Faux Birch Bark Box

Scissors
Pen or pencil
Ruler
Sturdy knife
Fine point sharpie
Sandpaper

(5) 12" x 12" birch bark pattern paper
Rubber cement
1/8" thick hemp string (or sisal twine)
A few aluminum soda cans
(1) cardboard photo box
A good length of faux birch bark ribbon (hobby lobby)
A few leaves (in good condition)
A nail
A hole puncher

Using a knife, pry the metal label holder off of the photo box (yes, I realize that I am using a hammer in the picture... Whatever works). Be careful not to rip a hole in the side of the box.

You will need to make 2 sheets 7 1/2" x 10" with at least 1/2" of overlap on each edge.
You will also need 2 sheets 11" x 8 1/8" with 1/2" of overlap on each edge. These 4 sheets will be for the bottom part of the box.
For the box top, you'll need 1 sheet 9 3/4" x 11" with 1/2" of overlap on the edges.
You may be able to use any scraps you have leftover for the box top sides. Measure 2 pieces 1" x 7 3/4" with 1/2" of overlap on the. Edges.
The little 1/2" squares in the corners of the paper can be cut out or folded later.

Start with the 2 smaller sides of the box. Fold the paper along the lines, and form it around the box. Glue the top 1/2" of overlap to the inside of the box; if you have trouble getting the paper to stick, use the rounded edge of a ruler and draw it across the paper until it remains flush with the box. Fold the 1/2" of overlap on each side and glue it down to the box. Allow it to dry a little before adding the other side. Repeat this step for the other side.
Fold the paper along the lines, and form it around the box. Glue the top 1/2" of overlap to the inside of the box. Fold the 1/2" of overlap underneath the paper (instead of gluing it to the sides); this will make the edges look more even when the box is completed. The 2 sides should meet in the center on the bottom of the box. Glue all of it down.
For the box top, start with the short ends and glue them down like the boxes smaller sodes. Glue the top layer over the top of the box.
Allow it to dry and you're done! This makes a great natural- looking gift box.

Cut a good length of faux birch bark ribbon. Place the box upside down on the ribbon, pull the ends of the ribbon even, fold them over the center and send them over the opposite sides. Flip the box over and finish off the ribbons whichever way you choose.
The leaves are from something I saw in a bird magazine (not my idea, but I'll tell you how to make them, anyway). Cut the tops off of 2 soda cans (or more, if you want more leaves), cut down the middle, Sand off the labeled side of the can, trace your leaves onto the can with a fine point sharpie, cut along the edges, punch a hole where the stem would be, send a loop of string through the hole, send the loose ends through the loop (this locks the string on the leaf), tie the ends off, attach to the ribbon.

This is my first tutorial, of what I hope to be many more.
Thanks for looking, please let me know if you have any questions regarding a step that I may have missed.
I would also like to say thanks to hobby lobby for keeping me supplied with most of my craft supplies.