Budget-Friendly 10 Minute Christmas Box Lights

When unexpected guests tell you they’ll be popping round later and you haven’t decorated for Christmas yet, then these 10-minute Christmas box lights are just the thing you need.

They look lovely on the mantle.

Or if you’re entertaining outside, tuck them in amongst your plants.

You can even hang them up.  

Once you see how quick and easy these beauties are to put together, you’ll be making them for every occasion that needs something a little special.

Right, before I share these gorgeous, budget-friendly 10 Minute Christmas box lights, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe so you’ll never miss a post!

What you need

You can use any type of paper for these 10-minute Christmas box lights. I used semi-glossy pearlescent sheets, but old newspapers, wallpaper scraps, and even baking paper will all look lovely. See what you have in your craft cupboard. Just a heads up, if you’re using glossy paper, check your printer setting before printing. I forgot so mine are a little smudged 😀 You’ll also need:

• Scissors
• Glue or scrapbook double sided tape
• Jewelry Wire (14 or 16 gauge) or ribbon
• Beads (optional)

How to make 10-minute Christmas box lights

The finished square boxes measure 7.5 cm x 7.5 cm (3″ x 3″) so a single sheet of A4 or letter-sized paper will give you two Christmas box lights. I designed Christmas-themed images and text and printed them onto the paper before folding. You can design your own or draw the images. It’s entirely up to you. To download the images you can click on the links below:

• A4-sized box light printables
• Letter-sized box light printables

Please let me know if there’s a problem with the Letter-sized printable. We use A4 in South Africa so I couldn’t test it.

To see how easy it is to fold the box lights watch the video below.

Or, if you prefer reading the step-by-step instructions then here you go. Using the box cut-out template provided in the printable…….

…..fold the paper in half to the flap mark as shown below.

Fold the shorter half side (the non-flap side) inwards towards the fold mark.

Then fold the shorter half side over the halfway fold. Fold the flap end to meet the half mark.

Fold the little flap over.

You should end up with something like this.

Flip the paper over so the image faces downwards and fold the bottom end over.

Cut on the bottom fold marks.

Put double-sided tape or glue on the flap ……

And tape or glue the side of the box shape together.

Use tape or glue to close the bottom of the box.

Adding wire and beads

To hang the 10-minute Christmas box lights, you can use ribbon or jewelry wire. I found with lightweight paper the wire helps it keep its shape better. Cut the wire into 20 – 25 cm (8.5″ – 9.5″) pieces.

Use a toothpick to make a small hole on opposite sides of the box. Insert a piece of jewelry wire into one of the holes.

Insert the other end of the wire into the hole on the opposite side and bend over to secure.

You can thread a few beads onto the wire or bend the wire into squiggly shapes to add interest. Feel free to play around.

Pop in a battery-operated fairy light and you’re all done.

Hang them from a few dried branches for a beautiful no-fuss, rustic look.  

Or you can pop them on the mantle or a shelf.

And they look so lovely when the lights are turned down low.

I’m thinking of doing something similar for Easter and changing the graphics. What do you think? Where would you put yours?

If you like the idea of making these quick and easy 10-minute Christmas box lights, don’t forget to pin them for later.

Sharing is caring

Oh and if you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered Disclosure: Clicking on the links below, means we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us make more amazing crafts to share with you 😉

Or if you prefer to buy rather than DIY, then maybe these beauties will appeal.

And as always, wishing you a wonderful, crafty week filled with lots of love. Have a wonderful Christmas and see you in the new year. Thank you for popping in for a visit.