Last Updated on March 31, 2025 by Team Ideas24
Need a beautiful box to put a special gift in? Why buy decorative boxes when you can easily create a stencil box?
Turn any plain and boring box into a special gift box by decorating it using stencil!
Most of us have empty boxes lying around the house. Whether they’re from a shipment or you’ve just moved and have all of those moving boxes left, cardboard boxes can pile up quickly. We keep them, anyway, because they are quite useful.
For this project, you can even reuse an old gift box you received on your birthday or Christmas. It’s a great way to save money, it’s also a great way to make your gift unique with a custom gift boxes with stencil!
Don’t have any decent box at home? Buy a plain cardboard box and decorate it yourself. It’s cheaper than decorative boxes and you get to make a truly special, personalised gift box! Now that’s perfect for anniversaries and other very special occasions. :)
Like this idea? This tutorial will show you the basics of stenciling, which you can also apply on other materials such as fabric and plain paper. But before heading over to the step-by-step tutorial, get some inspiration first by viewing our album of DIY decorative boxes below!
Contents [show]
Crafting Your Stencil Box
Materials for decorating boxes with stencil:
- Boxes
- Acrylic Paint (or any thick paint, not water colors)
- Sponge (without the scrub)
- Plastic Stencil
- Scrap Paper
Tools:
- Scissors
- Paintbrush
Steps:
Cut your sponge: OK, so the title says it all. If you have a circle of sponge cut it into four pieces as long as you have one pointed end; same with a square piece.
Apply the paint: So now pour out more paint than you think you’d need. This is because most of it will be squeezed out and will dry out. Use a flat plate and dip the tip of your sponge in the paint and squeeze out as much as possible on the plate.
Don’t leave it soggy because you’ll be squeezing it all out.
Do a test dab on the scrap paper to make sure it has the right amount of paint.
Painting the stencil: Now this is the fun and tricky part. Hold the stencil firmly over the box, or tape if the box is big enough. Start to dab the paint on the designated parts moving in small circles.
Don’t try to rub the sponge as it will just leave streaks. Use a different sponge for each color and never put water on your sponge – I know, it’s tempting! Continue with each color till the design is finished, and then carefully remove the stencil.
Use a paintbrush to fill in any spots you missed. Repeat the process all around the box.
And that’s it. Use it on almost anything – picture frames, clothes, bags, even your dog’s collar! :)
Thanks to fonzuzu for this great project!
Creative Uses for a Stencil Box Beyond Gifting
A stencil box might start out as gift packaging, but that’s just one of many uses. Once decorated, these boxes become more than containers—they become practical and stylish solutions for organizing your space. With a little creativity, you can find endless ways to use a stencil box in everyday life.
Organize Your Home Office
A well-decorated box adds charm to your desk while keeping things tidy. Use your stencil box to hold pens, sticky notes, chargers, and office supplies. Label each box with a stencil word like “mail,” “bills,” or “cables” to give everything its place. This keeps clutter away and gives your work area a clean, intentional look.
Store Craft or Sewing Supplies
Crafters know how quickly small tools and materials pile up. Use a stencil box to sort beads, thread spools, scissors, or fabric scraps. You can even create a matching set of boxes with themed stencils, giving your workspace a cohesive and inspiring feel. This helps you stay organized while also making your space feel more personal.
Makeup and Skincare Storage
Small stencil boxes are great for holding everyday essentials in your bathroom or bedroom. Keep your makeup brushes in one box, daily skincare in another. Stenciled labels like “AM” and “PM” or “Glow” and “Go” make it easy to grab what you need quickly. Choose designs that match your bathroom’s style to create a polished, boutique feel.
Use as a Memory or Keepsake Box
Turn your stencil box into a container for treasured memories. It could hold travel souvenirs, love letters, photos, or your child’s art. Customize the design with dates, names, or destinations. The added decoration gives the box sentimental value, turning it into something worth displaying or passing down.
Decorative Planter Covers
Place a small potted plant inside your stencil box for a quick and affordable decorative upgrade. Make sure to line the inside with plastic if you’re using real plants. Add floral or leafy stencil patterns to match the greenery. It’s a creative way to bring color and pattern into your space without buying expensive pots.
Photo or Card Organizer
If you love collecting cards, letters, or snapshots, a stencil box can be a stylish place to store them. Use tabbed dividers to organize the contents by occasion or date. Stencil a theme on the box that matches what’s inside—maybe a heart pattern for love letters or vintage cameras for photos. It’s practical and adds character to your shelf or cabinet.
Kids’ Room Storage
Boxes decorated with fun stencils like animals, stars, or cars are perfect for children’s rooms. Use them to store toys, crayons, or even socks. Kids can help stencil their own box, turning it into a bonding activity and a lesson in tidiness. It gives them ownership and makes cleanup more enjoyable.
Entryway Catch-All
Place a stencil box by the door to hold keys, sunglasses, or spare change. It keeps everything in one spot and adds a decorative element to your entryway. Choose a welcoming message like “Hello” or “Home” to stencil on the lid. It’s functional and gives your entry a personal touch.
With just one stencil box, you can find so many practical uses around the home. All it takes is a little creativity and a paintbrush.
Stencil Box Gallery
Click on any image to start lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox.
Best Paints and Tools for Stenciling on Different Box Materials
Stenciling isn’t a one-size-fits-all craft. The material of your box matters when choosing paint and tools. Whether you’re working with cardboard, wood, metal, or plastic, the right combination will help you get crisp lines, bold colors, and long-lasting results. Here’s how to choose the best supplies for each type of stencil box project.
Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard is porous and lightweight, so you’ll want to use a thicker paint that doesn’t bleed easily. Acrylic paint is the best choice. It sticks well, dries fast, and offers strong color even on recycled surfaces. Use a small foam sponge or a stencil brush with stiff bristles to dab paint through the stencil. Avoid water-based or runny paints like tempera or watercolor—they’ll soak in and smudge.
Wooden Boxes
Wood surfaces hold paint well, but the texture of the grain can cause uneven lines. Start with a light sanding if the box feels rough. Use chalk paint or acrylic paint for a matte finish. Chalk paint creates a soft, vintage look and dries quickly. For a more polished result, use a stencil roller or round stencil brush. Make sure to tape your stencil securely so it doesn’t slip on the grain.
Metal Boxes
Stenciling on metal can be tricky since paint doesn’t absorb—it sits on the surface. Use enamel or oil-based paint for good adhesion. If you’re going for color variety and quick drying, multi-surface acrylics also work well, especially when paired with a metal primer. A stencil adhesive spray helps keep your stencil from slipping, while a foam roller gives smooth, even coverage. Finish with a clear sealer to protect the design.
Plastic Boxes
Smooth plastic needs special preparation. Lightly sand the surface or use a plastic primer to help the paint stick. Choose a paint labeled as “multi-surface” or “plastic-friendly.” Acrylic works if properly sealed afterward, but spray paints for plastic offer better coverage and durability. Use stencil tape or repositionable adhesive spray to hold your stencil in place. A light touch with a sponge applicator or airbrush works best to avoid pooling.
Fabric-Covered or Canvas Boxes
For boxes covered in fabric or made of soft canvas, fabric paint is your best option. It’s flexible and won’t crack when the fabric shifts. Use a stencil brush or sponge with a dabbing motion. Avoid overloading your brush to keep paint from bleeding through the material. Heat-set the paint with an iron (if the fabric allows) for added durability.
Paper or Paperboard Boxes
Thinner than cardboard, paperboard can warp easily. Stick with fast-drying acrylics and a gentle sponge technique. Use very little paint and do a test dab first. If the surface feels glossy, rough it up slightly with fine sandpaper to help the paint grip. This is ideal for small gift boxes or packaging with a smooth, coated surface.
Choosing the right paints and tools for your stencil box ensures your design looks sharp and lasts longer. Match your materials carefully, and you’ll get clean results with every project.
Conclusion
Making a stencil box is a simple way to turn something plain into something personal. It’s budget-friendly, fun, and works for any occasion or purpose. With just a few tools and some creativity, you can transform ordinary boxes into unique, reusable designs.
If you liked these ideas, you will also like viewing these Upcycled: Business cards from cereal boxes
