How to Make a See-thru Heart Shaped Box

The following post is a favorite one of mine for Valentines! Do you perhaps need a box or container for that special romantic occasion that's coming up soon? Something to put those special items in? Be it jewelry, candy or any sentimental what-not!  Here's an easy way to make an adorable heart shaped box out of paper - using either clear acetate, or good old fashion cardstock!  You certainly can't go wrong making one of these! And it's definitely awesome to know how! 

 You won't believe how quick it is to make, either!  Just copy and paste the template - adjusting the size in WORD, print and cut-out!

Here, I'm using clear acetate sheet paper.

Disclosure I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, this post may contain links. I may receive a very small commission at no cost to you! The affiliate money I earn helps pay my crafting expenses. Thanks so much for your support!

Then, by merely folding along a few lines - just glue together one side in place! 

And finally, attach a pretty ribbon for an adorable look!  

Oh, and did I mention you can add your own design or words to the template? I used Picmonkey to add my flower graphic!

And of course you can always use reliable cardstock for your favorites!

Thanks for stopping by

and take a little time to enjoy,

Happy Crafting!

How to Make a Wrapping Paper Heart

Thinking of a different approach to the more traditional colors of Valentines?  Forget the reds and pinks! Surprise yourself and make something new and refreshing that will still provide the loving and enticing atmosphere of Valentine's Day!  Think  metallics!  You can make a big impact by using recycle/upcycle materials like gift wrapping in bold metallic colors - that's sure to add a variety of texture and uniqueness to your valentine decorating skills!  And this heart is so easy to make, you probably already have the materials on hand: 

• Metallic wrapping paper - 13ft
• Thick wire (craft 12 gauge aluminum) or just use a wire coat hanger
• Wire cutter
• Scissors
• Skewer stick
• Tacky glue
• Clamp

1.  Cut off enough wire for the size of heart you want (14"x12"), bringing the ends together, curving the wire into a heart shape.

To make the tubes (about 50 for this size), I cut 3" strips of 27.5" wide wrapping paper and placed a skewer stick on the corner edge of paper at an angle. Then wrapped the end tip of the paper over the skewer and started rolling the paper with fingers pressed down on the table first.  Once you've started rolling the paper, lift up the tube so your left fingers are controlling the roll while your right hand is rolling the stick and tightening the tube.
  Just before finishing the roll, add tacky glue to the corner end tip and continue rolling until reaching the end to seal.

Temporarily straighten the heart shaped wire into a "V" to insert two tubes on either side  .  .  .

and then re-shape into a heart.  Glue the ends together at the center curve, and glue on another tube, as pictured.

Begin wrapping the tube around the heart  .  .  .

adding on additional tubes by dipping end into a little glue and inserting into the wrapping tube to make it continuous. You can clamp the tubes together while waiting for the glue to dry and continue wrapping.

As you're wrapping the tubes around the heart go back and forth -  and not in the same direction - until you're satisfied with the look and size.  The end of the last wrapped tube can be glued and inserted down among the other tubes. 

Valentine's Day décor can be as unique and non-traditional as you want it to be. Just be sure to create it lovingly! Isn't that what makes it so special?

Thanks for stopping by

and take a little time to enjoy,

Happy Crafting!

Share Some Love Party Features - 2/13

It was truly exciting to see so many wonderful ideas and inspirations shared at our Share Some Love Link Party! Thanks to all who stopped by to "Show the Love!"

Today, all of the co-hosts are sharing some of our favorites from the party! It was really hard choosing my favorites, so I narrow them down to focus on the heart - a symbol of love! 

It's all about the hearts!

Mel @ Decor Craft Design painted a "Roses of Love" art piece that's simply divine for Valentine's Day or any day for that matter! A heart filled with roses! It's absolutely beautiful and very romantic!

Amanda @ Loops & Love Crochet created adorable soft and squishy heart pillows along with a full tutorial for anyone to try! I never could pick up how to crochet and truly admire anyone who can! I love this fun looking project! 

Claudia @Create with Claudia is actually a quilter and she had me at "No-Sew" when I first saw this! Her lovely creation of an embroidery hoop wall hanging brought out the crafting in her for Valentines's in addition to this being her first post in her new blog! Look at those adorable patch-work hearts! What a wonderful way to share her creativity with us!

Kristie @Love My Little Cottage shared a tutorial for making mini heart pillows - a project where she teaches twenty-seven young girls from her church on how to be "workers at home." It's a wonderful cause and a great way for the girls to learn homemaking skills like sewing! How cute are these pillows!

Kristie is on a roll with these Valentine Napkins and Rings! Learn how to make cloth napkins including tie-dying and also how to make complimentary napkin heart rings! A three in one tutorial! How cool is that!

Be sure to stop by each of the co-hosts to check out their favorites, too!

Across the Blvd | My Husband Has Too Many Hobbies 

Purple Hues and Me | This Autoimmune Life

Stone Cottage Adventures | Our Unschooling Journey

Domestic Deadline | Sew Crafty Crochet

Cookies, Coffee, and Crafts

Have a great Happy Valentine's Day!

Bowdabra Valentine's Day Gift Box and Bow

Valentine's Day is almost here and I wanted to re-post this project that I created last year for Bowdabrablog, where I'm on the design team. It's such a fun way to create an easy one of a kind Valentine's Day Gift Box and Bow! 

I love this DIY because it's so simple to make! You can use just about any type of material - cardstock, foam sheets and even clear film sheets printed in your favorite logo or design to make the box, and then fill it with your favorite chocolates or treats! And finally, topped with a lovely handmade Bowdabra bow that uses the bow wire to close everything up! No glues or adhesives involved!

To make, you will need:

12x12 cardstock (template)

9x12 clear film sheet

Ruler

Scoring bone folder

Scissors

Hole punch

Ribbon

Mini Bowdabra and ruler

Bowdabra bow wire

Bowdabra wand

Begin by scoring a 12"x12" cardstock every four inches around the paper.

Next, cut out the four corner squares. Paper should look like a cross. 

Make a pencil mark on center edge of each of the four remaining box flaps.  I use one of the corner boxes to make a pattern for the arc.

 Draw arch lines from the center to each side (left,right) midway in each box.

And cut out.

Fold up sides on scored lines to make box. Punch holes in corner for closure. 

You can copy, save and print this template if you don't want to make one.

I thought it fun and whimsical to combine hearts and the Bowdabra logo into a design and print out (using a laser printer) on clear film paper. 

Punch holes in each corner edge.

 To make the Bowdabra Bow:
Fold 18" inches of Bowdabra bow wire together and place in the Mini Bowdabra, tucking ends under. 
Fold 30 inches of ribbon in half, crease the center to place in the Mini Bowdabra. 

 To make the first loop, twist and fold the ribbon at the 2 inch mark and press into the Mini Bowdabra.

Next, twist and fold the other side at the same width. Continue twisting and folding to make five loops on each side. 

Scrunch down with the Mini Bowdabra Bow Wand.

While the bow is still in the Mini Bowdabra, thread the two loose ends of the bow wire through the loop at the other end, pulling tight and gently removing the bow. Separate the loose ends of the bow wire around to the back and tie in a knot.

Dove tail the ribbon ends by cutting diagonal on the fold to the corner end edge.

To close the box:  Fold the sides of the box flaps up and loosely insert the Bowdabra Bow Wire ends or any type of cording or twine into the holes in each one forming the gift box. 

Add your favorite valentine's treat and tie the wire or twine to close.

This adorable Bowdabra gift box and bow is just the right size for filling with just about any type of valentine treats.  And the best part, you can make one to suite any holiday or occasion!

Happy Valentine's Day!