Decoupage a Cardboard Box with Mod Podge (Easy & Fun!)

Turn a plain box into stylish storage! Learn how to decoupage a cardboard box with Mod Podge and napkins for an easy, budget-friendly craft.

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.

I don’t know about you, but I have a serious weakness for cute napkins. The kind you pick up at Dollar Tree or a party store and think, These are way too cute to wipe my mouth with.

So, what do you do instead? You craft with them, obviously! That’s exactly what happened when I stumbled upon some flamingo napkins I had to have.

The question was—what should I make? Then it hit me. I also had a stack of cardboard boxes (because, of course, I do), and I realized they were basically blank canvases just waiting for a Mod Podge makeover.

A little decoupage magic, and I could turn a plain ol’ box into something stylish and functional.

This project is a game-changer if you want to upcycle those Amazon boxes (or any sturdy cardboard container) into decorative storage.

You can use your finished box to corral craft supplies, organize stationery, or even stash small keepsakes. It’s the perfect mix of budget-friendly and custom-made. Just pick a napkin design that matches your vibe!

Napkin decoupage is so easy, I can’t believe I haven’t done this sooner. Now I’m officially obsessed.

If you see me hoarding napkins like they’re rare collector’s items, just know I’ve got another box makeover in the works. Ready to try it? Let’s get crafting!

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Decoupage a Box

Learn how to decoupage boxes using a napkin and this simple tutorial. This is such an easy and inexpensive craft idea.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Active Time45 minutes mins

Dry Time2 hours hrs

Total Time3 hours hrs

Yield: 1 box

Cost: $1

Equipment

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

Materials

• Cardboard box
• Mod Podge Matte
• Decorative paper napkin(s)
• 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. Continue the process all the way to the top of 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.
  
• Fold the napkin edges over the top and sides. Cut napkin squares and add them to both ends of the box with Mod Podge. Let dry.
  
• Add ribbon detail using a hot glue gun. Let cool before using.
  

Notes

Step 2: I wasn’t sure if you would see the box color underneath the napkins and I didn’t want to take any chances (you can). I just did one coat of green paint on the outside (to match the napkin) and two coats of white paint on the inside. You’ll let each coat dry 30 minutes.

You can do this with fabric, scrapbook paper, rice paper, wrapping paper, or a variety of other materials.

Step 3: 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.

What did you think about this craft? Let me know in the comments! I’d also love for you to check out these other ideas:

Candles with Napkins • Cardboard Letters • DIY Desk Organizer • DIY Party Lanterns • Fabric Covered Boxes • Flower Pots • Make a Gift Box • Napkin Decoupage on a Wood Frame • Napkins on Canvas • Photo Album from a Box • Popsicle Stick Wall Hanging • Wood Slice Coasters