Leather Gift Box With Silk Poppy

Materials
1 plain cardboard gift box 9"x9"x 5 1/2" with detachable top
1 orange deerskin (find at craft store or Tandy
Leather store)
acrylic paints and brushes
3 pieces of 14" x 17" 90 lb. vellum paper
1 yard black ribbon
1 black button
1 yard red and orange silk chiffon or organza
needle and thread
Sobo or Aleene's tacky glue

1. Paint a design or flowers on the paper using the acrylic paints and allow the paper to dry.
2. Cut and glue the painted paper to the bottom, inside cover and inside of the box.
3. Cover the outside of the box with the leather and attach with the tacky glue.
4. Cut 10-12 large silk fabric petals in the shape of a butterfly/bone (large round ends with skinny middle section).
5. Layer the fabric pieces to form a complete circle and stitch the pieces together through the center.
6. Pull the thread and tie in a double knot. The pieces should become bunched up in the center.
7. Pull up each layer to create the flower shape.
8. Sew the button in the middle of the flower to create the poppy center.
9. Sew the flower onto the black ribbon and attach the black ribbon to the top of the box cover with glue.

This is the perfect gift box because it is reusable. Leather lasts forever and looks very sophisticated. It's also a great gift box for a man-- just exchange the flower for a simple gross grain ribbon or a vintage necktie. I use my leather gift box to store ribbons, beads and letters; it looks lovely on a shelf or a dresser and the color is a great accent for any room.