Make a fun fox box to collect your cards this Valentine’s Day!
Supplies:
Empty cereal box
3 sheets of 12” x 12” red paper
1 sheet of 12” x 12” white paper
1 sheet of 8 1/2” x 11” white office paper
Scraps of black paper
Pencil
Scissors
Double-sided tape or permanent glue stick
Black permanent marker (optional)
Glitter glue (optional)
Here’s how:
1.| Use scissors to cut the top flaps off of the cereal box.
2.| Use double stick tape or a glue stick to adhere the red paper completely around the box, folding it neatly at the corners and leaving the top opening uncovered.
3.| Use scissors to trim away any excess paper.
4.| Next fold one sheet of the office paper in half lengthwise, and cut a heart shape out of it.
5.| Unfold the heart and use it as a pattern to trace onto the back of the sheet of the 12” x 12” of white paper; use scissors to cut out the white heart for the head.
6.| Cut out the rest of the paper pieces as pictured—the red face piece, a heart for the tummy, a tail, eyes and a little heart for the nose. (Draw outlines with pencil before cutting if needed.)
7.| Use double-sided tape or a glue stick to adhere all the fox’s parts to the box; attach the tail to the back of the box.
8.| If desired, use a permanent marker to draw “stitches” around all the edges of the paper pieces.
9.| Then, use glitter glue, marker or alphabet stickers to write the name on the white heart.
10.| Display the fox at home or school for a fun way to collect Valentines!
More ideas:
• The fox may need a couple of rocks inside the bottom of the box to help it stand up.
• Add a cut paper word balloon with a Valentine’s greeting to the project.
• Make small foxes out of small boxes for individual Valentines that can hold candy.
• Try using pretty printed papers, too.
• Use buttons or googly eyes instead of paper for the eyes.
• Stitch around the edges of the paper pieces with a real needle and embroidery thread.
• Use glitter glue to embellish the fox’s ears, nose and tail.
• Use felt, foam sheets or fabric instead of paper.
• This would also make a great “vase” for a dried or paper flower bouquet.
• Use it as a desk organizer after Valentine’s Day.
• This is a cute idea for gift-wrapping a present for any holiday.
• Try this idea with other animals, people or objects like houses.
• Recreate a favorite cartoon character this way.
--------------------------
Pamela Maxwell is an artist, author and mother of two quickly growing boys. Her craft and scrapbooking projects have appeared in numerous books and magazines. Photo by Pamela Maxwell.
Published: February 2014
