Poor sad, little box. It served its purpose carrying lab testing supplies for our chemistry analyzer at work and was headed for the recycle bin. Such a nice box, really.
Over the years I’ve seen a number of these boxes come and go, always wanting to repurpose one of them but never getting around to it. Finally. . .
The idea was to make a treat carrier for the mom of one of my coworkers who frequently brings treats for us at work. In fact, she delivers lots of treats to lots of people, scattering confectionery joy wherever she goes. That requires a lot of treat boxes in all shapes and sizes. I’ve noticed that she’ll generally ask that we save her carrier, even though it may be just a plain foil-lined box. I thought it would be a nice way to say “thank you” if I occasionally dressed up a box which she can use for cookie carrying or gift giving or whatever she decides. It might have been nice to decorate this with a baking theme (next time, maybe), but I know she likes pretty things so I’m hoping this will make her happy.
I painted the kraft-colored inside of the box with white acrylic paint and inserted a white cardboard bottom liner, adhered with Scor-Tape. Two very strong, self-adhesive Velcro Dots hold the handle closed for carrying. Cookies can be bagged up inside the box, if that’s how she chooses to use it.
Prima flowers and butterfly and Spellbinders Floral Flourishes decorate the front. The designer paper is from a retired Stampin’ Up! collection. I backed the window with Clear Cover Cardstock from Flourishes.
I didn’t want to over-decorate it, but thought a little something on each side would be nice.
The ribbon was adhered with Scor-Tape and the paper with Mod Podge. I sanded corners and edges for a smooth, soft finish. The decorative white border was done with the Martha Stewart Daisy Fan punch.
I hope you didn’t mind wading through all these photos. I sure enjoyed doing something besides a card for a change, and I know it’s going to a good home. Happy Valentine's Day to all! I’d love to meet you here again next week!
Your transformation of this box is wonderful! I think this is such a sweet idea and I'm sure you will love receiving cookies from this box in the very near future!
Posted by: Glenda | 02/14/2013 at 03:13 AM
Gorgeous transformation, and going to a very worthy home. The bakery lady sounds so generous!
Posted by: Colleen Dietrich | 02/14/2013 at 03:52 AM
Wow! What a transformation. It's gorgeous and what a sweet thing to do for the treat lady. I'm sure she's going to be thrilled to receive this.
Posted by: Maggie S | 02/14/2013 at 04:17 AM
Beautiful! What a thoughtful thing to do. I know she'll appreciate it!
Posted by: Cheryl Lea | 02/14/2013 at 04:26 AM
This is beautiful!
Posted by: Tonya K. | 02/14/2013 at 06:29 AM
this turned out fabulous. love all the little touches. who wouldn't love this box either giving or getting...
Have a great day and HAPPY VALENTINE'S
Posted by: Yogi | 02/14/2013 at 06:31 AM
This 'treat' box is beautiful. Your co-worker will love it and definitely fill it once again. What a pretty way to present some goodies!
Posted by: Carol R | 02/14/2013 at 07:00 AM
What a nice thing for you to do. It's really lovely.
Posted by: Nimue | 02/14/2013 at 07:45 AM
This is just so cute. I would be so pleased to receive such a pretty gift
Posted by: Kate | 02/14/2013 at 08:25 AM
Oh my goodness! This is lovely and what a wonderful thing for you to do. Such a sweet thought. I love love love the colors and the flowers add "just enough" to it. Great idea! Thanks for sharing it. So pretty....
Posted by: Bobbi Miller | 02/14/2013 at 09:01 AM
Leslie, this just adorable! Just a great use for the little old box. Thanks for the walk through.
Jan Marie
Flourishes
Posted by: Jan Marie | 02/14/2013 at 09:14 AM
What a beautiful creation. I'm so happy you went forward with your idea. Your colleague is going to feel so happy with your gift. Your handmade flowers couldn't be any prettier.
Posted by: Gabriela Divine | 02/14/2013 at 11:12 AM
What a great thing to do for another lady who sounds like a great person!
Posted by: Colleen | 02/14/2013 at 11:41 AM
What a lovely idea, Leslie, and so beautifully actualized. She will be thrilled to have such a heart felt gift to carry her baked gifts in. Full circle!
Posted by: Susan (rainy) | 02/14/2013 at 11:43 AM
Oh oh oh! What an incredible transformation! I know she'll just love it. I suggest you grab every carrier box you can - what sad little box doesn't dream of turning into a superstar
Posted by: Elaine Moore | 02/14/2013 at 11:46 AM
A beautiful altered box!! Love the colors and those gorgeous flowers, too...I bet she will LOVE it!!! And good for you to use something you saved...me I save them, but for some reason rarely get to them!!
Posted by: Diane H | 02/14/2013 at 12:51 PM
My my, I don't think anyone would recognize it. A remarkable metamorphosis from ordinary, utilitarian to gorgeous and decorative. Extraordinary work in your skilled hands.
Posted by: Francie in Montreal | 02/14/2013 at 01:04 PM
Beautiful transformation. I love every pretty detail. She'll love it!
Posted by: Alexandra | 02/14/2013 at 02:57 PM
Oh Leslie, the box is simply beautiful and what a clever repurposing! So very thoughtful of you!
Posted by: Tammy Hair | 02/14/2013 at 03:07 PM
what a wonderful idea and I bet she will be very touched by it, lovely!!
Posted by: Conniecrafter | 02/14/2013 at 03:25 PM
This is just gorgeous! I'm sure your treat giver will be just wild with joy at such a gorgeous treat carrier! I'm guessing she will just deliver treats in them already wrapped in bags so she can keep it for herself! I would!
Posted by: Sherri Dean | 02/14/2013 at 04:46 PM
OMGoodness is this ever a beautiful treat carrier Leslie!! She is going to LOVE this! Wowie! I Love the pretty dp's and lacy borders too! Just Fabulous Lady! 8-)
Hugs
Shannon
Posted by: Shannon White | 02/14/2013 at 04:46 PM
How could she not love this! Gorgeous creation...and will contain goodies to boot, wow!
Posted by: Danielle | 02/14/2013 at 07:12 PM
Absolutely beautiful. What a transformation Leslie. I think the embellishments are perfect and just enough.
Posted by: Leigh | 02/14/2013 at 07:44 PM
You know I don't mind wading through altered photo's, hee hee.. Beautiful new box Leslie, love the soft blue and white colors. Awesome job.
Posted by: Stacy aka Twinshappy | 02/15/2013 at 07:13 AM
What a great idea - I love using something for another purpose! I'm sure your co-worker will appreciate all your efforts! Love the color combination - thanks!
Posted by: Nanny C | 02/15/2013 at 04:14 PM
Oh my gosh, Leslie - what a GORGEOUS box!! That is just the perfect use for that border punch. The papers and flowers are awesome. I bet she was so thrilled.
Posted by: Lynette | 02/16/2013 at 06:05 AM
Your boxes have always amazed my Leslie, but I am thinking this maybe my favorite :-) Your choice of DSP, gorgeous paper roses with die cut flourishes and fans are just stunning. You even painted the inside of the box.
Your friend is going to get all teary I bet when she sees her gift made with so much love. Thank you, thank you so much for sharing..WOW!
Posted by: nancy Littrell | 02/16/2013 at 02:02 PM
Wonderfully creative and just gorgeous. Thanks for the addition to my Pinterst board.
Posted by: Poppapersissors.blogspot.com | 02/16/2013 at 06:44 PM
Oh my-won't your goodie angel be tickled with this! It is beautiful-the Martha punch is very effective here. Gorgeous!!!!
Posted by: Sue Kment | 02/17/2013 at 09:30 PM
Lovely!
Posted by: debbie w. | 02/18/2013 at 06:58 AM
Beautiful box. Love the colors. I know we're all thinking the same thing: What was your co-worker's reaction? What did she say about the box? She sounds like a sweet woman who truly loves to give from her heart.
Posted by: Donna A | 02/18/2013 at 01:08 PM