Gift box DIY

Hi!

My name is Natalka, and I'm running Etsy shop Skrynka. Today I want to show you how to make a beautiful but durable boxes for your Christmas gifts.

Recently I've made a few Christmas cross stitch ornaments. I needed durable yet beautiful boxes to ship them to my international customers. So I've made square boxes from old carton boxes and wrapping paper and this is how.

First of all, you need to measure your gift.

I needed to make a 5-inch square boxes that were 1 inch tall and the lids for them. The lid has to be a bit larger, so it is a 5 1/8-inch-square box that is also 1 inch tall.

Now we must calculate the size of wrapping paper. The paper will be square in shape. And here is the formula to calculate the side of the square:

1.4* (side of the box + 2*height of the box)

So, the size of my wrapping paper square is 1.4* (5 + 2) = 1.4 * 7 = 9.9 inches.

I rounded up and used a 10" x 10" squares of wrapping paper to wrap my boxes.

Fold the corners inside.

Before placing my bottom box onto the wrapping paper square I attach 2-sided adhesive tape to fix it in place.

Then I put it on and fold all 4 sides of the box.

Than I glue central square.

And fold 2 of corners again.

Then I fold the excess paper inside the box just like on the photo below.

And fold another 2 corners.

The bottom of the box is ready.

Repeat all steps with another wrapping paper square and the lid and our box is ready!

Using my formula you can make the square box any size with your favorite wrapping paper.

Happy holidays!

By Natalka Skrynka.

Geekery jewelry giveaway from ReComputing

Today our giveaway is hosted by new shop in our team ReComputing. Natalka from Skrynka and her husband Yaroslav run this geeky shop with jewelry made from broken computer parts. You can choose any item from ReComputing and it can be yours if you will win our giveaway!

To be a lucky winner please follow these rules:

1.Visit ReComputing shop, browse around, and leave a comment here on what your favorite item is (1 entry)
2. Follow our blog (1 entry)
3. Subscribe our blog via RSS (1 entry)
4. Grab Etsy Russian Team’s button and place it on your blog (1 entry)
5. Share this giveaway on your blog/ facebook/ twitter (1 entry each)
6. Like ReComputing facebook page (1 entry)
7. Follow/subscribe Natalka's blog (1 entry)
8. Purchase anything from ReComputing or Skrynka shops and come back letting know what you purchased!

Please leave a separate comment on each entry and don't forget to leave us your email address so that Natalka and Yaroslav could contact you! The more entries you submit the more chances of winning!
We will be using random.org to select a winner.

The winner will be announced on November 5th, so have fun, guys, and good luck!

Happy Indepedence Day, Ukraine!

24th of August is the big holiday in Ukraine, it's Independents Day!

This year is the 20th anniversary of independence of Ukraine, the young country with ages of traditions and culture legacy.

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Ukrainian people were always known as good craftsmen.

The most known Ukrainian traditional art is embroidery. At present time embroidered clothing became even more popular. It is a festive wear and it's called "vyshyvanka". Take a look at this beautiful embroidered jewelry made by our team member Skrynka. It will fit your clothing perfectly!

Skrynka

But embroidery is not the only popular craft in Ukraine. Some of our team members are making amazing felted accessories:

1. Jezek. 2. Baymut. 3. YanArt. 4. SubshineFelt

Woodwork and painting on wood are also well known Ukrainian art.

1. Grimme. 2. Lovelytrifles.

Take a look at this wonderful handcrafted items from Ukraine! You can always find something you like:

1. 2kolory. 2. MariaSiyanko. 3. Muza. 4. Moloco.

These beautiful jewelry items are made in Ukraine also:

1. Smafactory. 2. Dariami. 3. Beautyspot. 4. AlexMOS.

Happy Independence Day to all Ukrainians!

Story by Natasha Skrynka

Giveaway result, Branch of flowers - summer give away.

We are happy to announce the winner of our giveaway.
Comment #3 by doroffee was chosen as a winner, so the necklace is going to be packed in a next couple of days and sent to the winner's address!

Natalka (Skrynka) will contact the winner to verify the shipping address.

Congratulations and thank you for participation, everyone!

Interview with a Star - Natasha (Skrynka)

Today, we are sharing an interview with Natalka who runs Skrynka shop on Etsy.

- Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in Ukraine in the longest city of Krivoy Rog. As a child I loved to make things with my hands. When I would see an interesting piece of clothing, a bag, or a scarf, my first thought would be "can I make it myself?" So I learned to crochet, sew, knit, bead... but when I tried to do embroidery it became my true passion. I just can't stop!

Now I am a stay at home mom and as I've got plenty of free time. I decided to use this time too do something useful that I would enjoy, so I opened my Skrynka shop on Etsy.

- Why did you decide on Skrynka for your business name?
Skrynka (Скринька) in Ukrainian means a little box, usually used to keep such treasures as jewelry or items inherited from Granny. I thought that may shop could be a little box of embroidered treasures: jewelry, home decor, accessories.

- What are your main sources of inspiration?
I'm truly inspired by Ukrainian folk cross-stitching embroidery. It is in my blood I think. I have few festive towels (рушників) that I got from my Granny. She has embroidered them when she was young and now they need to be restored but they are so beautiful! The ornaments on them have a special meaning. There are ancient symbols of Water, Earth and Home Guardian, Bereginya. Of course, I can't pass on all the meaning of folk embroidery, but I don't even try to do it. I try to make wearable items that are ethnic and can find their place in everyday life.

- Do you have a favorite item you have made?
I do, and right now it is the red necklace. I just love it :)

- Any sales or promotions?
I’m happy to offer a 10% discount coupon on everything in my store to all readers of the Russian Artists blog. All you need to do is to enter the code RUSTEAM when you are at checkout and 10% will be automatically deducted from your entire purchase.

- Do you take custom orders?
Yes, I do. One of my hoop embroidery pieces was made as a custom order and I would be happy to make more custom items.

- What is the best reaction you have gotten from one of your pieces?
Oh! I worry so much each time I mail a package! I'd be happy to get a simple comment such as "nice" or "love it". But I couldn't imagine that my buyers would love my work so much and leave some wonderful feedback! It is immodest, but I want to share some:
"weeee my sweet little package arrived today and was everything i dreamed of plus some! i love it i love it i love it! thank u :)"

"Absolutely beautiful! Very fast shipping and super cute packaging! Love it so much I just bought 2 more!! Thank YOU! спасибо!"

"I love it !! Looks just like what I got and that's important. Also so fast I was shocked, & getting Ukraine stamps was a fun free thing !!"

- Do you have a wish for our readers?
Be free to make your life be a happy one, do what you want to do, believe in yourself and all your dreams will come true!

Branch of flowers - summer give away

This charming necklace is perfect for the summer! Someone will see branch of flowers on it, someone will see branch of berries. It can be yours if you will participate in our giveaway!

Natalka (Skrynka) is hosting it today. She make wonderful hand embroidery: jewelry, home decor and accessories.

To be a lucky winner please follow these rules:

1.Visit Skrynka shop, browse around, and leave a comment here on what your favorite item is (1 entry)
2. Follow/subscribe our blog (1 entry)
3. Grab Etsy Russian Team’s button and place it on your blog (1 entry)
4. Share this giveaway on your blog/ facebook/ twitter (1 entry)
5. Follow/subscribe Natalka's facebook / blog (1 entry each)
6. Purchase anything from Skrynka shop and come back letting know what you purchased!

Please leave a separate comment on each entry and don't forget to leave us your email address so that Natalka could contact you!

The winner will be announced on Jule 2nd, so have fun, guys and good luck!