Make a camera gift box

Are you looking at taking your gift box making to the next level, without too much difficulty? How about this - a simple gift box that with a few clever tweaks (thanks to our free template) becomes this gorgeous camera-shaped gift box. Download this free camera gift box template for the budding photographers among your friends and family! And if you're looking for a photography themed gift to put inside the gift box, check out this brilliant step-by-step tutorial on how to sew a camera strap!

Creating a custom-made decorative box to dress up a special present for a special person can make gift-giving even more exciting, and the person who receives it can keep it long after the big occasion has passed. And while it looks impressive, it doesn't actually require too many special items, just card and paper. If you don't have a die-cutting machine to cut the lens, why not draw around a jar and cut out using scissors instead?

There are lots of possibilities for adding extra embellishments to personalise your camera shaped gift box to make them even more special. Check out our collection of free patterned papers if you need an easy way to boost your stash.

How to make a camera gift box

Shopping List:

Patterned papers White card Ribbon Nesting circle dies Die-cutting machine Adhesive Scissors

Step 1

First, download the free standard camera gift box template. Cut out the two parts of the camera box from white card using the free template. Score and fold along the dotted lines. Assemble the base and the lid separately, ensuring the lid fits over the box with ease.

Step 2

Cover the top and sides of the lid with panels of striped paper, the front and back of the base with floral paper, and side panels with starry paper. Layer a 60mm square of floral paper onto a wider strip of white card and add to the front of the base.

Step 3

Cover the outside of the ring with star paper. Add a circle of acetate over the aperture and top with a circular frame die-cut from white card. Back ring with floral paper to create interest and attach the lens to the front of the base with strong glue or double-sided tape.

Step 4

Cut a 13mm square frame from starry paper, back with some silver card then layer this onto white card. Attach to the back of the lid. Punch a hole in the top of the lid, thread with a ribbon loop; knot inside. Make the button on the camera box by stacking two 12mm sticky fixers. Dust the top and sides with baby powder or talc to remove stickiness, and then attach.

Camera gift box with flash

If you would like to add a flash to your camera - we've got you covered! This next template (part one and part two) will allow you to do just that. This gift box is just as easy to make – simply cut out the template from patterned paper and fold into shape. To use the template, cut along the solid lines and score the dotted lines using a scoring tool. Use hi-tack double-sided tape to hold in place and decorate using patterned paper, ribbon and fabric. Make a slit on one side of the camera box lid, and thread in a loop of ribbon (or a strip of leatherette fabric if you have any) to create a carry-handle for the camera box. This is a fun project that you can decorate any way to suit the recipient.