This time of the year I always find I am in need of the odd little gifts, so this year I am trying to be organised. One of the ideas I like is a gift tube, they are versatile and can be made in various sizes to suit your gift!

For this one I made a long tube and filled it with christmas marshmallow trees. So lets get started, you will need your November Half Tart and you can use your paper scraps for this, some flowers, a piece of A4 acetate, red twine and border punches.

1. Cut acetate 20cm x 18cm (20cm being the length of the tube). Adhere double sided tape on both ends and fold over to form your tube.

2. To cover the join cut two pieces of patterned paper 20cm x 2cm and use a border punch for scallops. On the reverse side join the two borders with double sided tape.

3. Flip it over and lace the twine through the holes and adhere to the tube on the join.

4. If you don’t have a circle punch or template the same size as the diameter of the tube, use the tube as a template to get the right size circle for the bottom and lid of the tube, cut two circles from patterned paper. Cut another two slightly larger circles from patterned paper and put the circles aside – you should have four circles.

5. For the bottom and lid of the tube cut two pieces of patterned paper 19cm x 4cm. On the one side use a border punch for a decorative trim, on the opposite side score 1cm in and cut as shown in the photo to the score line.

6. For the bottom, adhere the border to the tube and fold the cut pieces in.

7. Use one of the circles the same size as the tube and put liquid glue around the edge of the circle. Carefully push this circle down inside the tube and glue the cut pieces to it. Take one of the slightly larger circles and adhere it to the bottom to cover the cut folds, this will also reinforce the base of the tube. It should look like this when completed.

8. For the lid of the tube, use the tube as your template and fold the border around to form a circle and adhere the ends. Fold the cut pieces inwards, place a circle on the inside of the lid and adhere the slightly larger circle on the outside to cover the cut folds. Embellish the top of the lid with some flowers and leaves.

9. Matt a christmas tag with red cardstock and secure with some ribbon. Fill your tube up with lollies, pop the lid on and your gift is ready!

Gift tubes are a great idea and the sizes can be adjusted to suite your gift and can be filled with so many delightful goodies so grab some acetate and have a play and I would love to see your gift tubes!!!