Paper Graduation Cap

Cover round mini boxes with paper in the graduate's school color; top with a matching square envelope and tassel. Stash candy or a class ring in the box, and a big-ticket item (hello, crisp check) in the envelope.

By

Martha Stewart Editors

Updated on May 13, 2020

colorful paper graduation caps — Photo: KIRSTEN FRANCIS

Surprise your graduate with a paper gift box made to just like their school's mortar board and tassel. For more ideas, scroll through our entire collection of graduation party crafts and decorations.

What You'll Need

Materials

square-envelope template
Colored paper
Craft tape or glue stick
Round lidded box (Blick Art Materials Papier Mâché Mini Boxes, 3" by 3", $1.25 each, dickblick.com)
Hemp cord to match paper (Hemptique 100 percent–hemp cord spool, in Blue, Gold, and Lime Green, $7.75 for 62.5 m, hemptique.com)
Safety pin or needle

Instructions

Download and print the template on colored paper. Cut out the template along solid lines; fold along dotted lines. Tape three flaps to form an envelope, leaving one flap open. Let dry.
Cut out a 1/2-by-10 1/2-inch strip of paper in the same color, and adhere it around the outside of the box lid.
Cut a 1 1/4-by-10 1/2-inch strip of paper in the same color, and adhere it around the outside of the box base.
To make a tassel, cut a 1 1/2-by-3-inch strip of paper in the same color. Make parallel snips along the length of one side, about 1 inch deep. Cut a 10-inch length of cord in a matching color and fold in half. Tape the cut ends of the cord to one end of the strip and roll paper tightly around the cord; secure with tape. Use a pin or needle to poke a hole at the circle in the top center of the envelope. Thread the cord's folded end through hole by 1 inch; secure the inside envelope with tape.
Put a gift inside the envelope; seal the envelope with tape. Tape the back of the envelope to the center of the box lid. Put a gift in the box; top with lid.

Originally appeared: MARTHA STEWART LIVING, JUNE 2020