How to Make a Popsicle Stick Jewelry Box for Valentine's Day

Young kids rarely have big bucks to go spend on a special Valentine's Day gift for Mom or Grandma, but with this simple craft, they can please everyone for very little money. The craft is so easy that, with a little help from an adult, most any child can make it by themselves.

If you save popsicle sticks for crafts, you'll need them, but if you don't save them you can still purchase them at craft stores or some discount department stores. The sticks are available in miniature sizes to jumbo sizes, and in a variety of colors. It doesn't matter if you use the wooden sticks, or the plastic ones, as long as they are all the same size. Make one of each; they have totally different looks upon completion.

Lay one stick horizontally on a flat surface. Above it begin aligning sticks, side-by-side and butted together, until you have aligned enough to reach from one end of the horizontal stick, to the other. Brush white glue onto the aligned sticks, from top to bottom, then place the horizontal stick against the ends of the aligned sticks. Glue another stick, horizontally, to the opposite end. The arrangement should resemble a fence. The two horizontal sticks will help hold the vertical sticks in place.

If you want to make it even sturdier, glue a third stick onto the arrangement by placing one end of it at the left corner, and stretch it to the opposite corner, at the bottom right. This will form somewhat of a "z" shape on the back of the aligned sticks.

Now you have the lid of the box you'll be making. Create a handle for the lid by gluing on a stack of flat buttons, or choosing a novelty that can be glued in place. You can also use beads, soda lids, and similar items as a lid. Set the lid aside, to allow the handle to dry, while you work on the actual jewelry box.

Count how many sticks you aligned for the lid, and align that many once again, to begin forming the bottom of the box. Brush on white glue and form an "x" with additional sticks, on top of the aligned popsicle sticks. One stick will be placed from corner to corner, then you'll snap another stick in half, place each half from center to corner, to form the other part of the "x".

The aligned sticks, with the "x" on back, will become the bottom of the jewelry box. You'll set it on a flat surface with the "x" facing upwards. Now begin gluing one stick across the bottom, one across the side, one across the top, and one across the opposite side - and continue doing this until the box is as tall as you wish. The sticks can be stood on the long side, or can be lain flat.

After the sides of the box are built up as high as you'd like you'll simply set the box on its bottom and put the top in place. It can now be decorated and embellished to your liking.
There are all sorts of things you can use to add sparkle to the box. Paint it with glitter paint, glue on fake jewels, attach tiny cutouts of hearts, cut pieces of fabric or foil and glue on, or just write "Happy Valentine's Day" around the edges of the box lid. Other choices include decorating with colored rice, gluing on decorative buttons, or using stickers to spell words of love and endearment, all over the box.

Your mom, grandma, sisters or teacher will absolutely love the little box which is perfect for Valentine's Day giving. It's a keepsake that will be around for many years so ask the child to put his or her name and date on the bottom of the box. It'll be one of the best Valentine's Day gifts you've ever given - or received!