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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.

How to Mod Podge a Box with Napkins

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 awhile, 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

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.

Quick Box Makeover with Mod Podge and Napkins

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.

Quick Box Makeover with Mod Podge and Napkins

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.

Quick Box Makeover with Mod Podge and Napkins

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.

Quick Box Makeover with Mod Podge and Napkins

Step 5 – Add Ribbon Detail

I wanted to add one last detail the 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.

Quick Box Makeover with Mod Podge and Napkins

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.

Use napkins from the dollar store along with decoupage medium in this unique box makeover project. It's so inexpensive and easy to do!

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

Use napkins from the dollar store along with decoupage medium in this unique box makeover project. It's so inexpensive and easy to do!
Use napkins from the dollar store along with decoupage medium in this unique box makeover project. It's so inexpensive and easy to do!

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!

Yield: 1 box

Mod Podge a Cardboard Box

How to Mod Podge a Box with Napkins

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

Prep Time 15 minutes
Active Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Difficulty Easy
Estimated Cost $1

Materials

  • Cardboard box
  • Mod Podge Matte
  • Napkins
  • Plastic wrap (optional)
  • Ribbon
  • Paint

Tools

  • Hot glue gun
  • Paintbrush
  • Scissors

Instructions

  1. Select a box and use scissors or a craft knife to remove any flaps.
  2. Paint the box both outside and inside with the colors of your choice. Let dry.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Cut napkin squares and add them to both ends of the cardboard box with Mod Podge. Let dry.
  6. 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.

Did You Make This Project?

Please leave a rating or share a photo on Pinterest!


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

Colleen

Friday 1st of July 2022

I was so surprised to find that you just used a plain old cardboard box. I am very impressed with this project. Thank you so much for sharing it!

Amy

Monday 4th of July 2022

Pleasure, thank you for reading!

Lynn Kelly

Saturday 17th of July 2021

Had a small bottle of mig Pog for a long time never used it. Now I'm going to try my d pegging pretty napkins on Everything.Soo Fun! Thx

Trish

Thursday 28th of April 2016

I love it! So simple and so quick to create. Sharing your link in my weekly newsletter tomorrow!!

Beverly

Monday 25th of April 2016

Off topic, but where did that glue gun come from? I do adore the box. Flamingos rock.

Courtney Sanchez

Thursday 5th of May 2016

Hi Beverly!! I did get it at Michael's for less then $10! I have to agree about the Flamingos!

Amy

Monday 25th of April 2016

That's a Michaels glue gun!

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