Is it too early to begin Valentine posts? I’m wondering since I just celebrated the 12th day of Christmas, 3 Kings Day, also known as Epiphany, yesterday. How did I celebrate? I took down my tree and made a huge pan of brownies. Life is Like a Box of Chocolates Tutorial.
Life is Like a Box of Chocolates Tutorial
I just adore Valentine Day. I have, in the past, been the recipient of a few lovely valentines. Last year I was in a swap with the delightful Cupcake DD and she sent me a lovely altered box chock full of wonderful things. It inspired me to save my family’s candy boxes last year and add my own bit of fancy.
Now of course if you didn’t happen to save last year’s candy box you can do one of two things. Use another type of box or go to store, buy a heart-shaped box and eat all the contents immediately. (I like choice number two.)
Once you have an empty box you can embellish the edge in a variety of ways~ ribbon, lace, crepe paper. I had crepe paper on hand and decided to create a pleated edge. You could also gather your crepe paper in a ruffled edge. To attach your embellishment use white glue, a glue stick (my choice, Coccoina) or a low temp glue gun. Fold and glue, fold and glue, fold and glue until you want to throw the box in the trash. Hee Hee.
I am going to tell you that it is ok if you do not have perfect pleats. I am sure there are people out there that pleat their edges while also holding a ruler, but I am not one of them and you don’t have to be either. Next, cut a shape to fit the interior space to cover it. I used scrapbook paper, but could you imagine this in velvet~ yum!
You can now start to embellish the top of the box. On a few of the boxes, I added a second layer of fringed tissue paper (it also goes by the name of festooning) which you can purchase at scrapbook stores or on Etsy.
From there I just got creative and added folded ribbon, crepe paper rosettes, punched scrapbook shapes, plastic doves, pearls and whatever else I could find in my pink, red and white stash.
Sweet little paper doilies make fantastic cones.
Here is the Fashionista’s favorite.
Her box features a sweet Valentine cone that my dear friend Miss Sandy had created for me a few years ago.
Each box has tons of layers and textures. I love this close up shot of folded ribbon, roses and crepe paper rosettes.
The lovely Candice Carpenter has several wonderful tutorials on ribbon folding and creating rosettes, among others, on the right-hand sidebar of her blog.
Even teeny tiny boxes received some sweet treatment.
This box will hold enough new Lego pieces to make an awesome starship. Two guesses who it is for.
So what will the other boxes hold? A whole lotta fun. Lace, ribbon, paper, ephemera, and small bits of candy. But I can’t show you as they are headed to the homes of a few lovely ladies that I am swapping with and I want it to be a surprise.
What Valentine surprises do you have in store?
Laura
April says
These are speechlessly lovely, Laura. Your attention to detail is wonderful, and I find great comfort in knowing you do NOT fold pleats with a ruler in hand. 🙂
I could never ever do that, as I am prone to not measure the flour when baking a cake!
Happy Friday!
Julie Tucker-Wolek says
Ohhhhhhhhhhh WOW!! I love love love love love what you have done with those boxes!! Bookmarking this post so I can do one too! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
Auntie Em says
Your Valentine boxes are so beautiful. They remind me of the sweet romantic ones my Mom kept in her cedar chest!
Thanks for sharing! :o)
fairfieldhousenj.com says
Laura,
These boxes are sweeter than the candy they once contained! I wish I had a box of chocolates to finish off. It's snowing in NJ (again) and would be the perfect day to watch an old classic and devour something sinfully delicious. I'm still recovering from Christmas and New Years and haven't given Valentines Day a single thought…yet! Popping over to Fabulous French Fridays now.
Your Friend,
Deborah
Bloggymom says
Wow!! Those are fancy!!
Shelia says
Oh, my goodness, Laura! Your boxes are beautiful! I love all the froo froo and all the detail you've put into them. The little pleating is so sweet and frilly! I believe you can do anything! 🙂
Oh, I'd better hop over to the store and buy me a pretty box of candy and eat 'em up like you said. Then see if I have the strength to embellish it! 🙂
Be a sweetie,
shelia 😉
Miss Sandy says
Laura,
The boxes are fantastically beautiful! So you are giving Mr. Decor legos for Valentine's day ;c) I am sure Mr. Decor Jr. will enjoy those immensely! Have yourself a super sweet weekend!
jeanette from everton terrace says
Okay, totally looked like you folded with a ruler to me. I would like one with just ruffles all over the whole box. If anyone needs more boxes, I'm willing to volunteer to eat the candy!
Mom in High Heels says
I celebrate the 12th day of Christmas EXACTLY the same as you: taking down the tree and eating brownies! It's no wonder I love your blog. 😉
Your chocolate boxes are precious. We may have to make a few of those for some of Indy's little girl friends. Let me clarify: friends who are girls, not girlfriends. Though one told him they were getting married when she turns 27 (he'll be 28). I like her parents and think she picked a good age to get married, so I'm okay with that.
Jingle says
Your box is amazing! So gorgeous!
Ceekay- Thinkin of Home says
How fabulous. I really wanted to get in on a valentine swap…but I am a day behind…or a few!!
Future Mama says
“Sweet” post 😉 The detail is fantastic! And now I find myself craving something chocolate….
http://expectingablessing.blogspot.com/
GARAGE SALE GAL says
Hi Laura,
WOW, WOW, WOW, those are amazing!!! It gives me ideas that I haven't thought of before! I don't want mine to look like it was done by the “puppies” 🙂
Warmly,
deb 🙂
Melanie {The Tiny Tudor} says
I love this project! I too have had Valentine's Day on my mind and this is the first blog post I have seen about one of my favorite holidays… Thanks for the inspiration!
Karena says
Lovely Laura!! The Russel Stover (Generations down) family is right here in Kansas City where the Candy Company began!!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
The Quintessential Magpie says
Does it get any better than chocolate and beautiful boxes??? Love yours and wish I had some chocolate right now!
Hugs, Laura…
XO,
Sheila 🙂
Terri says
I totally love Valentine's day. It was one of my favorites as a school teacher!
French Basketeer.com says
These are all so pretty, so Laura! Who would not be delighted to receive a box like this, I wouldn't care what the heck was inside!!
Lisa says
You know I have always loved the boxed chocolates…for the box not the chocolates. I don't like gooey filled chocolates. I know. I just thought the boxes were so pretty but you Miss Laura have take the box to a whole new Valentine level! So pretty!
Blue Ridge Altered Art says
These are lovely. I will have to give this a try. Thanks for sharing. ~~Sherry~~
Stephanie Cameron says
What a great idea! I may have to try this out…it would be great to give to my bestie!
Nany says
Absolutely stunning beauties…I will give a try to the cones too….Wishing you had a beautiful Three Kings Day as mine with your loved ones….Hugs from Puerto Rico
Nicole @ Black Cab Designs says
It is never too early to start holiday crafts. Anythings better than pulling late nights at the last minute. Your boxes look wonderful. I know a 5 year old who would love to receive one, might have to give it a try. Thanks for the inspiration!
ImagiMeri says
Hi Laura,
Wow, those hearts are awesome….I don't know why you're buying from me when you're creating such beautiful stuff. Don't get me wrong, I really do appreciate your business. By the way, I don't know if you remember, but I'll be making two “deer” shadowboxes soon. Would you like me to give you the “heads up” on those when I've got em' ready?
Hugs,
Meri
Shirley says
Wonderful Valentine boxes..Valentine's are in my life so every day has some form of Valentine's in it..Even at Christmas.. gifts to me have some form of Valentine's..
I need an intervention!
Kindredly,
Shirley
To Sew With Love says
so lovely! would love for you to link up at our link-up party!
Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish says
Those are too cute!! Great job! I love all the embellishments – it is the perfect combo!
fairfieldhousenj.com says
Laura,
What is the Valentine Party Feb 11 button for? I press it but it doesn't take me anywhere.
Thank you!
Your Friend,
Deborah
Mimi says
HI LAURA!!!
Those box tops are amazing!!I love the puppy one, just might try ot do that for Miss C.
How is your darling daughter doing and her writing???I need to go check out there webpage and see some things!!!
Valentines day will be here soon, after corie's baby Sprinkle this next weekend, I will have red hearts everywhere!!!!
love,
jamie
Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming says
Laura – this are so pretty and precious! I love the ruffled crepe paper borders – how sweet. Thanks for linking to the Sunday Showcase – I'll be featuring this today. Hope you have a fabulous week! ~ Stephanie Lynn
TRay says
I'm seriously hoping one of these boxes makes it way to my home….
🙂
Pea
Krista @ While He Was Napping says
This is very cute! I'd love for you to come link it up to my Love Linky Party. It would be a fantastic addition!
Krista
Counting Your Blessings says
What a great idea! I have lots of little heart boxes from previous years. I'll have to try this out. Thanks so much for sharing.
Blessings… Polly
Counting Your Blessings & French Cupboard