How to Mod Podge a Box with Napkins

Learn how to Mod Podge a cardboard box with napkins in this cool tutorial. It was FREE to make and easy enough for adults or kids!

Skills Required: Beginner. It’s a great project to start working with napkins and Mod Podge. You’ll be applying napkins to a cardboard box using decoupage and a brush.

On a recent trip to the Dollar Tree (love that store!!!) I found some awesome flamingo napkins, and I couldn’t resist getting them. They were just too cool. I knew I had to do a Mod Podge craft with them. But what??

I came home and started thinking, then I came up with the idea of covering a box with it to hold my craft supplies. I’ve got cardboard boxes saved out the wazoo, so then I realize this would be such a cheap craft to make. I’ve wanted to use napkins like this for a while, so I was really excited to get started on my box makeover.

Mod Podge Cardboard Box

For this recycled craft you’re going to need:

Gather These Supplies

• Cardboard box
• Mod Podge Matte
• Napkins
• Hot glue gun
• Ribbon
• Paint
• Paintbrush
• Scissors or craft knife

Step 1 – Pick Your Box Size

I recently got a new phone so I had the perfect size box just sitting on my counter. I used my “trusty” X-Acto knife to cut off the edges.

Step 2 – Paint Box

Then I painted my box. I wasn’t sure if you would see the box color underneath the napkins and I didn’t want to take any chances. I just did one coat of green paint on the outside and two coats of white paint on the inside. You’ll let each coat dry 30 minutes.

Step 3 – Add Your Napkin

Next it was time to add my napkins!! Very excited.

I added a layer of Mod Podge to the bottom of the box and lined up my napkin, then I continued the process all the way to the top of the box. Wrap the excess napkin around the sides of the box.

I repeated this process on both sides and let the Mod Podge dry 20 minutes, then I went over the top of the napkin with more Mod Podge.

Step 4 – Fit Napkin to Box

I was lucky, I was able to cut right on the crease of the napkin and fold it perfectly using the same technique as the sides. Finally I cut a little napkin square and added it to the ends.

Let everything dry 30 minutes.

Step 5 – Add Ribbon Detail

I wanted to add one last detail the inside of the box and clean up the line a little, so I ran to my craft stash and found some pink ribbon.

I used some hot glue to keep my ribbon in place.

Finishing Touches

Now that I’m all finished, I started adding stuff inside. I rounded up some of my Mod Podge products and they all fit perfectly inside! Now you know how to Mod Podge a box the easy way.

This flamingo box turned out so cute, now I’m gonna have to add some more flamingo stuff to the house.

Napkins were so easy to work with; I can’t believe I haven’t used them in a craft yet. Now I’m going to be on the lookout for cool napkin designs so I can do another box makeover!

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Mod Podge a Cardboard Box

Learn how to Mod Podge cardboard using a napkin and this simple tutorial. This is such an easy and inexpensive craft idea.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Active Time45 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr

Yield: 1 box

Cost: $1

Equipment

• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Paintbrush(es)
• Scissors

Materials

• Cardboard box
• Mod Podge Matte
• Decorative paper napkins
• Plastic wrap optional
• Ribbon
• Craft paint

Instructions

• Select a box and use scissors or a craft knife to remove any flaps.
• Paint the box both outside and inside with the colors of your choice. Let dry.
• Add a layer of Mod Podge to the bottom of the box and line up the napkin, smoothing down onto the box. Wrap the excess napkin around the sides of the box.
• Repeat this process on both long sides of the box and let the Mod Podge dry 20 minutes. Add a top coat and let dry.
• Cut napkin squares and add them to both ends of the cardboard box with Mod Podge. Let dry.
• Add ribbon detail using a hot glue gun. Let cool before using.

Notes

• You can do this with fabric, scrapbook paper, rice paper, wrapping paper, or a variety of other materials.
• Plastic wrap is a great way to smooth down a napkin without using your fingers. Place the plastic wrap over the wet Mod Podge surface and smooth, being careful not to tear the napkin.

If you’re looking for more to make with napkins, try these napkin crafts with Mod Podge. Here are some other ideas too:

• Mod Podge Cardboard Letters for Decor
• Paper Napkin Decoupage on a Wood Frame
• Decoupage Dollar Tree Candles with Napkins
• DIY Gift Box in a Few Easy Steps (So Cute!)
• How to Decoupage Napkins on Canvas