When is a box no longer just a box? When it is a box made by Claudia, better known by loved ones as CJ. She creates unique gift boxes in which the box itself is a valued gift. These unique gift boxes are perfect as gifts as well as to be used as gift card boxes at a wedding reception.
CJ, a retired mother of two, over the years has been creative in her own right. She loves her crafts as well as a good challenge.
“I sew and do crafts,” CJ stated with excitement. She continued, “I’ve done all the old traditional stuff. I’ve done the baking. I’ve done the sewing. I wanted to be challenged.”
As with many of us during the COVID-19 shutdown, she looked around her house and began to look for ways to sprinkle decorative accents throughout the house. Inspired by that and being a woman who loves the challenge she began to expand her creations on a grander stage.
So, during the pandemic shut down, to challenge herself CJ picked up her pattern cutting machine and got to work. Her first creation was a simple lantern. She then continued to stretch herself and started making gift boxes. Her first gift box was a lighthouse, which no small feat. Over the months of making unique gift boxes, she has created beautiful decorative gems such as wedding cake boxes, churches, and even a gazebo.
“I made decorative gift boxes and gave them to everyone during Christmas. They took all the boxes with them so I didn’t have to clean up anything”, said CJ chuckled reminiscing about her latest creations that she gave to friends and family during the holiday season.
The gift boxes themselves are very elaborate and lightweight. Each is made out of high-quality cardstock and is painstakingly layered piece by piece to create beautiful sculptures. She is careful to include the smallest of details to make the creations look more realistic.
She begins by creating a mock figure using cheaper craft paper and then re-creates a final version using high-quality stock paper and includes such features as trees, window frames, window panes, lights, and in some cases even butterflies. Each of her creations is normally completed within one day.
This is truly a passionate past-time for CJ. She has been asked many times if she would sell her creations but as for now, she is satisfied just sharing her talents in the form of unique gift boxes.
So, if you are looking for inspirational unique gift boxes to use during your wedding festivities, or perhaps you would like to create a gift box to give to someone special, do like CJ by visiting a craft store and let your creative juices begin to flow.
