INSTRUCTIONS:
1. On the back side of one piece of black cardstock, use a pencil and ruler to draw lines dividing the paper in half vertically and horizontally. Following your pencil lines, fold in the corners of the cardstock so that the points meets in the middle. This creates a sturdy 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" square for the mortarboard.

2. Cut the other black cardstock into strips: 2 - 2 7/8" wide, 2 - 1" wide. You will use these to cover the sides of the box and box lid. You may choose double-sided tape or decoupage glue if you prefer. Adhere one strip around the side of the box as far as it will go. Add the second strip where the first one ended and continue to wrap around the box until you get back to the beginning of the first strip. Cut off excess. Repeat with the box lid.

3. Cut a small circle of black cardstock approx. 1" in diameter. Cut a slightly smaller circle of double sided tape. Apply the tape to the top of the brad. Adhere the cardstock circle on top of the tape and wrap the excess around the edges of the brad.

4. Poke a small hole in the center of the mortarboard and a hole in the center of the box lid. Attach the mortarboard to the box lid by placing the brad first through the unfolded (top) side of the cardstock, then through the hole in the box lid so that the folded face of the cardstock is pressed against the lid. Bend back the metal brad tabs. Loop the tassle around the brad. Voila!

Optional: You may want to line the inside of the box and lid with the graduate's school color for a nice contrast to the black. Use paper, fabric or paint. It may be best to do this step before assembling the lid so that the mortarboard won't get bent.