How to Upcycle a Paint Palette into THE Prettiest Box of Chocolates

Roxy Taghavian
Feb 08, 2015

Let’s be honest, one of the best parts of Valentine’s Day is the chocolate. Flowers are a great gift, as is jewelry, but the real way to a girl’s heart is a box of delectable treats. In true Brit + Co fashion, we’ve created a our very own box of melty candy using a repurposed paint palette. Follow along below!


First
– watercolor paint palette

– Wilton Candy Melts in various colors

– coconut oil (or Crisco)

Tools:
– bucket + hot water

– knife

– microwavable bowl

– Q-tips

Instructions:

Let’s get to it!

First clean your palette. Hopefully you’ve used most of the paint already! Take the lid off of the palette and soak it in hot water. After a few minutes you can start to scrape the paint out using a knife. So crazy how all of the beautiful colors create such a dingy brown when mixed together.

  1. Place your paint palette in a bucket of hot water. Use your knife to scrape out the paint. Be sure to thoroughly wash the palette to remove any remaining paint. We found that using liquid dishwasher detergent worked best.
  2. Using a Q-tip, grease each section of the palette with coconut oil.
  3. Place four candy melts in a microwavable bowl and heat for one minute. Stir and heat more if necessary.
  4. Pour the melted candy into one section of the palette. Repeat this process with all of your colors. If your palette is really large, we recommend using Wilton Candy Coloring and white candy melts to create your own colors.
  5. When the palette is full, bang it on a flat surface to bring any air bubbles to the surface and to even out the “paint.”
  6. Allow the candy to harden.
  7. To remove each piece, carefully loosen the candy by sticking the knife down the edge and then popping it out.

Once you’ve cleaned the palette, go over it with a sponge and liquid dishwashing detergent. This will really get it spick and span.

After much experimenting, we found that lubing up each section with coconut oil makes it easier to remove your candy. For best results, use a Q-tip and really lather each section. Next, heat your candy melts. Place four pieces (this will depend on the size of your palette) in a microwavable bowl, and heat until they melt. Ours took about one minute. Give the melts a good stir and then pour them into each individual section. If you have more sections than colors, we suggest you get Wilton Candy Coloring and white candy melts to create your own colors.

To get rid of the air bubbles and smooth out the top, bang your palette on a flat surface. Just don’t pound it too hard ;).

Let your melts harden for at least a few hours. We let ours sit overnight.

Once they’re hard, you can remove them with a knife. Gently poke the knife down the side of the candy, working hard not to chip it, and then pop the candy out.

How cool are these? You’d never know this wasn’t a paint palette. You could easily fool your honey into thinking you’re about to eat paint.

Or you could bust it out after a romantic evening and see if it would work as body watercolor. Hey, you never know!

What an awesome way to say “I love chocolate. Oh right, and you!”

Have you repurposed anything interesting lately? How do you like to package homemade treats? As always, let us know in the comments.

Master the Art of Watercolor with This 3-Class Bundle

Want to learn watercolor on your schedule? In this three-class bundle, you’ll get access to on-demand classes that you can take at your own pace. In our new Watercolor Lover Bundle, you’ll start with an introduction class, and work your way up to digitization to create all kinds of watercolor artwork.

You’ll get access to these three watercolor classes for just $61 (originally $87):

  • Intro To Watercolor Painting
  • Watercolor Lettering + Illustration
  • Watercolor Painting + Digitization

You’ll start with the basics by learning how to work with watercolors to paint florals. Then, in the second class, you learn how to incorporate lettering into your watercolor skills. And lastly, our third class will show you how to create watercolor fruit slices, but you’ll take it to the next level by digitizing them to create colorful patterns in Adobe Photoshop.

Here are a few more details about each class:

INTRO TO WATERCOLOR PAINTING: In this class, you’ll start with a basic introduction to watercolor supplies, brush up on color theory, and then put it all into action by creating your own flower arrangement one petal at a time. Your awesome instructor, Jenna Rainey, will be guiding you every step of the way. After taking this class, you’ll know how to:

  • Build a custom watercolor palette using the principles of color theory
  • Properly hold your paint brush and create the outline of florals using different brush strokes
  • Fill-in and use shading techniques to bring your florals to life on paper
  • Use Rainey’s tips for bleeding watercolor together and a simple way to fix mistakes

WATERCOLOR LETTERING AND ILLUSTRATION: Let’s combine some of our favorite things. In this class, you’ll learn how to use watercolors to combine illustrations and florals with lettering. Yes, please! Plus, your instructor, Valerie McKeehan, will be teaching you all of her techniques and tips to create beautiful watercolor designs. By the end of this course, you’ll know how to :

  • Layout a cohesive design using anchor points, margin lines, and more
  • Use a Micon pen to add in details to your watercolor illustrations
  • Work with watercolor to add embellishments and quotes into your final design

WATERCOLOR PAINTING AND DIGITIZATION: This painting class is great for both beginner and intermediate watercolor artists! In it, you’ll learn how to paint a variety of colorful fruits, including vibrant blood oranges, lemons, and strawberries. But you’re not done there! Your instructor, Susan Chiang, will also be showing you how to digitize your watercolor artwork in Adobe Photoshop. By the end of this course, you’ll know how to :

  • Use the three most popular watercolor techniques
  • Paint colorful fruit slices with intricate details
  • Import your artwork for digitization in Adobe Photoshop
  • Create digital elements from your paintings to arrange your artwork the way you want it

And don’t forget to scoop up your class supplies. For all the classes, you’ll need the following:

For the full supply lists, make sure you take a glance at the Materials section for each class.

Loving on bundles? Good news — There’s more! Check out our curated collection of bundles hand-picked with you in mind. They have our top performing classes bundled up so you can save big!

Ready to enroll in this bundle? Make sure to share your final projects by tagging us on Instagram and using the hashtag #bcclasses. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

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8 "Precious" Old Lady Baby Names Perfect For Your Little Girl

Now that so many parents continue to prefer ultra-modern and unique baby names, there's something super charming about turning to the past for inspiration.

Choices that were once considered "old lady" names are making a big comeback as more expectant moms and dads seek out classic picks with a retro feel. Not only do they have a clear sense of nostalgia, but they also offer elegance and individuality.

So, if you're considering selecting a name that's a bit old-fashioned yet full of character for your little one, here's a list of our top "old lady" options.

Scroll to see all the adorable old lady baby names we love for 2025!

1. Agnes

This classic girl's name has Greek roots and means "pure" or "holy." Its popularity can be traced back to Saint Agnes of Rome, and over the centuries, Agnes has been embraced across various cultures. That's why it has different forms in varying languages, such as Agnese in Italian and Inés in Spanish.

Aside from its historical significance, Agnes has a simple elegance to it that continues to resonate with parents around the globe.

2. Clara

With Latin origins, Clara is a feminine name that means "bright" or "famous" and can be a perfect fit for a baby girl with a future full of promise.

This pick stands out from other similar and more common names, like Claire and Clarissa. Plus, it has some ties to classic Hollywood, most notably because actress Clara Bow was a silent film star and "it girl" during the 1920s.

3. Edith

With British roots, Edith is a name that embodies resilience and grace. It means "prosperous in strife" and suggests your little one will stand strong and have a solid character when faced with adversity.

Historically, Edith is best known as the daughter of Edgar the Peaceful. She was a woman who balanced nobility, intellect, and deep faith while remaining unbothered by external judgment. That's why this name can encourage your baby girl to follow her heart and hold her own values above all else.

4. Frances

If you'd like to go the gender-neutral route, Frances is a great choice that has roots in both Latin and German. It carries meanings such as "of the Franks," "free man," and "truthful" or "sincere."

Frances originally emerged during the 17th century in Britain and is often considered the feminine version of Francis. It's since gained popularity across Europe and can even serve as a nickname for the longer Italian version, Francesca.

5. Harriet

German in origin, Harriet translates to "home ruler" and connotes leadership and authority. Its popularity in the United States has been largely influenced by Harriet Tubman, the iconic abolitionist whose courage helped lead countless enslaved people to freedom.

This name symbolizes strength, resilience, and the power to create change. Its powerful legacy is undeniable and can inspire your baby girl to make an impact on the world around her.

6. Louise

Louise might sound like a soft or elegant name, but it has strong and powerful roots that are perfect for a bold little girl.

This name is derived from the masculine Louis and means "renowned warrior." It's a fitting choice for parents who want to combine both grace and strength. Not to mention, it's tied to Irish Author Louise O'Neill, who is known for her powerful feminist novels.

7. Mabel

Next up is Mabel, an adorable name with Latin origins that means "lovable." Derived from Amabilis and Amabel, this moniker has been beloved across cultures. It also has roots in the Middle Ages and graced Dutch royalty, like Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau.

But even if your little girl won't be part of a regal family, Mabel has a warm, welcoming spirit that will brighten up your home.

8. Winifred

Finally, Winifred is Welsh and Old English in origin, meaning "friend of peace" and "blessed reconciliation." The name is linked to a martyred Welsh princess and has a ton of vintage charm.

The best part? Winifred offers two cute nickname options: Winnie and Freddie. This makes it versatile (and fun) for different settings, whether formal or casual.

Looking for more baby & parenting advice? Sign up for our newsletter!

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Peggy Dean Is Back To Teach You How To Create A Quaint Illustration of Your Home

Capture your home or apartment building in a unique way by learning how to illustrate with line drawing techniques. In our Line Drawing: Illustrating Your Home online class, you’ll use loose, playful lines to sketch out the structure and details of your home. Then, you’ll add a pop of color to your illustration by learning how to apply a watercolor wash to your design.

Taught by student favorite, Peggy Dean, in her second line drawing course she’s going to teach you how to create an illustration of the place you call home. Your new skills will help you create a unique art piece to use as decor or as a gift to family and friends.

ENROLL IN THIS CLASS TODAY!

But hurry! For a limited time, you can get this class for 25% off. This offer ends on 12/16. Enroll in Line Drawing: Illustrating Your Home online class today.

Your final project will have you sketching out your home, looking something like this:

And then you’ll add a watercolor, to make your design look like this:

After taking this class, you’ll know how to:

  • Let loose and start drawing without things looking perfect
  • Use shapes to sketch out the structure of your home or building
  • Find the small details of your house and add them to your illustration
  • Add a watercolor wash to your house, bushes, a sidewalk, and more!

You’ll be able to use your skills to illustrate all kinds of things, including interiors, landscapes, cityscapes, and more!

So what are you waiting for? Enroll in our Line Drawing: Illustrating Your Home online course today!

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10 Stunning Amazon Fashion Finds – All Under $20 For A Limited Time!

Amazon’s Big Spring Sale deals have finally landed, and alongside all the best beauty picks, we’re definitely perusing their fashion deals to scope out the coolest finds for spring and summer. Because we’re all about our budget, we uncovered 10 of the best Amazon fashion finds – all under $20. From cozy loungewear sets to wardrobe basics, these picks are all must-buys if you love a good deal!

Scroll on to discover the top 10 Amazon fashion deals you can’t miss right now.

Amazon

Hanes SuperSoft 2-Piece Lounge Set

This $14 (was $27) lounge set comes with two super-soft separates that boast a roomy fit, so you can relax in total comfort.

Promising review: "I haven’t bought any Hanes products for myself before so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised with these pjs. They’re so comfy and cozy, the fabric is so soft. I ordered my normal size and they fit perfectly. The oversized boxy tee with the oversized shorts work great for hot summer nights. They’re not a heavyweight cotton but not flimsy and thin either; like a typical cotton tee. They washed well and I never put my clothes in the dryer in an effort to extend the life of my clothing. They’re a good quality for the price."

Amazon

Anrabess Overalls

Actually cute overalls? For just $20?! Wowza. This adjustable pair is such fun one-and-done outfit idea to keep close during spring and summer. We love to wear ours over tank tops and tees alike!

Promising review: "Really cute short overalls! Fits as suggested. I’m 5’4”, 140 lbs, and I have thick thighs. The leg openings are fairly wide even on me. I’m not a youngster anymore and appreciate that these aren’t short shorts. I washed them and the material and straps came out smooth. Nice material held its shape and no shrinkage."

Amazon

FashionPuzzle Small Crescent Shoulder Bag

This $20 (was $27) shoulder bag makes a great wear-everywhere accessory, especially if you're looking for a playful pop of color! You can find it in 19 more colors to suit your style.

Promising review: "This purse is a keeper. The size is perfect, not too small, not too big. I ordered two colors for my daughter. Colors were vibrant. The quality is good. She has been using for 2 months now with no quality problems. I would buy again."

Amazon

Wiholl Cap Sleeve Top

Fit with some summery cap sleeves, this $9 (was $20) top is a wardrobe must-have for those warmer days. It's also shoppable in so many different solid colors to match your outfit plans!

Promising review: "I admit I did not have high hopes for this top but I was genuinely surprised at the quality. Nice thick fabric that is not see through. Great on trend look for spring and summer."

Amazon

The Gym People Full-Zip Up Hoodie

It's giving Lulu vibes for way less. This $20 (was $37) zip-up hoodie is easy to throw on and even easier to wear all day, thanks to its soft cotton construction. It's fitted with plenty of pockets and accented with seams throughout to give it a luxe look!

Promising review: "The material feels pretty thick and like it will hold up decently well. I think the cut is super flattering. Great value for the price!"

Amazon

Anrabess Boxer Shorts

These stunning $9 (was $15) shorts are perfect for lounging around or heading out for errands in style. The gingham is undeniably on-trend right now – pair 'em with a white tank or graphic tee and sneakers, and you're set!

Promising review: "They are cute and comfy, I would size up though if you wanted more of an oversized look. They feel nice with a cute color. They aren’t see through, good quality for price and not too thick either so they are good for summer."

Amazon

Trendy Queen Going Out Summer Tank Top

This is the most stunning top to take out on the town if you still want some good coverage! The boat neckline is nothing but trendy, plus it looks super sophisticated no matter what you pair it with. For just $12 (was $26) and 20 colors to shop from, this is a deal you can't miss for the sake of your closet.

Promising review: "These are terrific for any wardrobe. I loved them so much that I bought two. They fit nicely, are comfortable, and are great for wearing underneath a blazer, or alone. They are very versatile and slenderizing, hugging your waist."

Amazon

Semaro Casual Linen High Waist Pants

Linen pants are an absolute staple for summer, and now's the perfect time get your outfits prepped and ready with this $17 (was $20) pair. The elastic waistband and breathable linen fabric make them a dream to wear. Comfy vibes only!

Promising review: "Very cool and comfortable for the upcoming warmer weather. Nice bright white. Elastic waist has waist tie to adjust for comfort. They look great on. Slightly wide leg and ankle. Will look great with summer tops. Can be fashionable for older or younger women. Did not shrink when washed in col water on delicate cycle. Air dried. Has a pretty linen texture. Not see through which can be an issue with some white materials."

Amazon

Amazon Essentials Lightweight V-Neck Cardigan

This easy-wearing cardigan is practically begging for a place in your closet. Though basic, it'll pair well with pretty much everything! From jeans to dresses, if you're in need of a reliable light layering piece, this $15 pick is downright perfect.

Promising review: "Bought this cardigan to wear over a denim dress and other dresses. It is 55% cotton and true to size. Quality is great and feels very soft. If you like the traditional-cardigan look, give this one a try!"

Amazon

Feisedy Vintage Aviator Sunglasses

A cute pair of sunnies never fails to make your 'fits pop. This $16 (was $23) pair is packed with vintage vibes to enhance any look.

Promising review: "Absolutely love these!! The style is fun, the color is amazing, and they actually look and feel high quality!"

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more Amazon deals and check out our Amazon storefront to find more editor-loved products!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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8 Under-$10 Amazon Beauty Finds You Can’t Miss This Week

Amazon’s Big Spring Saleis officially here, and it’s packed with endless deals on everything from fashion to home furnishings. Of course, we’re starting our sale search with the beauty aisle – so many of our go-to skincare goodies and makeup faves are all under a mere $10 right now, and we just have to share ‘em so you can shop ‘em!

Scroll on to shop our top 8 deals on Amazon beauty finds you can’t miss before the sale’s over!

Amazon

e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner

This is by far the best drugstore eyeliner out there. Designed with a convenient retractable (no-sharpen!) tip, it's super easy to take on the go for any touch-ups. Plus, the color payoff and wearability of each shade is insanely impressive.

Amazon

If you're looking for an eyeliner that, no matter the circumstances, does not budge, this $5 is the perfect pick-me-up. You can find it in a handful of different colors to suit your makeup needs.

Promising review: "I can’t believe I’ve been trying to make felt tipped eyeliners work for so long. Usually I put on felt tipped eye liner and it barely shows up, maybe my eye lids are watery or oily. So naturally within a hour or two it doesn’t even look like I’ve put on eye liner. This is not the case with this elf eye cream retractable liner. It actually shows up right away, it also lasts for hours. Even after 8 hours there was still some on my eyes, although I did need to re apply in some spots. It also didn’t smudge. For it to last at all and not smudge is amazing for me."

Amazon

Nivea Body, Face, & Hand Moisturizing Cream

Though some people may see this $10 tinned cream as truly "old school,"many others still hold it near and dear for its ability to moisturize and heal dry skin in need of nourishment.

Amazon

The thick, non-greasy formula is chockfull of provitamin B5 that really sinks deep into the skin. The best part is it's really gentle, so you can use it on your face, body, and hands.

Promising review: "Nivea is a great product. My parents always had a tin of it around. I've continued the tradition. It is a wonderful thick cream that moisturizes well. Great value for the price, as a little goes a long way. Softens rough skin."

Amazon

Versed Sweet Relief Night Mask + Face Balm

B+C Affiliate Writer, Meredith, truly cannot get enough of this stuff from Versed. It's a thick, moisturizing face balm that really nails down the 'slugging' skincare trend without totally swamping your skin. It is fairly oily and shiny after one application, so she recommends using it only at night – and you'll wake up with a glowy complexion!

Amazon

Its $10 (was $18) formula is loaded up with bacuri and kokum butters and apricot kernel oil that are all dedicated to protecting the skin barrier. Though these ingredients may sound intimidating, the product is still wonderfully gentle overall for any skin type.

Promising review: "I have very sensitive skin and LOVE this as an overnight moisturizer. It's thick but a little goes a long way. The winter where I live is very dry. I use it every night before bed, my skin feels great in the morning! It's neutral smelling but I prefer that."

Amazon

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo

This $7 (was $10) shampoo will set all your hair growth goals so right. It's made with rosemary and mint essential oils that help stimulate the scalp for better growth, along with biotin that ensures your locks don't lose moisture during the washing process. Snag the coordinating conditioner to get the full benefits (read an editor's review here)!

Promising review: "This shampoo is my favorite. It has a nice smell and gives my thinning hair a lot of volume and softness. Lathers well. Packaged well, no leaks. Hair loss has slowed down some. I will definitely continue to use."

Amazon

e.l.f. Cosmetics Glossy Lip Stain

This $6 (yes, $6!) lip stain is unlike most lip stains in the way that it boasts a fun, glossy formula. Where some leave-on lip stains may dry up and make your lips look crusty AF (hate that), this one nourishes your pout, all the while leaving a nice wash of color behind.

Amazon

This e.l.f. product stole the heart of B+C Affiliate Writer, Meredith, for its natural look, comfortable wear, and undeniable affordability. Its low price of $6 makes it so easy to try out the lip stain trend without going all-in! There are also so many shades to pick from, so you're sure to find one that suits you perfectly.

Promising review: "This was the first time buying any thing that was being called a lip stain. I didn’t want to spend a lot since I wasn’t sure if I would like them or if they worked the way people said they did. This goes on very easy and I have only used it a few times now, but it did last for a number of hours and did not come off when I ate or drink anything. I have thinner lips, but I like at this at least helps them show up more and when I don’t want to wear a lot of color, this is a soft neutral."

Amazon

Method Pure Peace Body Wash

This $8 body wash smells like heaven, truly. With notes of peony, rose water, and pink sea salt, it's perfectly feminine and clean and feels like a total treat in the shower or bath. Though fragranced, it's still gentle on the skin and provides a good amount of moisture after each use!

Amazon

This body wash from Method also boasts a unique biodegradable formula made with plant-based cleansers that contains zero parabens or phthalates to ensure healthy skin 24/7.

Promising review: "I was hesitant to buy this as I was not sure about how the scent would be. I am pleasantly surprised.
It has a simple rose smell, but it's mild and lacks that perfumey, cloying sort of smell that can happen with floral scents. Very simple, like I'm rubbing roses on myself. Not super strong, it lingers but doesn't feel like it's following you around all day either."

Amazon

Essence Lash Princess Mascara

This $5 mascara definitely doesn't feel like it's $5. It undeniably volumizes and lengthens your lashes in a few simple swipes, all without those pesky clumps you might expect from a more affordable product.

Amazon

The brush itself features an easy-to-use conic shape that lets you access the entirety of your lashes for a cohesive look, too!

Promising review: "What a little hidden gem this is. I first saw this on a you tube video and decided to try it. The bottle is adorable, but the contents will blow you away. It's probably the best mascara or one of the best that I have ever used. It was very inexpensive so even though the woman on the you tube video was saying how great it was, I wasn't expecting it to be all that great, but was still curious. I'm really glad I bought it, because it is the best mascara from a company no one probably even knows of because it is not mainstream. Buy it! I think you will love it!!"

Amazon

Wet Brush Original Detangler Hair Brush

The Wet Brush is a team favorite around here. It's gentle, lightweight, and oftentimes comes in the cutest colors and patterns to make our hair care routines more fun.

Amazon

If you're still using your old, ratty hair brush, the flexible bristles on the Wet Brush will feel like a total treat on your head. They help minimize breakage while still effectively detangling your locks. We're simply obsessed with this $7 rainbow colorway, too!

Promising review: "It glides through my hair effortlessly, detangling without pulling or causing breakage. The bristles are gentle yet effective, making it perfect for both wet and dry hair. Plus, the color is so pretty! If you struggle with knots or just want a great everyday brush, this one is a must-have!"

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more stunning Amazon deals – and find our absolute favorite products easily through out Amazon storefront!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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