What to Do with Those Empty Valentine Candy Boxes

Okay, just about every home has an empty, or soon-to-be-empty Valentine candy box, but most people just throw them away after the candy is gone. That's a lot of waste, since the boxes can be made into everything from picture frames to jewelry boxes.

Use popsicle sticks, strips of strong cardboard, or small pieces of wood, to section off areas inside the box. That makes the boxes perfect for storing jewelry or even beads. Just use hot glue to arrange the cardboard or wooden pieces, and allow to dry, then store all kinds of small objects like coins or even baby hair bows.

Speaking of babies, you can't ask for a more appropriate frame for a baby's picture than a Valentine candy box. Since the lid and bottom will be separated to make the frames, you can make two from each box. Just line the inside with white velvet or satin, then position the baby's photo, birth bracelet, birth announcement from the paper, or other items. Use clear acetate, or a piece of cut glass, to cover the front of the heart. This technique makes a fabulous shadow box-type of wall hanging. You can even omit the glass or acetate, and simply cut a window out of the box lid. Arrange everything in the bottom, then place the lid, with window cut out, back in place. Add a wedge of cardboard on the backside if you want the frame to stand on a shelf. You don't have to make a shadow box from the Valentine box, though. Just cut large pictures into heart shapes and insert them in the box bottom (or top), then hang on the wall. Spray paint with metallic paints to make the box look more like a picture frame rather than a candy box.

Re-gift the box, along with a lingerie selection, to someone you love. During the year, special occasions arise, where the Valentine candy box makes a perfect gift box. Make it look a little less like an ordinary Valentine box by using decoupage to affix Victorian pictures, lace, romantic beach scenes, or other themes. You can even paint the box a different color than red. Although the boxes are perfect for some lingerie pieces, you could also give photos, makeup, scarves, or other items instead.