This Alligator Valentine Box is adapted from one seen in "Pack-O-Fun Magazine in February 2004. My version uses more common materials, and incorporates a bit of paper mache'.

Materials: Shoe box with lid that comes off. You can make it with a shoebox that has an attached lid, but the mouth doesn't quite come off properly.
Box Cutter or Exacto knife
Green Construction Paper
Elmer's Glue-All
Craft foam in black and white.
1 1/2 inch Styrofoam balls.

Time: 1 hour

Method:
1) Take the lid off the shoe box and cut a slant in the bottom of the box, starting about 4 inches from the front. Cut across the front of the box about 1 1/2 inches deep to make the "chin". Then cut another slant to meet it. This should give you the impression of an open mouth when the lid is put back on.
2)Tear strips of green construction paper and dip them in a watered down solution of Elmer's Glue-All. Apply them to the entire box. The lid should have the construction paper tucked under the edge.
3) Let this dry. The next steps can still be taken if it is wet, but the box is pretty soggy for carrying home.
4) Cut out tooth shapes from white craft foam and apply them to the mouth, top and bottom. They will glue on nicely, but are always in danger of being snapped off if handled roughly.
5) Cut out black circles of various sizes. These are glued to the box to represent the lumpy parts of an alligator.
6) Put two large black circles on the front of the lid to represent nostrils.
7) Cut a slice off the Styrofoam balls so they will sit flat on the box. Cut a second slice off for a small black circle to be glued on. This is the pupil of the eye.
8) Completely dry the box. It will be very stiff and able to hold things, especially Valentines.