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Valentine’s day Wooden Gift Box

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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!

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. 


heart shaped bowl, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box www.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! 


wooden box with glue, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box www.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. 
white washed wooden box, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box www.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.  
decoupaged hearts on side, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box www.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. 
decoupaged heart on top of box, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box www.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. 
inside of box with fabric on the bottom, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box www.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 www.theboondocksblog.com
box with chocolates inside, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box www.theboondocksblog.com
outside of box, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box www.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?)
subtle hearts on outside of wooden box, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box www.theboondocksblog.com
I honestly don’t know how long those chocolates are going to last, they are calling my name!
chocolates inside of heart shaped bowl in wooden box, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box www.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!
box and heart shaped bowl with chocolates, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box www.theboondocksblog.com
wooden box with decoupaged hearts, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box www.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. 
hearts decoupaged onto an old wooden cigar box, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box www.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!

An old cigar box, white washed and decoupaged into a gift box, Valentine's Day Wooden Gift Box www.theboondocksblog.com #repurpose #Upcycle #ValentinesDay #Heartshaped #Decooupage #whitewashedbox #giftbox
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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.
More Valentine’s Day Crafts:
<<Sweet Inspiration Link Party #39          HOME       Coffee with Tealights, please >>

Linking up to these Link Parties

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  1. 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 says:

      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.

  2. Heidi says:

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

  3. krista says:

    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. 🙂

    • Mary says:

      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?

  4. Caroline says:

    What a transformation despite the glue problems

    • Mary says:

      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. 😉

  5. Florence says:

    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.

    • Mary says:

      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!

  6. Mary Coakley says:

    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 says:

      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.

  7. Celeste says:

    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 says:

      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.

  8. Such a pretty box, I love the fabric use and the colours are beautiful – you’ve definitely got my brain working!

  9. 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

    • Mary says:

      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.

  10. Pili says:

    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.

    • Mary says:

      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.

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

  12. Amber Harrop says:

    This box is gorgeous Mary you are one talented lady

  13. 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

    • Mary says:

      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.

  14. Sandra Garth says:

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

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

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

  17. 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 says:

      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.

  18. Laurie says:

    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!

    • Mary says:

      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.

  19. Marci says:

    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

    • Mary says:

      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.

  20. Lynn Spencer says:

    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

    • Mary says:

      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.

  21. Keri says:

    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 says:

      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. 🙂

  22. Jasmine says:

    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!

    • Mary says:

      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.

  23. 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 says:

      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.

  24. Tania says:

    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

    • Mary says:

      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.

  25. 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

    • Mary says:

      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.

  26. 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

    • Mary says:

      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!

  27. 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 says:

      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.

  28. 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 says:

      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.

  29. Katrin says:

    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 says:

      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.

  30. 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 says:

      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.

  31. 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.

    • Mary says:

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

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

  33. Michelle says:

    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

  34. Beverly says:

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