How to Make Lighted Christmas Presents for Outdoors
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I know everyone's busy at Christmas time but this project didn't take too long. Maybe you put it on your to-do list for next October or November so it's ready in time for Christmas. Once I had all my material it came together pretty quick.
Or you can go by one...
Materials:
Wood for the frame ~ I had leftover pieces from another project.
Outdoor Lights ~ I used 3 boxes of 100 ct string lights ~ $5.00/box
Mesh Ribbon ~ I found my 18 inch wide ribbon on sale for 1/2 prices ~ $5.00
Ribbon ~ 25 feet ~ $2.49 (A STEAL!!!)
***Additional items: Miter saw, nail gun and compressor (or just a hammer and nails) and a stapler***
The measurements for my large frame were:
4 ~ 18 inch pieces
4 ~ 17 inch pieces
4 ~ 14 inch pieces
For the smaller frame they were:
4 ~ 12 inch pieces
8 ~ 11 inch pieces
You do not have to make them this exact size. I came up with these measurement because I was using scrap pieces of wood.
Once you have the frame of your boxes made start stapling the lights on. I used 2 boxes of the 100 ct string lights on my larger frame and 100 ct on my smaller box with plenty left over.
Next, cover the boxes with your fabric, stapling as you go along. I left the bottom side of my box open so I'm able to access my lights without having to remove everything.
Here's a quick video on making your own ribbon if you need some help
Set them outside, plug them in and enjoy the lights!
Thanks for stopping by!
Becca
Linking up with: Savvy Southern Style's Wow Us Wednesday, Primp Junktion's Primp Your Stuff, The Thrifty Home's Penny Pinching Party, Crafty Spices' Wordless Wednesday, My Girlish Whims' Your Whims Wednesday, Embracing Change's Creative Inspiration Linky Party, The Brambleberry Cottage's Time Travel Thursday, Beyond the Picket Fence's Under $100 Linky Party, The Shabby Creek Cottage's Transformation Thursday, Bloom Designs' Linky Party, French Country Cottage's Feathered Nest Friday, Common Ground's Vintage Inspiration, Shabby Art Boutique's Shabbilicious Friday Link Party, Happy Hour Project's Happy Hour Friday.
I know everyone's busy at Christmas time but this project didn't take too long. Maybe you put it on your to-do list for next October or November so it's ready in time for Christmas. Once I had all my material it came together pretty quick.
The gift boxes on the left are from Sears for $82.78. The boxes on the right are from Bed Bath & Beyond for $49.99.
Materials:
Wood for the frame ~ I had leftover pieces from another project.
Outdoor Lights ~ I used 3 boxes of 100 ct string lights ~ $5.00/box
Mesh Ribbon ~ I found my 18 inch wide ribbon on sale for 1/2 prices ~ $5.00
Ribbon ~ 25 feet ~ $2.49 (A STEAL!!!)
***Additional items: Miter saw, nail gun and compressor (or just a hammer and nails) and a stapler***
The measurements for my large frame were:
4 ~ 18 inch pieces
4 ~ 17 inch pieces
4 ~ 14 inch pieces
For the smaller frame they were:
4 ~ 12 inch pieces
8 ~ 11 inch pieces
You do not have to make them this exact size. I came up with these measurement because I was using scrap pieces of wood.
 |
| *** Careful not to push your staples through your light cords!!! *** |
 |
| Add your ribbon and bows. I made my own bow to put on top from the leftover ribbon. |
Thanks for stopping by!
Becca
Linking up with: Savvy Southern Style's Wow Us Wednesday, Primp Junktion's Primp Your Stuff, The Thrifty Home's Penny Pinching Party, Crafty Spices' Wordless Wednesday, My Girlish Whims' Your Whims Wednesday, Embracing Change's Creative Inspiration Linky Party, The Brambleberry Cottage's Time Travel Thursday, Beyond the Picket Fence's Under $100 Linky Party, The Shabby Creek Cottage's Transformation Thursday, Bloom Designs' Linky Party, French Country Cottage's Feathered Nest Friday, Common Ground's Vintage Inspiration, Shabby Art Boutique's Shabbilicious Friday Link Party, Happy Hour Project's Happy Hour Friday.
oh my gosh, this is amazing! i would never think to diy this, so good for you!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty! I like this idea.
ReplyDeleteCute idea :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome project! This is so genius that it needs to be pinned! Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteVery cool idea - thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up!
Stacey of Embracing Change
Christmas has ended recently, but I’ll keep this idea and use it next winter. Since the steps seem to be simple, I might improvise and decorate the boxes with designs that have other themes. I just love the photos you posted, and I’m excited to make my own ASAP. Haha!
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Allison Shallenberger
very cute idea...but what can they be weighted down with so they don't blow away in the wind?
ReplyDeleteI actually haven't had an issue with mine blowing away. With the wood frames they're fairly hefty. However if you have some extreme wind, maybe try adding some stakes or using sandbags if it's a concern.
Deleteyou could use eye hook screwed in the bottom and stake them down.
Deletevery cut idea :)
ReplyDeletei did those last year great easy project
ReplyDeletevery cute I'll have to try this
ReplyDeletewhat kind of fabric did you use?? They are fabulous by the way!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSheer ribbon, if I remember is came 18" on a roll. You can find it around the holidays
DeleteHello,
DeleteCan you tell me what kind of fabric was used to wrap around the presents?
Kventimiglia1@comcast.net
Yep, as mentioned in the last comment, sheer ribbon on an 18" roll. You can find it at craft stores and I've come across it at Walmart too.
Deletemy boxes are fantastic,used kreg jig,easy. but as far as the mesh,i find that the lights shine to much through the green mesh,would you suggest green lights.
DeleteI used a red transparent plastic sheet underneath the wide ribbon. This way you can't see the lights inside and it creates a glow effect. I built one 37" X 37" X 34". Looks way better than my other store bought ones i have, and bigger :-)
DeleteWhat size were the pieces of wood you used?
ReplyDeleteDimensions are listed above and I believe they were 1x2s
DeleteWhat did you use to put the pieces of wood together
ReplyDeleteif you can find or have a kerg jig (or kreg)not sure I know I just had to have one..sooo easy
DeleteA jig would work but if you don't have one just use screws.
DeleteI wanted to put them in my yard possibly but not sure how it would/would not work after a rainy day
ReplyDeleteI had these boxes two years ago, just put them out again this year. They've sat through lots of rain and plenty of ice and snow. They're still holding up!
DeleteWhere can I find the wood pieces?
ReplyDeleteHow do you make the frames?
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of fabric? Is that the mesh ribbon that is all around it?
ReplyDeleteHi Donna - Yes, I used mesh ribbon. You should be able to find it at any craft store, especially during the holiday season.
Deleteyou could probably use any sheer fabric that is heavy enough, even fabric that is not so sheer, as the lights would shine through at night anyway. that way you could use fabric that would look good in the day time too!
DeleteLove these. I just may steal it for two purposes...1) A simple way to put lights up outside, 2) A simple way to re-ignite the gift wrap wars my brother and I instituted many moons ago;-)
ReplyDeleteabout how many yds of mesh ribbon was used?
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about this for a few year. This can be made with PC pipe. Thanks for showing .
ReplyDeleteExcellent instructions! This was a fun project. Thank you
ReplyDeleteI wanted to share a picture, but I can't paste one here
Nice DIY. I will be making these lighted gifts and put them in front of the house for decoration.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't say how long the lights are?
ReplyDeleteI read where it said she used 3,one hundred count boxes, two for the large one and one for the small.
Deletealso it doesn't show where to get that clear fabric?
ReplyDeleteI believe it is the mesh ribbon, comes in other colors, stripes, etc. If you use color, the lights won't show, but, the light will come thru. I have used cooking racks to make mine. I'd love to try the wood.
DeleteDoes anyone read the freakin directions?!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat is the wrap made for what is if the light on and get heat clear wrap out of.
ReplyDeleteI’ve been looking for a DIY for this. Thank you much!
ReplyDelete