Today we’re sharing a project that looks sweet and simple on the outside… but the moment you pull the drawer—POP! A surprise tag jumps up to say hello! Graphic 45 Brand Ambassador Evanjelene is here with a clever Pop-Up Drawer Box Tutorial featuring our Journaling Through Time paper collection. With a quick #G45Reel process video and clear step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to recreate this interactive gift box without second-guessing measurements. Let’s build something that doesn’t just sit pretty—it moves, surprises, and makes people smile!

What’s Inside This Blog Post

A fun DIY Pop-Up Drawer Gift Box project (gift box + storage + treat box!)
Step-by-step instructions with easy measurements
A clever ribbon mechanism that makes the tag pop up
Decorating ideas using Journaling Through Time patterns
Tips for cleaner folds, stronger drawers, and smoother sliding
A #G45Reel video to follow along with the process

Pop-Up Drawer Box Tutorial

Tutorial by Evanjelene

“This Pop-Up Drawer Box looks sweet and innocent on the outside, but the moment you pull the drawer—surprise! A pop-up tag makes its grand entrance. I’ve also put together a quick tutorial to help anyone who wants to recreate this box without second guessing measurements.

So grab your kraft paper, your favourite Journaling Through Time patterns, and let’s build a box that does more than just sit pretty.

Materials Used:

Kraft cardstock
Pattern papers from Graphic45 – Journaling Through Time Collection
Scoring board & bone folder
Paper trimmer
Adhesives (liquid glue + strong tape)
Ribbon (for the pop-up mechanism)
Metal tag die (Graphic45 Tag Die) or tag of choice

#G45Reel

Pull the Drawer… Pop! DIY Box with Surprise.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Making the Outer Box

Cut: Kraft paper to 11.5” × 4”
Score at: 4 1/8”, 5 1/4”, 9 3/8”, 10.5”
Fold along all score lines to form the box structure.
Do not adhere the box yet as we still need space to add the pop-up mechanism.

Pattern Paper for Box:

Cut two pieces of 4” × 3 7/8”

Cut two pieces of 1” × 3 7/8”

Adhere these panels neatly to the box base.

Step 2: Creating the Drawer

Cut: Kraft paper to 6” × 6”
Score: 1” on all four sides
Trim off the corner squares (as shown in the tutorial) and fold the flaps inward to form a sturdy drawer box.
Pattern Paper for Drawer:

One piece: 3 7/8” × 3 7/8” (base)

Eight strips: 7/8” × 3 7/8” (drawer sides)

For the drawer pull:

Cut a small semi-circle notch on the front or

Add a ribbon pull for extra charm

Step 3: Pop-Up Tag

For the pop-up element, I used the Graphic45 Tag Metal Die, but you can absolutely keep it simple if you prefer.
Pattern paper size: 5” × 4”
Score 1” on one side. This scored section will attach inside the drawer
Adhere it to the opposite side of the drawer pull notch

Step 4: The Pop-Up Mechanism (The Fun Part!)

This is where the magic happens

Take the larger inside panel of the outer box and adhere a ribbon starting from the edge to the center
Run it all the way to the edge and let it hang outside. Now adhere the box.
Attach the free end of the ribbon to the pop-up tag
Now when the drawer slides out…the tag pops up with it!

Once everything is assembled, go wild with:

* Ephemera

* Stickers

* Layered elements

This box is perfect for:

* A special photo

* A handwritten note

* A small gift tucked inside

It’s interactive, meaningful and a lovely way to start the year with something handmade.

This Pop-Up Drawer Box proves that even small projects can bring big smiles. With the timeless charm of Graphic45’s Journaling Through Time, every pull of the drawer feels like opening a tiny story.

If you recreate this project, I’d love to see how you make it your own.

Happy crafting and happy popping!”

Love, Eva!

Evanjelene

2025-2026 Graphic 45 Brand Ambassador

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Tips for the Best Pop-Up Drawer Box

Use strong adhesive where it counts: liquid glue for clean edges + strong tape for box seams and the ribbon anchor.
Test the drawer slide before decorating: make sure the drawer pulls smoothly before adding bulky layers.
Burnish your score lines: crisp folds make a huge difference in how professional the box looks.
Ribbon length matters: leave enough slack so the tag pops up smoothly—but not so much that it flops around.
Reinforce the drawer pull area: if you’re using a notch, consider backing that panel with an extra strip of cardstock for durability.
Make it a treat box: add a wax paper liner or small bag inside and fill with candies or a mini surprise!

This Pop-Up Drawer Box proves that even small projects can bring big smiles. With the timeless charm of Graphic 45’s Journaling Through Time, every pull of the drawer feels like opening a tiny story.
If you recreate this project, we have to see it—share your finished box in the Graphic 45 Community and tag us so we can cheer you on!

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Until next time… Happy Papercrafting!