Learn how to make a Graduation Cap Gift Box with a few supplies from Dollar Tree. Graduation from high school or college is a life-changing celebration. Make it extra special with an easy gift box that looks just like a mortar board or graduation cap, complete with a tassel. A free pattern is included below to make this project in about 30 minutes.

Dollar Tree DIY Graduation Cap Gift Box

This post, Dollar Tree DIY Graduation Cap Gift Box, contains affiliate links. Using links to these sites means I will earn a percentage of the purchase at no extra cost to you.

What do you need to make a Graduation Cap Gift Box?
- Paper Mache Box, 4” Round – Dollar Tree
- Craft Foam, Black – Dollar Tree
- Anchor Embroidery Floss Skein – Yellow
- Button, Black – Dollar Tree
- Glue Gun and Glue Sticks – Dollar Tree
- Americana Acrylic Paint by DecoArt – Lamp Black
- Americana Basecoat Paintbrush Set
- Scissors – I love my Fiskars!
- Ruler
- Pencil
- GRADUATION CAP GIFT BOX PATTERN download from the bottom of this post ⇓

How do you create a Mortar Board Gift Box for a Graduate?
STEP ONE
To begin the Graduation Cap Gift Box DIY, gather all supplies. Remove the labels and packaging from the supplies. Basecoat the lid and base of the round paper mache box with Lamp Black acrylic paint. Let dry, and apply a second coat, if necessary. You can also paint the inside of the box if you prefer. I love Americana Acrylics from DecoArt because they have one-coat coverage on most surfaces.

STEP TWO
Remove the labels from the embroidery floss skein, then measure and cut four lengths that are 12 inches long each. Open the middle of the skein of floss so that it looks like a circle.

Tie and knot one of the embroidery floss lengths through and around both of the natural curves at the ends of the skein. I have used the traditional black and yellow for this mortar board, but be creative and use your graduate's school colors. I love using Anchor Embroidery Floss from Coats and Clark.

STEP THREE
Measure approximately .75 inches down from the top knot, and tie one 12″ length of embroidery floss around the skein, securing it with a knot.

Wrap each end around the skein three times, in opposite directions. Wrap one to the left and one to the right. Secure again with a knot. Repeat on the opposite end of the skein.

STEP FOUR
Trim the long ends of the wrapped and knotted embroidery floss with scissors. Carefully measure and cut the skein of embroidery floss in half at the three-inch mark with scissors.

Secure the knots with a small dot of glue from the glue gun.

STEP FIVE
Download and print the Graduation Cap Pattern from the bottom of this post ⇓ Cut out the pattern with scissors. Trace onto black craft foam with a pencil.

Cut out the top of the graduation cap with scissors. You can also measure and cut a 5″ by 5″ square from the black craft foam, or create a square one inch larger than the size of your round paper mache box.

STEP SIX
Flip the box lid upside down and attach the craft foam square to the top of the paper mache box lid with a glue gun and glue sticks. TIP: You can use liquid craft glue for this project, but you will have to wait for it to dry.

STEP SEVEN
Flip the box lid back over and lay the tassel out on top of the grad cap so it dangles over the edge. T

rim the tassel hanger with scissors and attach it to the center of the grad cap lid with a glue gun and glue sticks. To finish, glue a small black button on top of the tassel hanger to cover the cut end.

Download the Graduation Cap Gift Box Pattern HERE
Quick and Easy DIY Graduation Cap Gift Box
Create this fun and creative Dollar Store Graduation Cap Gift Box in your graduate’s school colors and then tuck a gift card inside with some paper shreds. It is also the perfect size for a watch, jewelry, or even some cold hard cash. The ideal graduation gift! The Dollar Tree craft section is perfect for finding good-quality arts and crafts supplies and getting creative!


Create a quick and easy DIY Mason Jar Graduation Cap with simple supplies from Dollar Tree. Roll up bills to create cute paper money diplomas, or use this container to hold Words of Wisdom for the Graduate with a free printable.

Graduation season is here and with multiple parties happening in the next month I wanted to help my nieces and nephews celebrate in style with a DIY Graduation Cap Cupcake Stand and Cake Plate!

Create a pair of Clay Pot Graduation Caps with a few supplies from Dollar Tree. Graduation from high school or college is a life-changing celebration. Make it extra special with easy decorations that look just like a mortar board or graduation cap, complete with a tassel.

Sharing is Caring! If you LOVE it, Please PIN it!
Too busy to make this Dollar Tree Graduation Cap Gift Box right now? Pin it for later! I'd love for you to pin this project to your favorite craft board on Pinterest and then it’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready.


I'd love to hear what you think about this project, or if you want to know more about Dollar Tree crafting. If you've made your own graduation projects, I would love to see your creations! Share them on Instagram, and Facebook, or leave a comment/photo on the project pin on Pinterest! #CreativelyBeth



Thanks for stopping by!

This is brilliant. I was looking for something like this last year, and this is so much better than what I came up with. 😉 Pinning! Thanks for sharing this post with us at the Will Blog for Comments #37 linkup. We hope to see you next time at #38 sharing more posts. Have a great week.
YES, Jennifer! So quick and easy to make for any and all graduations!