DIY Heart-Shaped Box (Free Valentine's SVG design) - Gilded Stork (2024)

• 02/04/2021

This DIY Heart-Shaped Box is just as fun to make as it is to gift!

The design of this DIY heart-shaped box is comprised of fifteen miniature boxes made from two different gift box SVG designs. The one gift box being the heart-flower closure/lid design, while the other gift box being the swirl design created by overlapping semi-circles.

So really, this paper heart box is three free SVG designs in one!

What’s could be better than a box of chocolates? A gorgeous, handcrafted paper heart box full of chocolate!

You can download the full template and SVG design for this paper heart box from the DIY and Craft Template Library here.

Although this intricate design looks like it would be difficult to make, be assured that it’s not. Follow the step-by-step tutorial below and you’ll find the repetitiveness of folding these miniature gift boxes and glueing them together into a heart-shaped box a relaxing winter evening craft.

To begin, download the template and SVG files from the Gilded Stork Craft & DIY Library.

If you don’t already have a login password, enter your email below to get the login details sent to your inbox.

When you have downloaded the SVG files, upload them to Cricut Design Space. If you don’t have a Cricut, upload the file to the software your specific cutting machine uses.

The DIY Heart-Shaped Box Components

Begin by cutting out and scoring all the shapes required to make the completed DIY heart-shaped box from a standard weight cardstock.

Firstly, the back of the box requires:

• One straight edge heart shape
• One scalloped edge heart shape

Secondly, the rounded edges of the box requires:

• Two semi-circle shapes
• Two zigzag edged strips

Thirdly, the inside of the heart requires:

• Eight heart-flower closure gift boxes
• Seven swirl closure gift boxes

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Scoring with Your Cricut or by Hand

The DIY heart-shaped box requires quite a bit of scoring. Scoring allows for cleanly folded edges and ensures all the pieces fit together precisely.

I have packaged two types of design files, one with score lines, the other without.

If you have a Cricut Maker, you can use a Scoring Wheel, or if you have the Cricut Explore you can opt for the Scoring Stylist. If using a scoring tool specific to your machine, opt for the design with the score lines.

For those who don’t have either of these tools (like myself!), you can just as easily (but with a little more time and elbow grease!) create precise score lines using a trusted cork-backed ruler and a craft knife. You will notice that I have added very small notches to the SVG design to guide you in making the score lines.

When scoring with a craft knife be sure to only lightly press down so that it is simply denting the cardstock and not cutting the cardstock.

Once you’ve cut and scored all the elements, the next step is to fold and adhere the miniature gift boxes that make up the main center of the heart shaped box.

Follow the template provided in the Craft and DIY Library if you are unsure as to where to place glue or double-sided tape.

Although any supplies for adhering can work, I found double-sided tape to be most effective for this project.

Next, follow the downloadable guide for making the swirl topped box created by overlapping circles.

I encourage you to get creative using different colored and patterned cardstocks, especially for the miniature boxes portion of this DIY. The SVG design for the swirl lidded gift box allows for two different cardstocks, taking advantage of this opportunity also helps to emphasize the swirl design created by the overlapping circles. Getting creative with design elements of color, pattern, and texture will add to the intricate feel of this DIY Heart-Shaped Box. I used my favorite Martha Stewart glitter to enhance the flaps of the boxes. If you’re intimidated by working with glitter because of the mess, I’ve shared a full post detailing my favorite tips and tricks for working with glitter which you can read here.

After folding your eight heart-flower boxes and the seven swirl top boxes, it’s time to create the foundation and structure to hold the fifteen boxes.

Begin by making the rounded three-dimensional parts of your heart. Adhere the first tab to the inside of the long flap just off the semi-circle shape.

Then adhere the one zigzag edge around the semi-circle, meeting the second end tab to the other side. I used double-sided tape on every few triangles of the zigzags, then secured the rest on this inside with a hot glue gun.

Place the other zigzag side around the top edge of the straight edge heart back. Then adhere these with more double-sided tape. Do this to both sides of your heart, creating a structure in which to slide the individual boxes within.

Putting it All Together

Position the miniature boxes within this newly made structure to determine their positions before final gluing. Once you have them in the pattern you like, adhere on the bottom to the heart back and each box placed beside.

Lastly, add the scalloped heart to the back for a finishing touch and additional support. Fill with your loved one’s favorite chocolates, candies, jewelry, or other fun treats for them to open this Valentine’s Day!