Pictures From The Heart by Eleanor Levie (NAPSA)—Apicture gift box that you decorate andfill yourself is a unique, heartfelt gift for Valentine’s Day, a birthday or whenever you want to say, “We love you!” Start by selecting pictures that'll make that special someone smile. This is a perfect time to go through your digital images and print them at home. Fujifilm photo paper gives the best results with vibrant faces and colorful flowers. Or you can print your digital pictures at any photo retailer. Ask if they use long-lasting Fuji- film Crystal Archive Paper. A heart-shaped, papier-mach lidded box—the largest size you can find—makes an elegant container. Arrange your pictures on the lid and sides of the box. You can cut the pictures into shapes or trim them to fit. Let your kids brush the surfaces of the box and lid with craft or poster paint in a color that will set off the pictures. Two coats should do it. When the paint is dry, glue the pictures on with rubber cement. To ensure that they hug the curvy sides of the box, brush rubber cement on both the back of the photos and the surface of the box, then press the photos in place for several seconds, using a facial tissue to keep pictures fingerprint free. To make your box even more special try this. Use a hot glue gun to apply a line of hot glue along the edges of each photo. Let the glue cool before moving on to the next line. Fill in between pho- [eredit:] Photo: DonnaH. Chiarelli studio. tos and along the rim of the lid with big polka dots of hot glue. Finally, use your fingertip or small, firm-bristled paintbrush to apply a gold metallic wax or paste, such as Rub ’n Buff, to all the cooled lines and dots of glue. Buff with another piece of facial tissue. Or, have your kids select beads, bows and charmsfor you to hot-glue as decoration. Fill the gift box with items you knowthe person loves. Some ideas include candies and cookies; jam or preserves; specialty foods such as chutney, macadamia nuts, mixes for chili or dip; a selection of teas; hot chocolate mix or flavored coffee; bath salts or shower gel; or potpourri sachets. And, to makethis gift box special, remember to include photos. Wrap them in a pretty ribbon or make a mini photo album.Thisis a gift that will be proudly displayed for years to come. There are many easy ways to print your digital pictures. Learn
