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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! 
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. 
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! 
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?)
I honestly don't know how long those chocolates are going to last, they are calling my name!
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!
I have to admit I really love the colors that I used and the fabrics are perfect for the subtle look I was after.
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! 
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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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
More Valentine's Day Crafts:
<<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
Mary
1/14/2017 02:16:18 pm
After going thru all that trouble to buy that bowl I just had to use it.
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. 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!
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.
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. 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.
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... 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.
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.
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.
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. 1/15/2017 03:42:50 am
Hello Mary,
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.
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. 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! 😂
Mary
1/16/2017 02:51:00 pm
T'onna they are going pretty fast here too. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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!
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. 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!
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. 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 :)
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. 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 :).
Mary
1/16/2017 03:15:39 pm
Doreen I will not be tempted once I finish them all. ;) 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!
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. 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! ;)
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. 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.
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.
Hey Mary,
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.
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. ;)
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?
Mary
1/18/2017 10:49:22 pm
Thank you Heidi I'm glad you were able to join us. 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.
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. 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!
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? 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 ;)
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. 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.
Mary
1/18/2017 10:57:18 pm
That chocolate instantly makes anything look better. Thanks Melissa.
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. 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.
Mary
1/25/2017 09:48:06 pm
Nikki I was totally overwhelmed. It was huge with lots and lots of rooms.
Amber Harrop
1/24/2017 08:28:11 pm
This box is gorgeous Mary you are one talented lady
Mary
1/25/2017 09:48:55 pm
It was a lot of fun to make Amber. 2/3/2017 04:31:17 am
Thanks for hosting Mary! Wishing you all the best. Monika
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.
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. 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...
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. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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Welcome
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. Top Posts for 2018
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