

What is Valentine’s day without that iconic heart shaped box of chocolates? They were originally intended to sell chocolates to those expressing their love to one another. But why should we have to wait for someone to give us one of these cardboard confections? I say make your own heart shaped wonder and gift it to yourself filled with things that you love whether they are chocolates or some other indulgence.

Here’s how to make your own:

Supplies:
Heart shaped box with lid
Scrapbook paper
Streamers
Sewing machine or needle and thread
Plastic flowers
Trims and ribbon
Scissors or Exacto knife
Glue and Glue Gun

Trace out your scrapbook paper to cover the inside of the box – if needed. The box I used was thrifted and needed to be covered.

Glue the scrapbook paper into the inside of the box and also the lid. Avoid papering where the lid and the box overlap so that the lid will still fit on the box. I painted this edge with some gold paint to freshen it up.

Cut your decorative paper for the exterior of the box and apply it with glue. Let dry.

In order to get the neatest application for the decorative paper on the lid I cut the heart shape slightly larger and glued it to the lid. Once the glue is dried you can carefully trim off the excess paper with your knife.

Add the last bits of scrapbook paper to cover all the surfaces and let dry.

While the box is drying sew your streamers into ruffles. Working with thin paper streamers can be tricky since it rips very easily. I found that using a double layer of streamer helped as well as going very slow on the sewing machine. After you straight stitch down the center of the streamer hold one string and gently pull to gather the paper.

Using the hot glue gun attach the ruffled streamer to your box lid.

This is where it starts to get fancy! 🙂

With the hot glue gun add trim to the center of the ruffle to cover the stitching.

Trim your plastic flower and leaves and attached them to the lid for the finishing touch.

You can put candy in your box or use it to store something special.

Happy Valentine’s Day to you from me! xo