Once upon a Margie's Candy Box
$99.00
Handmade Decoupage Keepsake Box | Upcycled Margie’s Candies Chicago Box | Vintage Paper Collage Memory Box | One-of-a-Kind Shelf Decor
I don't know about you, but I always feel bad about throwing candy boxes away. So I keep them!
This one came from Margie’s Candies, the beloved old-school Chicago sweet shop. It has been rebuilt by hand into something meant to outlast the chocolates: a one-of-one keepsake box for letters, photographs, matchbooks, jewelry, receipts from a good trip, small objects with stories, or simply a beautiful corner of a shelf.
The original paper box has been strengthened and thickened throughout, then given a reinforced base, hand-applied collage, paint, vintage paper, hardware, and multiple protective varnish layers. The result has the visual weight and permanence of a small wooden box, but it is, in fact, entirely paper, glue, paint, and patience.
The exterior is collaged with old newspaper fragments, vintage-style postage, photographs, painted paper, and fiber. The inside is finished in a deep, luminous green with a framed vintage bridge image set into the lid—an unexpected little night view when the box is opened. Clear feet raise it slightly from the surface, while the black metal display stand shown in some photographs is for staging only and is not included unless specifically noted.
This is not factory-made storage. It is an object with a previous life, remade into something more permanent. The imperfect edges, layered surfaces, paper texture, visible fibers, brush marks, and small variations are intentional parts of its character.
Use it for:
Letters, postcards, and photographs
Jewelry, watches, cufflinks, or small accessories
Matchbooks, ticket stubs, and travel mementos
Desk keepsakes, stationery, or art supplies
A shelf, coffee table, bedside table, or entryway
A gift for someone who keeps beautiful, unnecessary things
No two American Boy Candy Boxes will be alike. Each begins with a found box and develops its own collage, color, imagery, and history.
Materials and character
Original upcycled Chicago candy box
Reinforced paperboard construction and added base
Hand-collaged paper, printed ephemera, photographs, and vintage-inspired imagery
Hand-painted green interior
Clear protective varnish finish
Decorative hardware and clear protective feet
One-of-one handmade object
Important care note
This box is sturdy for its material, but it is not wood and should be treated accordingly. Keep it indoors, dry, and away from standing water, high heat, or heavy objects placed on top. Dust gently with a dry or barely damp soft cloth. Do not submerge it, soak it, or use harsh cleaners.
It is made to be used, displayed, opened, and enjoyed—but not treated as indestructible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Custom and personalized orders
Sure! I have had people ask for candles with no scent and candles with a scent I don't currently pour. I have had requests for vessels with more postage stamps and with buyer supplied ephemera. Want 20-year-old gramma on a candle? I can do that. Custom prices run a bout 25% above standard. Just send me an email to get the conversation started.
Shipping costs?
Etsy recommends I ship for under 6 bucks. I charge $11-16 which is pretty much exactly what it costs me. I would love to ship for free, but I just can't absorb that and keep prices where they are. These little gems are a lot of work!
How long does one candle take to make?
A long time! This is not a good business model!
Joking aside, here is how these are created. Each vessel is sourced (usually at my local Goodwill), cleaned thoroughly, masked with tape, decoupaged with 20-60 different items, dried, sealed, and finally polished. There is no way to assembly-line this process and each container spends between 20 and 40 minutes in my hands. This is why my prices are where they are - and I may have to raise them soon so buy now!
Once a vessel is done, the process is the same for all the candle sellers -- measure, wick, melt, temper, fragrance, pour, cure, surface, label, and package.