How to Recycle Old Candy Boxes to Make Unique Jewelry Boxes

In this day and age people are looking for ways to recycle just about everything. With a bit of imagination, a lot of creativity, and some time set aside, it is possible to reuse almost any product. One idea for repurposing old candy boxes, especially those that are heart shaped, is to turn them into jewelry boxes. You can choose a style or a theme such as Victorian, Asian, modern or something else that appeals to you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Old candy box
• White glue
• Hot glue gun and glue
• Fabric
• Batting
• Cardboard
• Felt
• Lace
• Braid
• Ribbon
• Roping
• Ruffling
• Charms
• Buttons
• Artificial flowers

1. Clean the box you intend to redecorate. Ensure the box is sturdy.

2. Glue batting to all of the box surfaces that are to be covered in fabric, using a hot glue gun. There is no need to place batting on those areas where trims will be used alone. Cut any excess batting away from the box.

3. Measure and cut out any sections that you want to divide the box into. Use heavy cardboard and cut the piece about 1/8 inch smaller than the finished piece should be. It will gain thickness when it is covered with felt.

4. Cover the various section bars with felt, using white craft glue. Check to make sure they work as desired within the box. Let the sections dry before putting them into the box permanently.

5. Cover the top of the box with fabric using white craft glue. For heart shaped boxes, choose plush fabrics like velvet, satin, silk or brocade. Since these types of boxes are romantic in nature, play to that theme rather than against it. Rectangular boxes are better suited for other types of jewelry boxes like modern or eclectic. Cut away any excess material from the box before moving on to the next step.

6. Cover the bottom section of the box in the same manner. Be sure that the thickness of the fabric doesn't make it impossible to close the box properly.

7. Line the inside of the box with felt lining in the same color or one that complements the outside of the box. White craft glue works best for this step. Hot glue dries too quickly and will leave "ridges" underneath the fabric lining. Cut away any excess felt.

8. Insert the cardboard sections that you prepared in Step 3. Glue them into place.

9. Trim the box, using lace, braid, ribbon, roping or anything else you desire. Be sure the trim covers up all of the fabric and felt frayed edges.

10. Decorate the top of the newly designed jewelry box. Use silk, ribbon or porcelain flowers; cameos, coins, buttons or charms; rhinestones or jewels; ribbon, appliques or anything else you want. Use applique lace or doilies to add a romantic feel.

Tips & Warnings

• Craft stores have a limited amount of fabric to which a pre-adhesive has been applied. If one of the available patterns appeals to you, this is a quick way to avoid messy glue mistakes.
• Be cautious working with hot glue.