New computer crafters will find the mini-lunchbox gifts ideal for beginners, and a terrific rainy-day project for the little ones.  The only hardware you need is your computer and color printer!  Simply create colorful designs in your graphics design program and print them on ink jet printable magnet sheets, which cut with scissors, Fiskars® and paper cutter as easily as paper.  

While the magnet sheets are a little costly (around $3.50 per sheet), you can fit multiple designs on one magnet sheet; so your expense for the magnet sheet comes to about $1.50 per lunchbox.

You'll find these mini-lunchboxes delight recipients of any age. Packed with an assortment of celebration goodies, they become a party in themselves!   Let your imagination be your guide when creating and filling these whimsical, one-of-a-kind treats. Your design on the printable magnet sheet on the box front, and the contents you choose to fill the lunchbox, will make this quick gift suitable for any occasion. Add a scanned photo of the recipient to your design for special personalization.

Instructions:

1. In your graphics design program on a blank 8˝” x 11” layout, create a frame or box 4.7” wide x 3.3” tall (for smaller mini-lunchbox) or 7" wide x 4.5" tall (for larger mini-lunchbox). If desired, create additional smaller frame design areas to fit the sides of your lunchbox.
2. Fill these frames with your graphics and text designs to suit the occasion.
3. Align your designs to fill the entire 8˝” x 11” layout area, placing simple graphics on the unused portion of the layout area so that none of the magnet sheet is wasted. Save your design.
4. Place ONE printable magnet sheet in your printer’s feed tray and print your design at a high resolution. (Because they are magnetic, you must print one at a time.)   These magnet sheets do not harm your CPU or printer in any way--the magnet is not strong enough.
5. Cut the individual magnet pieces apart using a paper cutter, scissors, and/or decorative edge shears (Fiskars Long & Wide Paper Edgers work very well). Place the finished magnets on the lunchbox front and sides. If desired, additional magnets can be placed on the inside lid of the lunchbox.
6. Fill the box with homemade or store-bought goodies to suit the occasion.  The "Mail Call" box shown above held computer crafted notecards & matching envelopes, postage stamps, pen, sealing wax & impression stamp.  Colorful metallic shred can be added to the inside bottom of the box if desired and if space allows (see "Super Bowl Survival Kit" below).  Further enhance the box with curling ribbon tied to the handle.