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Find or make a box to decorate. Take off the lid off your box if it has one. Add primer or paint if you want a background.
Look at your local craft store for plain boxes to decorate. You'll likely be able to find them in wood or heavy cardboard. You can also upcycle old boxes, such as shoe boxes or small cardboard shipping boxes. You can even use cereal boxes or other food boxes!  You can also découpage old trunks. If you prefer, you can make a box out of cardstock or another heavy paper. This step will make the box easier to paint and decorate. If it's a shoe box or something similar, just pull the lid off. If you bought a wooden box, you may need to unscrew the hinges and put them to the side to take the lid off completely. Make sure to put the metal parts in a safe place. Pick up gesso (primer) from a craft store, along with a foam brush or a 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) flat bristle brush. Paint the gesso on in a single, even layer, trying to go the same direction along each side. Once it's dry, add a layer of acrylic paint the same way if you'd like.  A primer can make it easier for your paper to stick, particularly with wood or slick boxes (such as cereal boxes) but it's not strictly necessary. However, if you plan to leave some areas blank when you add your paper decorations, you may want to paint the box a color of your choosing. In that case, you should prime it first. You may need to sand the box again to smooth out the surface for the paper.