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Has a wrapped present ever taken your breath away? Usually it's what's inside the box that fills us with wonder and surprise, but not this time! Our newest DIY Christmas decoration idea uses chicken wire, string lights and whimsical fabric to create an eye catching indoor or outdoor holiday display that is a true treat! This is one present you won't want to unwrap!
Lighted Gift Box Materials Needed
When gathering your supplies to create your lighted gift boxes, there are a few important details to consider. The first is your box size. We have provided a chart below for boxes sized 1'-3' to help you determine the amount of wire, fabric and lights you will need. The next imporant item to consider is whether you would like to display your boxes indoors or out as this will affect the type of fabric you would need. It is important to also choose a sheer fabric that will allow lights to shine through while still hiding the inside wiring.
Materials
Tools
DIY Christmas Gift Box Calculations
Use this chart as a guide to create chicken wire frame lighted gift boxes in perfect squares ranging from 1-3'. You can make your boxes taller by doubling the height to create an indoor or outdoor Christmas display that is as big or as small as you like! Keep in mind that light counts are only a recommendation and you an always add more for an even brighter glowing gift box!
Note- In our step by step guide below, we made a 1' box. If you are making a bigger box, just follow the same steps and use the appropriate calcualtaions for the gift box size you are creating!
How To Create Your Lighted Gift Box
Step One: Cut hardware cloth to 12 inches high by 48 inches wide. Then cut a 12 inch x 12 inch square.
Step Two: Lay the 48 inch long hardware cloth flat and measure and mark at every 12 inches for folding. (12 inches, 24 inches and 36 inches)
Step Three: Fold on the side of the a table to make a right angle on the marks 12", 24" and 36" line.
Step Four: Fold over completely to crease the corners on the marks 12", 24" and 36" line.
Step Five: Then open and reform the 90° angle with your hands
Step Six: Bring two ends together and zip tie the seam together at the top, middle and bottom
Step Seven: Place the top on and zip tie all four corners and 4 in the middle between the corners.
Step Eight: Trim excess cord from zip ties, this will allow the fabric to lay flat.
Step Nine: Make sure the male end of the plug is at the bottom of your box. This will make attaching an extension cord to your present much easier!
Step Ten: Zip tie lights to inside of box filling all 4 sides and top. Try to distribute your lights as evenly as possible to create a uniform glow from all directions.
Step Eleven: Cut fabric 49 inches long by 12 inches high. The extra inch is to ensure that you'll have enough fabric to cover everything! Then cut a 12 inch x 12 inch square for the top.
Step Twelve: Wrap the fabric around the perimeter and glue at the seam with a hot glue gun. Trim any excess fabric.
Step Thirteen: Glue the top fabric square on and finish with ribbon and a bow.
Congratulations! You've finished your first chicken wire frame lighted gift box!
