In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make a stunning 3D paper cupcake gift box using a Cricut machine and my free SVG template. This DIY cupcake box is perfect for birthdays, any celebration and is a delightful way to present small gifts.

Follow along with my free SVG template and step-by-step video instructions to create your own paper cupcake box. I designed this Cricut cupcake box to celebrate my six-year blog anniversary. And I can’t wait for you to give it a try! Pair it with my Free Cupcake Gift Card Holder.

Cupcake Gift Box Video Tutorial

Supplies You’ll Need

• Cricut Machine (Explore Air 2 or any cutting machine compatible with SVG files)
• Standard Grip Mat (or Light Grip Mat for cardstock)
• Three full sheets of 8.5×11 cardstock (one white, two colors)
• Three small pieces of scrap paper, (3×3) in different colors for sprinkles
• Transfer Tape
• Barely Art Craft Glue
• Cricut Scoring Stylus
• Cricut Scraper
• Cupcake Gift Box Template (bottom of post)

Preparing the SVG File

1. Download the SVG File: Download the cupcake gift box template. Extract the files from the zip folder.
2. Locate the SVG File: Open the extracted folder. You’ll find subfolders for cupcake decorations, the gift box template, and a free license. Locate the SVG file (may appear as an HTML document on Windows).
3. Upload to Cricut Design Space: Open Cricut Design Space, go to “Upload,” then “Browse” and select the cupcake gift box template SVG file. Save it to your library.

Cricut Design Space Settings

1. Upload the Cupcake Gift Box Template: Add the SVG file to your canvas. Adjust the size if necessary to 10.64 inches in width.
2. Change Cut Lines to Score Lines: In the layers panel, change the cut lines to score lines. Select the whole group and attach.
3. Upload Cupcake Decorations SVG: Add the cupcake decorations SVG to your canvas. Ensure it is sized at 9.43 inches in width.
4. Ungroup and Adjust Layers: Ungroup the entire decorations SVG, select the cut lines and change them to score lines. Adjust the colors if desired.

Cutting the Cardstock

1. Prepare Your Mat: Clean your mat with the Cricut scraper to remove debris. Load the cardstock onto the mat.
2. Load Scoring Stylus: Insert the scoring stylus into the A clamp.
3. Cut the Templates: Cut out the cupcake template and the decorations on cardstock+ setting. Keep the pieces organized.
4. Transfer Tape Trick: Use transfer tape to pick up small pieces like stripes on the cupcake liner. Lay transfer tape over the cardstock pieces, rub with the scraper, and remove it from the mat.

Assemble the Cupcake Gift Box

1. Apply Glue to Stripes: Use Barely Art craft glue on the back of the stripes, while they are still on the transfer tape. Adhere them to the cupcake liner starting from the left edge, on the second point.
2. Fold Score Lines: Accordion fold all score lines on the cupcake liner and white cupcake template.
3. Attach Cherries and Sprinkles: Glue the 6 red cherries and sprinkles onto the each cupcake section.
4. Form the Box: Shape the cupcake box and glue the tabs to the outside bottom for a clean look inside. Hold until dry.

Adding the Cupcake Liner

1. Wrap the Liner: Apply glue to the hexagon side of the cupcake liner and wrap it around the bottom of the box. Hold until dry.
2. Secure the Sides: Apply glue to the last sections of the cupcake liner and secure them tightly around the box. Hold until dry.

Closing the Cupcake Box

1. Match the Icing Sections: Pair the icing sections with matching cherry mouths. Hook them together with the next pair.
2. Spiral the Icing: Continue pairing and hooking the sections to create a spiral effect with the round icing on top.

Please watch my cupcake box tutorial, for full instructions, on how to close the cupcake box.

Thank you so much for joining me today to make these cute birthday gift boxes. I can’t wait to see your creations! Celebrate with me by sharing your projects and tagging me at @ginaccreates. for more amazing tutorials, check out more of my Cricut Paper Projects!