Octagonal cracker

I have an alternative way of gift wrapping for you today.

It's an octagonal cracker. I say cracker, but there is no  snap or crack in this cracker. I'm not so sure it would tear so well if you tried to pull it as the card is a much better quality than used in shop bought crackers. which is why I am describing this as an alternative gift wrap.

To make this cracker you'll need one sheet of A4 card scored  at 1 inch intervals from top to bottom all the way along.

Then in the landscape position, score  at 1  3/4 ,   2  1/4,  and  2  3/4 inches. 

Turn the card round and score again at the opposite end, using the same measurements.

Using an envelope punchboard, line up the little finger on the punchboard with the first  1 3/4 score line. Then fold the card on the first one inch score line,  reposition in the punchboard and punch again. repeat this action on all the 1 inch score lines. See photo below.

Repeat at both ends.  Fold all three score lines back and forth this will make adding the ribbon easier.

Before joining the sides, It's a good idea to decorate each panel, while the project is still flat 

with a paper of your choice. This does not have to be Christmas themed paper, it could also be used to wrap a gift for any occasion. 

 Join the sides.

Add the ribbon at one end. Now you will notice there is still quite a large hole left,  which a slimline gift could fall out. Now you could scrunch up some tissue paper and block the hole, add the gift, then add  more tissue before tie up the end.

  Another option you could use is to cut a circle of card to drop in the cracker before adding the gift, then add another circle before sealing with the second ribbon. 

  

You'll need two , 2 1/4 inch circles for the second method.