Create Valentine's box for a special someone

Kids and adults love to receive something special from someone special on Valentine's Day. And when there's a surprise inside, so much the better! When you open the lid of this small and shiny box, a springy heart pops out at you to grab your attention and let you know that someone cares.

Here's how to make a pop-out heart valentine box:

Cut out a red heart shape from construction paper slightly smaller than the inside of a small box with a fold-down lid. I used an empty toothpick box and painted it gold. Cut a smaller heart out of white construction paper. Print a love message, such as "Be Mine," on the white heart. Or you might want to play on words and write a lighthearted greeting. For example, "You put a spring in my step" or "My heart flutters for you!" Glue the white heart with the message on top of the red heart.

Wind a red pipe cleaner around your child's finger to form a spiral. Remove. An adult may use a glue gun to glue one end of the spiral to the inside center of the box and then glue the backside of the heart to the opposite end of the spiral. Let the glue set. Gently press down on the heart until it fits snugly in the box, and carefully replace the lid. Attach a ribbon to the top and one to the bottom of the opening of the box. Tie them together to keep the lid tightly in place.

If you don't have a toothpick-style box, a small jewelry box also works well. Once you have glued the springy heart inside, cover the box with a lid and tie a ribbon around the entire box to keep it closed.

For extra fun, decorate the outside of your box using your imagination. You might want to add stickers, charms and lace or announce your sentiments with conversation-heart candies glued on top.

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Write Donna with your questions and ideas at www.donnasday.com. Donna's latest book, "Donna Erickson's Fabulous Funstuff for Families," is available in bookstores nationwide. © Donna Erickson

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