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Valentine's day Wooden Gift Box

1/14/2017

68 Comments

 
Today I am getting together with some blogger friends in order to bring you a whole lot of Valentine's Day Inspiration and a link party. My contribution is a Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box.

For all you bloggers out there add your Valentine's Day crafts.  The party will be open till February 13th.  And for the rest of you folks I know you will find lots of fun ideas here so you can create your own personal Valentines Day Craft. And we have plenty of time to get ready!
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Valentine's Day link party logo
I had wanted to find a box to turn into a Valentine's craft. Well I dragged my son and his friend all the way to the salvation army store looking for a box.

There were rooms and rooms of stuff.  This was my first time there and it was a bit overwhelming.  So much stuff and even a few boxes.  But I was out of luck.  All the boxes were overpriced.  At least they were for me, who is used to free.  I found some boxes, but the price was $10.  I could have gotten a new one for that price at Michael's. Instead I bought this. It was on sale for $2.

​Not exactly a box, but it was a start. 

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heart shaped bowl, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box theboondocksblog.com
As for the box.  I went back home dejected and looked around my dad's stash and came up with an old wooden cigar box.  It had all sorts of labels on it.  I tried really hard to get them off, really I did!  I even got my dad involved.  We tried sanding, we tried alcohol, and even grease.  But in the end all I did was remove the wood around the glue.  

Here is a picture of the sanded side and you can see the rectangular shape which is the stubborn glue.  It has now officially been renamed the cigar box from glue hell! 

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wooden box with glue, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box theboondocksblog.com
In the end I decided to just go with it and come what may!  I first white washed the box.  I simply added paint and then using a rag just wiped it off. 
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white washed wooden box, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box theboondocksblog.com
Then I cut out fabric hearts using the ceramic bowl as a template. I figured since I had bought it I might as well get some use out of it. I used the bottom of the ceramic bowl to cut out these hearts.  I then decoupaged the fabric hearts onto the box using Mod Podge.  I had found this idea over at Eccentricities by JVG.  You can see Jasmine's idea here.  
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decoupaged hearts on side, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box theboondocksblog.com
I did the same thing on top but made the heart a little bigger by using the top of the ceramic heart as a template. Easy peasy and no fancy machines here. 
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decoupaged heart on top of box, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box theboondocksblog.com
I painted the inside white and then added a fabric bottom.  I cut out a piece of cardboard and then glued the fabric onto it.  Once dry I placed it on the bottom. 
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inside of box with fabric on the bottom, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box theboondocksblog.com
And my box was finished.  I then placed the heart shaped bowl inside and added some candy.  I just had to use that bowl for something. 

heart shaped bowl inside box, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box theboondocksblog.com
box with chocolates inside, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box theboondocksblog.com
outside of box, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box theboondocksblog.com
I love the way those hearts look.  And I think because I did not go all out red, it is a box that can be used all year long.  (Are we seeing a pattern here with my projects?)
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subtle hearts on outside of wooden box, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box theboondocksblog.com
I honestly don't know how long those chocolates are going to last, they are calling my name!
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chocolates inside of heart shaped bowl in wooden box, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box theboondocksblog.com
Did I solve the glue problem?  I have never seen such stubborn glue before.  Looking at it now, you would not guess that this was the cigar box from glue hell!
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box and heart shaped bowl with chocolates, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box theboondocksblog.com
wooden box with decoupaged hearts, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box theboondocksblog.com
I have to admit I really love the colors that I used and the fabrics are perfect for the subtle look I was after. 
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hearts decoupaged onto an old wooden cigar box, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box theboondocksblog.com
This was a roundabout way of making a project.  Looking for a box and finding a bowl instead!  I'm glad I didn't buy a box.  Instead I used the cigar box from glue hell and transformed it into something pretty. 

And that Salvation Army store was an eye opener for me.  Have you ever been to one?  What did you buy.

And even better this Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box can be used all year long (my favorite part). 

Now scroll down and add all of your Valentine's Day projects!
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An old cigar box, white washed and decoupaged into a gift box, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box theboondocksblog.com #repurpose #Upcycle #ValentinesDay #Heartshaped #Decooupage #whitewashedbox #giftbox
If you like what you see, share it with your friends, or save it on Pinterest.  Above is a Pinterest worthy image!

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Picture

Link up below and check out what my co-hostesses have been up to for Valentine's Day.   Make sure you come back to see all the new ideas that will be added to the link party.

Across the Boulevard
The Boondocks Blog
Purple Hues and Me
My Husband Has Too Many Hobbies
Olives & Okra
Sew Crafty Crochet
Stone Cottage Adventures
Two Chicks and a Mom

​
An InLinkz Link-up
More Valentine's Day Crafts:
The Big, Bold Heart
What the Heart Hides
<<Sweet Inspiration Link Party #39          HOME       Coffee with Tealights, please >>

Linking up to these Link Parties

This blog is for entertainment purposes only; my DIY tutorials are not professional advice. Read my full disclaimer here.​


I love it when I get your comments and I will try reply to them or visit you on your blog. ​Please do not add a hyperlink to your comment, otherwise we cannot publish it.
68 Comments
Beverly link
1/14/2017 08:33:39 am

I love this, Mary! I think it looks great. What a clever way to use the thrift store bowl.

Reply
Mary
1/14/2017 02:16:18 pm

After going thru all that trouble to buy that bowl I just had to use it.

Reply
Tania link
1/14/2017 10:06:00 am

Love your little box you created, did you try Goo-Gone to get the glue remains off? I've had good luck with that.

I'm glad to see the party will be open for awhile, I plan to have some Valentine's Day posts but just haven't gotten to them yet!

Tania

Reply
Mary
1/14/2017 02:19:28 pm

Tania I don't know what that is. In fact I never expected to have so much trouble with it. I'll keep it in mind for the future. Thanks. And we'll be looking forward to seeing your projects here too.

Reply
Gail @Purple Hues and Me link
1/14/2017 10:40:44 am

Mary, this is darling! You managed to come up with the best ways to recycle objects and this wooden gift box for Valentine's Day is no exception! Great job in making this!

Reply
Mary
1/14/2017 02:22:21 pm

Gail thank you so much. I had so much trouble with this one I ended up writing the post last night. But everything turned out for the best in the end.

Reply
Jasmine link
1/14/2017 12:40:55 pm

Mary, this is a beautiful wooden box. It gives me great pleasure to see that one of my ideas inspired great ideas on others. It gives a bit more meaning and value to what we do in blogging, hopefully give others inspiration and a bit of beauty. Thank you!

Reply
Mary
1/14/2017 02:28:25 pm

Thank you Jasmine. I was racking my brain trying to come up with a project when I saw yours. And that is when the light bulb came on! And just in time too because I was running out of days. I really love your project with the overlapping trees.

Reply
Keri link
1/14/2017 02:35:20 pm

Mary, I really like how you decorated the cigar box, that glue was being a stinker huh?!! The paint and fabric are lovely. The chocolate looks delicious. I hardly go to thrift stores because the prices are usually higher than I like to pay for second hand stuff. However I always thought that the Salvation Army was cheaper with their prices but then again you're in New York so maybe that has something to do with the higher prices. That's one of the reasons I love garage sales, the prices are usually irresistible.

Reply
Mary
1/14/2017 02:44:44 pm

Keri it was my first time at a thrift store, I really didn't know what to expect. But I'm glad I shopped my house instead. I guess I'm lucky that my dad doesn't throw anything away. I too like going to yard sales but right now I don't know if there are any going on. I mean it is kind of cold and there was snow...

That's ok everything worked out in the end. :)

Reply
Lynn Spencer link
1/14/2017 02:36:50 pm

I have come to believe that there is no obstacle you cannot overcome! I really do love the shape of that cigar box though...and I do think you can use it year round.

Haven't been to a Salvation Army store, but we have a Goodwill store that I imagine would be similar. Hit or Miss.

Have a great day my friend.

Hugs, LYnn

Reply
Mary
1/15/2017 09:53:29 pm

Lynn I was very frustrated to find that my first visit to a thrift store in 20 years yielded only a ceramic bowl. But the cigar box is definitely a keeper. Thanks for your support.

Reply
Marci link
1/14/2017 07:15:23 pm

What a wonderful box and your color choices are so pretty together! I love how the bowl fits perfectly inside! We have Salvation Army stores nearby. All kinds of fun things can be found. -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

Reply
Mary
1/15/2017 09:56:10 pm

I did luck out Marci in that the box and bowl were a perfect fit. Maybe I should come to your Salvation Army store next time.

Reply
Laurie link
1/14/2017 08:09:56 pm

Mary, The gift box is fabulous! It has a wonderful old world charm to it. The fabrics you used are just perfect for that look. Glad you were able to use your candy dish too!

Reply
Mary
1/15/2017 09:58:45 pm

I totally agree with your old world charm assessment Laurie. I am so glad I took the fabric with me when I went on my trip.

Reply
Marjan Hoebeke-Pfaff link
1/15/2017 03:42:50 am

Hello Mary,
what a lovely box it has become! I think I really love it because it's not red and one still gets the message: Valentine. You've got the perfect fabric for the hearts. And the bowl looks great too with or without chocolates - are there any left?
Have a great Sunday,
Marjan

Reply
Mary
1/15/2017 10:00:20 pm

Marjan the chocolates are almost gone. But the fabric is great! I wanted to use it for all year not just Valentines. After all it is only one day.

Reply
Michelle link
1/15/2017 04:21:18 am

LOL, Silly glue. We always use thinners or lighter fluid, but your glue looks like it's super tough. Your box turned out amazing though Mary, love the pattern on the fabric. So timeless

Reply
Mary
1/16/2017 02:39:53 pm

We tried that too. I was really confounded by that cigar box. But at least I found a way to cover up the mess.

Reply
T'onna | Sew Crafty Crochet link
1/15/2017 06:05:58 am

I love this box! The fabric hearts are lovely! And I those chocolates wouldn't last a day in my house! 😂

Reply
Mary
1/16/2017 02:51:00 pm

T'onna they are going pretty fast here too.

Reply
Linda at Mixed Kreations link
1/15/2017 06:36:34 pm

I love the box Mary! I think it turned out so pretty! Love the colors. Glad you decided to go subtle instead of red that way you can use it after Valentines Day as well.
I've been to a Salvation Army store a few times, but go to Goodwill more because we have one just a few miles away. I love looking through both, and sometimes I get lucky and find good buy.

Reply
Mary
1/16/2017 03:04:12 pm

Yes I really didn't want the red, it is so limiting. Maybe I should look for a Goodwill store around my area Linda.

Reply
Brooke of Passport Couture link
1/15/2017 08:31:54 pm

What a great of re-purposing! I also love that you can use this box year round and not just on Valentine's Day. The upcycling on this project really enhances the box and shows how it can serve another use.

Reply
Mary
1/16/2017 03:05:49 pm

I really wanted to avoid the Valentine's Day red in your face look. This can be given as a gift on its' own. Thanks Brooke.

Reply
Katrin link
1/16/2017 05:23:21 am

Mary I have never been to the salvation army but to goodwill for sure. That would have been the price of a new box at Micheals easily and you did well in looking through your dad´s stuff! Who knows what else you might find! The cigar box turned out so pretty and the hearts so cute and I like that it can be used all year long!

Reply
Mary
1/16/2017 03:09:18 pm

Actually Katrin we went to Michael's first and a box was $10. But I thought I could find one cheaper at the thrift store. Boy was I wrong. I'll have to look for a Goodwill next.

Reply
Marie from The Interior Frugalista link
1/16/2017 10:36:42 am

I knew this was your Valentine's Wooden Box as soon as I saw it at one of the link parties, Mary! It has your signature "crafting with fabric" and I love your non-traditional Valentine's colors and pattern. You must be having so much fun with access to all your favorite retailers while in the US. Happy crafting and thanks for the Valentine's link up!

Reply
Mary
1/16/2017 03:12:02 pm

Oh thanks Marie. I had not realized that I had a signature style. I am having a ball not going sight seeming but going to all the craft stores. Can you imagine how much fun I'd have if I was here when the weather is warmer? I'd go to all the yard and garage sales.

Reply
Jas @All that's Jas link
1/16/2017 11:10:30 am

Mary, that turned out really good. If you ever have stubborn label glue, just use lemon oil (essential oil). It works like a charm! My daughter told me that trick and I couldn't believe it. Thanks for hosting and don't let little things get in a way of enjoying your time with your sons :)

Reply
Mary
1/16/2017 03:13:16 pm

Now that is a good tip Jas. I'll have to try that one next time. I most certainly will not let anything get in the way of my time with my sons.

Reply
Doreen@foxdenrd link
1/16/2017 12:38:14 pm

So cool Mary, but I can tell you the chocolates would last about a NY minute around me :).

There are products made specifically for removing stickiness that you can find at any hardware store while in NY.

XXX

Reply
Mary
1/16/2017 03:15:39 pm

Doreen I will not be tempted once I finish them all. ;)

I'll have to look for the products you are talking about. This was one gooey glue.

I hope you are enjoying yourself!

Reply
Katerina Konstantinou link
1/16/2017 01:49:20 pm

To tell you the truth I love that it's not red or pink! I am already looking for inspiration about this year's valentine craft so I have a lot of reading to do in this link party!

Reply
Mary
1/16/2017 03:17:37 pm

I couldn't deal with red or pink either, Katerina. I think this is my non-red season. I even got rid of the red Christmas decor. I'll be looking forward to see what you come up with.

Reply
Celeste link
1/16/2017 03:38:06 pm

Haha I love how you made your sons go to Salvation Army with you, Mary! It can be such a fun place to get some great finds. So glad you're getting to spend some quality time with your kids! I love how you got creative with your Valentine's Day box. Stubborn labels can be a crafter's nightmare. It's like they don't even think of us when they plaster them on there! ;)

Reply
Mary
1/17/2017 10:06:20 am

Celeste there was a reason why I named it the cigar box from glue hell. Unbelievable. I am having such a great time here with my guys. And they are even helping out here and there.

Reply
Mary Coakley link
1/16/2017 04:52:31 pm

Mary we say in Ireland you can make a silk purse out of a sows ear ,you take the ordinary and make it something beautiful,love your Valentines Day gift,I like the white on the beautifully made box and your hearts are beautiful,its so nice to not have red/pink everywhere.The bowl found a home and fits in so well.

Reply
Mary
1/17/2017 10:09:03 am

Mary I agree the red and pink it a bit too much. I think this is a subtle way of doing Valentine's Day without the overkill. I am so glad you like it and than you for your sweet comment.

Reply
Florence link
1/16/2017 10:39:51 pm

Hey Mary,
I seriously love that box! You're right...since they're not red, they could transition into anytime. Love the muted fabric & color of box. I've been to Salvation Army & find them to be rather expensive. $10 for a box sounds excessive to me too.
Got to think of a Valentine craft to put in the party. LOL. Especially since I missed the one for Halloween & Christmas.

Reply
Mary
1/17/2017 10:17:13 am

Florence I'm a big believer in all year round repuroseable crafts. I don't have enough storage space in order to have different decorations for each holiday. That would drive me nuts. As it is I already have too many things to "use for a future project". But that is where I draw the line. They are for the blog and for making crafts.

Now hurry up and work your magic for a project to add to the party!

Reply
Caroline link
1/17/2017 02:17:15 am

What a transformation despite the glue problems

Reply
Mary
1/17/2017 10:18:58 am

Sometimes having problems makes you work harder and come up with an even better solution than you might have had you not had the problem in the first place. ;)

Reply
krista link
1/17/2017 09:49:08 am

It turned out nice. I also like items I can use all year round...the exception being Christmas. Those chocolates were calling my name as well!!!! Good thing they are hidden behind a closed lid. :)

Reply
Mary
1/17/2017 10:20:13 am

I agree Krista. Although with Christmas I've been able to neutralize a lot of those too. Can you believe there are still a few of them in the bowl?

Reply
Heidi link
1/17/2017 08:28:46 pm

What a fun link party! Lot's of inspiration. Thanks for hosting!

Reply
Mary
1/18/2017 10:49:22 pm

Thank you Heidi I'm glad you were able to join us.

Reply
Debrashoppeno5 link
1/18/2017 12:19:14 am

Mary, you would never know the problems you had with the glue. The box turned out fabulous. It is nice you will be able to use it all year. You will find many ways to use it.

Reply
Mary
1/18/2017 10:53:10 pm

That glue really had me stumped Debra. But at least I was able to cover it up. Now I love how it looks. And I think the whitewash also helps to make it look more year round.

Reply
Sarah - Craft Invaders link
1/18/2017 03:11:21 am

Such a pretty box, I love the fabric use and the colours are beautiful - you've definitely got my brain working!

Reply
Mary
1/18/2017 10:54:17 pm

Thinking outside the box, are we Sarah. And who says Valentine's has to be only red?

Reply
Christina Makri link
1/18/2017 08:08:35 am

Mary this is really a very beautiful box and you can have it all year long. Good job my friend once more ;)

Reply
Mary
1/18/2017 10:55:20 pm

Thank you Christina. I am thinking of giving it as a gift. It would be perfect for that.

Reply
Melissa Ruddy link
1/18/2017 01:25:20 pm

Love that it is all free or low cost! Really cute gift idea. (No the chocolates won't last with me either.

Reply
Mary
1/18/2017 10:57:18 pm

That chocolate instantly makes anything look better. Thanks Melissa.

Reply
Sandra Garth link
1/20/2017 04:27:54 pm

Very pretty and I like that you didn't go all out red.

Reply
Mary
1/21/2017 10:17:11 am

I didn't want red because I want this to be a box we can use all year long. Thanks Sandra.

Reply
Nikki Frank-Hamilton link
1/23/2017 09:50:59 am

Isn't the Salvation Army a bit overwhelming? So much stuff, so little time! LOL When we go there we are usually looking for work clothes for Levi, this way he won't ruin his good things. I've found small bits of tableware there though, in good condition and at a low price.

This little heart box is so cute, leave it to you to find something to upcycle and repurpose ever though you don't have access to your basement.

I love that the box can hold a sweet treat, it would make a great gift. But even better, I wouldn't be able to see the candy, it might last a bit longer that way! LOL

Reply
Mary
1/25/2017 09:48:06 pm

Nikki I was totally overwhelmed. It was huge with lots and lots of rooms.

This will definitely make a great gift and I already have someone in mind.

Reply
Amber Harrop
1/24/2017 08:28:11 pm

This box is gorgeous Mary you are one talented lady

Reply
Mary
1/25/2017 09:48:55 pm

It was a lot of fun to make Amber.

Reply
HAND MADe CREATIONS link
2/3/2017 04:31:17 am

Thanks for hosting Mary! Wishing you all the best. Monika

Reply
Mary
2/4/2017 03:53:37 pm

Monika it is always a pleasure to have you visit us and link up with this special party.

Reply
Pili link
2/4/2017 02:11:15 pm

It's a pretty gift box and what I like most about it -besides the fabric which is very beautiful- is that it's not red. I agree with you, it can be used all year round and keep it in sight as decor, it will fit any place in the house.

Reply
Mary
2/4/2017 03:57:57 pm

Yes too much red is a turn off especially if your house doesn't have any at all. But this was the perfect solution for a year round look.

Reply
debbie-dabble link
2/4/2017 05:37:24 pm

Thanks so much for hosting!! I am just starting to post my Valentine's Decorations so will be linking up a few more posts in the next week or so...
Hugs
Deb

Reply
Mary
2/4/2017 05:39:23 pm

Debbie I'm glad you were able to join us. Yes we do have about a week left till Valentine's day so you have plenty of time to link up. Enjoy your weekend.

Reply

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     I'm Mary and I recently  moved to New York from beautiful Greece.  I like to re-purpose and up-cycle  anything that is old or looks like junk.  Join me as we use our creativity to spark some life into old things.  And do it frugally!  You will also see lots of photography of my Greece and New York.

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