On the to-do list for this weekend is getting the kids ready for Valentine’s Day at school next week. I remember being woefully unprepared for Taylor’s first Valentine’s Day in pre-school. I guess I assumed that trading cards was a thing of the past. In an effort to get ahead of the overflow of paper out of their backpacks and onto the island I’m working on some cute storage for each of them to use for their goodies. I’m loving this one for Ella, which consists of a craft box, a coat of paint and some cute buttons and paper bow trims from Target’s craft section. It will give her something in which to save her cards for a bit, but can continue on as a cute accessory in her new room. When I was growing up, my mom made a heart shaped one that housed all of my hair bows and ribbons. The cute keepsake box was still on my closet shelf when I went off to college.

The boxes can be purchased a craft stores such as JoAnn Fabrics or Michael’s and are available in multiple sizes and shapes.  Most paint companies now sell small sample sizes of paint that can be tinted to any color. The eggshell finish has a very slight sheen and resists dirt and fingerprints just as it does on walls. To paint the stripes on the box base, I used a strip of corrugated cardboard dipped in paint and then dabbed onto the box.  It was far easier than using a paint brush and easier to get a straight line. Simply lay down a half inch wide strip of paint on wax paper and coat the side of the cardboard strip with paint. “Stamp” the paint onto the box in one motion and the corrugated edge will produce the interrupted stripe.  Let dry before placing the cover on the box. Add other embellishments as desired.
Reality check. This is a fast project, but allow at least one hour of drying time before gluing on the buttons and bows.  Trying to rush the project just leads to a second coat of paint and even more paint on your hands as you handle the not-so-dry painted box.