Easy Graduation Card Box

A graduation card box is a fantastic way to gather heartfelt messages and well-wishes for the graduate! With just a simple, decorative basket, you can create a charming centerpiece that invites guests to share their love and congratulations. This versatile idea isn’t just for graduations—it can be easily adapted for weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions. Make your event memorable by providing a meaningful space for cards that the honoree can cherish for years to come!

How To Make A Graduation Card Box

Whether you’re hosting or attending, there’s always a lot to do around graduation time. When we hosted my daughter’s outdoor graduation party, I had a to-do list a mile long!

Graduation is a special time, and parents and children need to soak up every moment! This card box is a great way to make sure you don’t miss any of the well-wishes from loved ones. Plus, it makes it so easy to transport!

The supply list calls for a picnic basket, but you can use any size basket you have on hand. Also, the printed photos can be swapped for colorful paper or a single photo if you prefer.

Supplies Needed To Make Graduation Card Box

• Basket (I used an old picnic basket from a thrift store)
• White spray paint
• White cardstock
• Printed pictures
• Adhesive
• Cricut Kraftboard in Natural
• Black Cricut Pen with 0.4 tip
• Cricut Cutting Machine (Want to see the difference between the machines? I compared the Cricut Maker and Explore here.) 
• Banner cut file
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Burlap
• Hot glue and glue gun
• L-brackets

Step 1: Spray Paint Basket

To begin, spray paint your basket and allow it to dry while you make the other elements.

Step 2: Cut & Design Banner

Choose a banner cut file in Cricut Design Space. Then cut it from kraftboard and use the Cricut machine to write on the lettering. Set aside.

NOTE: Confused by Cricut Design Space? Download our beginner’s guide here.

Step 3: Print Photos & Cut Cardstock To Fit Lid

Next, we will work with the printed pictures. You can print these however you choose, but I used my HP Sprocket Plus. Measure the inside lid of your picnic basket and cut cardstock to fit the opening. I had to use two pieces of cardstock adhered together for this.

Step 4: Glue Pictures To Cardstock

Lay out your pictures onto the cardstock and secure them in place. The HP Sprocket actually prints on self-adhesive paper, so this step was super simple.

Step 5: Add Cards Banner To The Middle Of The Photos

Add the “cards” banner to the middle of your photos. To adhere the banner piece, I used dimensional adhesive dots for a 3D effect on my final project.

Step 6: Glue Entry Photo Piece To The Inside Of The Basket Lid

Add the whole piece (the photo collage with cards banner) to the lid of the painted picnic basket and secure it in place with hot glue.

You can also add a couple of L-brackets to the lid to hold it open if you like.

Step 7: Line The Inside Of Your Graduation Card Box

Then, line the inside of your picnic basket with burlap for a rustic look. Simply cut the fabric to size with scissors and use hot glue to secure it in place.

Your graduation card box is complete and ready for your party!

This is actually a super simple idea, but it looks great! I can’t wait to use this one at the graduation party I will be throwing later this month! Y’all stay tuned for even more ideas.

Tips and Tricks for Graduation Card Box

Now that you’ve seen this fun graduation card box, are you ready to make your own? Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your project goes as smoothly as possible!

• Design Your Graduation Card Box Around The Theme Of Your Party – For my card box, I was going with a rustic theme, however, you can pick any theme that you like. For example, you could base your graduation card box around school colors, sports, the degree someone is going to pursue, etc.
• Print In Color – I chose to print my photos in black and white, but you can print in color instead!
• Use Graduation Photos – You may have noticed that I used a variety of photos, but this project would be great for displaying those graduation photos you had taken!
• Skip Graduation – As I mentioned before, you don’t have to use this card box just for a graduation party! Instead, recreate this project and use it at a bridal shower, wedding, baby shower, or other special occasion.

5 More Graduation Crafts

Did you love this graduation card box and want more graduation crafts? Then check out the projects below!

• Graduation Party Ideas: Words of Wisdom Jar for Graduates
• Printable Funny Graduation Cards
• 20+ Handmade Graduation Gift Ideas
• Clay Pot Graduation Cap Decor
• DIY Cupcake Wrappers For Graduation (Made With Cricut)