Valentine Keepsake Box

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!

I have put this box on display at the LSS, Little Stamp and Scrap Corner in Scottsbluff, NE for your viewing pleasure ;) so stop in and get a real good look at it if you'd like.

I actually made this box probably about 12 or so years ago. My daughter used it one year (about 10 yrs ago) for her school Valentine box, my sister used it in her classroom last year for her Valentine box and the kids from both "eras" just went crazy for it. It was much easier than it looks. I just kept adding things until I liked it. The first thing you need is a really nice box to work with. The top on this one is the flap that comes up and the sides of the box don't go inside the box they actually are on the outside when it closes down. The lid is NOT flimsy like some.

This was a box from an old pair of my work boots (another story indeed!)
This is the top of the box. I used a picture from an old Kim Anderson calendar, white and gold doilies, stamped and embossed hearts of various kinds/various companies, handwriting rubber stamp--unk. co., flat back pearls, pearl strand, charms, buttons, ribbons, ribbon roses. But the very base paper is a Victorian looking wrapping paper with little cherubs, hearts, and flowers all over it. So I just stayed with that design idea. You really can't tell what the paper is once it is all covered. Do a little or do a lot it's up to you.

This is the front of the box. There are buttons and lace added as well as the items I mentioned above.

This is the right side.

This is the left side.

The back of the box. On some of the rubberstamped and embossed hearts there is also gold thread wrapped around them, which is kind of a fun look.

A close-up of the left side of the top of the box. Flowers, buttons, charms, ribbons, rubber stamped and embossed images, and pearls. 

Close-up of the right side of the top of the box. Don't you just adore the Kim Anderson kids???
So cute and the black and white images just can't be beat!

I think the charms just add so much to this box.

aaaww, a little peck on the nose.....

Just so darn cute!

So go get yourself a shoebox and get creative so you have somewhere beautiful to put all those
 beautiful handmade Valentines you are about to receive!!
Or go make two or three (there's time) and then give it away WITH a card! Honest, it is super
simple and so much fun! The hardest part is deciding what you want on it. Your wrapping paper could be any color at all, patterned paper or solid it just won't matter. It can all be done in one day.
I am lending this to my LSS for display purposes in the hopes of inspiring others to make one for themselves, or others.
Keep checking back for the pics of the class I will be teaching in February you are going to LOVE it! Or you can go to www.littlestampcorner.blogspot.com as it will be posted there soon, too.

I have more fun things in store for late January and into February as well! I hope to get your creative juices overflowing with ideas.