One of my favorite traditions with school-age kids is making the valentine box every year for them to receive their classroom cards and trinkets. And I think this one takes the cake—literally! This DIY fake cake valentine box was so fun to make, and it’s definitely a keepsake item.
I started with a paper-mache heart-shaped box from the craft store and gave it the spackle-frosting treatment that I’ve used in other fake-cake projects. It worked beautifully. For the finishing touch I added some friendship bracelet beads with my child’s name spelled out, as well as some little plastic heart-shaped beads along the border. The end result is whimsical and nostalgic.
If you want to make your own, just follow the instructions below. And check out the full DIY video to see it in action!
Supplies:
- Paper-mache heart-shaped box
- DAP lightweight spackle
- Spackle tool
- Piping bags
- Frosting tips
- Acrylic paint in your frosting” colors
- Friendship bracelet beads
- Craft glue
Instructions:
Step 1: If your heart-shaped box doesn’t have a rectangular hole in the top for putting cards in, start by cutting one with a craft knife. Then take your spackle and apply it all over the box. If you want your box to be able to open, you can “ice” the top and bottom separately. Just make sure to leave some space for the lid to fit onto the bottom piece. Let dry.
Step 2: Scoop out some of your spackle into bowls and add acrylic paint in your frosting colors. Mix well, then add to piping bags. Use your frosting tips to pipe on the frosting in whatever designs you like. You can add some beads while the spackle is still wet.
Step 3: Use craft glue to glue on a friendship-bracelet accent with more beads, spelling out your child’s name. Go ahead and glue on any other accents you’d like at this time.
Your kid will have the coolest valentine box in school!
