A hack-box to go, filled with interconnects, LEDs, and love. Because, what better way to say I love you, than with the gift of electronics?





Step 1: Obtain a box of chocolates.

Step 2: Dispose of the contents of the box.

Begin by checking the ingredients. If you see the words “corn syrup” or “hydrogenated” anywhere, the contents just might make great gifts for your co-workers or boss (if disliked)*. If those words are not present, the contents are likely excellent edibles, and would make suitable gifts for your significant other or boss (if liked).

*Aside: Extensive but anecdotal evidence suggests that co-workers in most contexts tend to genuinely appreciate the presentation of even mediocre chocolates to a degree that is nearly indistinguishable from their appreciation of exceptional chocolates. There is little (if any) shame in exploiting this equivalence, if it still means that you’re giving them chocolate.

Step 3: Trace the shape of the empty box– the bottom half of the heart-shaped clamshell –onto a piece of paper.

Step 4: Build a latticework to go inside the box. Heavy cardstock works well; we used 0.020″ chipboard, like the kind that many cereal boxes are made from. The lattice needs to be about the same thickness as the box bottom (7/8″ in our case) and the pieces need to be wide enough to cover the entire traced shape.

Step 5: Cut the lattice work to size, so that it fits within the traced shape.

Step 6 (optional): Cut out the traced heart shape to make a liner for the bottom of the box.

Step 7: Put it all together. Optionally, add tape at selected location to secure the lattice work in place and/or to provide a tight seal around the bottom edges of compartments that will store tiny parts.

Ready to load and use, or wrap up as a gift for your sweetie.