friendly and looks pretty darn good 👍

[@Canadianbatgirl62]

Fabulous tutorial! I'll definitely try this in the future.😊

[@jcampbell100]

nice thanks

[@maypasifiki9360]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video ❤

[@drhyshek]

Nice!

[@chemclimber]

Maybe I'll be able to wrap presents now! 😊

[@ewilano649]

Very concise explanations. I enjoyed that video.

[@valeriacolivoro25]

😅🤣🤣🤣 jajaja qué gracioso el inicio... me morí de risa... Me encantó el trabajo 👏👏👏😍 excelente! Impecable. Gracias por compartir 🤗

[@charlesmangum2100]

Helpful. Some show the box being made, but they do NOT show how to design it. Thank you.

[@maartenhappel9014]

every now and again, simple is best 🙂

[@tracybowling1156]

Your videos are so nice to watch. You learn something while feeling very relaxed. When does that happen? Not until now!

[@SN-sz7kw]

Super useful! Saved. Thank you!

[@maanlicht8583]

Great video! We have alot of cardboard and boxes left over at our farm and my job so this is definetly a good option for reusing.

[@RandomStuff2024-j3g]

Thank you, that not only looks good but seems eaiser enough to do and makes a personel gift more personal :o)

[@DebKiwi]

Dennis, creating and sharing this video with us was wonderful of you and very timely considering the time of year. Since I was young, I’ve loved making boxes and you’ll sometimes see me reverse engineering how certain boxes are constructed so I can replicate them. Your instructions for a custom box to ship a precious handmade book is very helpful. I also love that you included wrapping a box with your beautiful marbled paper. It’s funny because sometimes when I take extra care and special materials to wrap a gift, the recipient hastily tears it open (while I silently weep) and then when I use cheap store-bought wrapping paper, they (different recipient) gently and slowly unwrap the gift as if “someone” may wish to reuse that paper. Maybe the gift tags should come with instructions??? 😂🎁📚🔖

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I was definitely one of those kids who had more fun with the box than the gift that came in it! And I like the tag idea, just something to point out to the recipient that the wrapping paper is a gift in and of itself. I guess you need to know who you're giving it to though for it to be appreciated. Glad you liked the video!😊

[@DebKiwi]

@@FourKeysBookArts I surmise you also liked this scene in WALL-E when he finds the ring kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKezh2Opr5V1qdU 😆

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

🙏

[@CL-we8tn]

That's a brilliant idea, thank you!

[@murielsadler7669]

Bonjour et Merci de France. 🙏😊🙏

[@robintait1688]

Thank you for such an informative and useful video.

[@Lorddanielrushton371]

Thank you for sharing this. I'm going to use your tricks.

[@jf5336]

Fabulous tutorial! My only concern is that those open end spaces might get caught in the USPS sorting machines...have you experienced that? I'm now a new subscriber and so happy I found your channel.

[@dirk4926]

Very nice boxes

[@StedyMarconi]

Awesome tutorial! I'll sure be using it a lot!

[@themikelee]

I wonder if you have any ideas to make a custom book slip, e.g. to hold a leather-bound book upright on a bookshelf? Thanks!

[@joaoalbertodosanjosgomes1536]

Amazing hands.

[@eslima70]

Amazing.

[@hydreg]

Oh I know this one, it's called multimail wrap, rollbox or just book wrap mailer. I make them to ship jigsaw puzzles, since it's so hard to find properly sized boxes, aside from ordering specialty boxes online.

[@FiveTrackTape]

"Manual Gear Box" 😀 As a longtime member of the Dad Jokes Society, I fully approve this wording.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Wait, there’s a Society for us?!🤣

[@slartimus]

Oh my god, that "manual gear box" joke. 😂

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I salute your impeccable sense of humor.

[@sahafiandisheh1746]

Thak you very much. 🙏

[@tareqalbobadri6692]

These wonderful videos. You share them with us are amazed me. I’m just wondering if it’s possible to made a shipment to Turkey?

[@reneesimpson7094]

❤

[@lightbulbnirvana]

I love learning how to save on waste and this certainly is a good tip! Thanks! I do wonder what to do about protecting from moisture in the post. Though I also wonder if sending Media Mail helps to protect books from being exposed to rain and water damage? Do you happen to know? Thanks again! Looking forward to more posts!

[@lightbulbnirvana]

P.S. there is a special prize from the elves if you use all the tape, something your mother knows, but you apparently do not.

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I'm not certain if the service level makes a difference, at least not here in Canada. I usually take the extra precaution of putting my books in a sealed plastic bag before boxing them to protect against any moisture. I hope that helps!

[@annajavier5712]

What kind of paper do you use for marbling

[@schlettyb1]

I about fell out of my chair laughing at "the mega corporation" comment!

[@burakdalklc885]

Hi. Thanks for the videos. Which size and brand chisel do you use for trimming?

[@s3skydance700]

Hey - would you be willing to critique and offer some advice, if someone had sent you a journal they made?

[@joann001]

Do you sale your books that you have bound?

[@FourKeysBookArts]

I do, I'll have some new items in my Etsy shop soon - link is in the video description

[@AbusadatMohammodsayem]

Bhaiya bhaiya bhaiya MacBook

[@DebKiwi]

…that first example (corporate) of shipping is how Amazon ships books, except they don’t add paper, just a loose book in a too large box that gets bumped about during shipping 😭. Or it’s in a thin envelope so the corners usually get dinged. It makes me absolutely bonkers. Okay, breathe (me talking to myself).

[@magicien233]

Nice video however the bit at the start is incorrect. Amazon would have used a much larger box.

[@amoskoff2381]

And jammed it full of plastic garbage

[@FourKeysBookArts]

Haha too true! It was the biggest (intact) box I had handy.

[@hatedcritic8066]

I see that rather painful looking wound on your right middle finger and wonder what sort of smashing it involved.

[@duanew1862]

p̴r̴o̴m̴o̴s̴m̴ 🙈

[@Salmacream]

I worked for ups for years. Please do not do this. Use packaging materials. When your handcrafted book is smashed and mangled they will fight you over your refund. Ive watched it. I was in management, i know what they value.

[@divinenonbinary]

If you start with vertical creases and pre-cut relief cuts before scoring the horizontal creases you can potentially increase the protection of the corners as that extra bit of cardboard won’t be pre-scored and hence won’t tend to bend at that point if dropped 🫶❤