Donna of Purple Kappa was nice enough to mention in a comment on my last post that the Coraline makers sent mystery boxes to 50 lucky bloggers. You can view the contents of many of the boxes here and here.
Oh how I wish I could have got one of those boxes but who says I can't still get a Coraline box just not from the movie makers themselves? So I was thinking, and this is very preliminary thinking, but maybe a Coraline Mystery Box Swap might be fun? The movie doesn't even come out until February 6th so this is really premature, and I really don't have the time right now, but here's sort of what I have in mind if we did it and there was enough interest:
1) 50 swappers to create 50 Coraline inspired boxes, but on a much smaller scale.
2) You must fill the box with several Coraline inspired objects. You don't need to see the movie to participate but you must at least familiarize yourself with the movie by viewing the trailer and looking at the movie website.
3) You must line the bottom of your box with red velvet and catalog the items you are sending with paper and pushpins. Refer to the Coraline box link for samples of the original boxes.
4) You must include an envelope with a letter inside the box to the recipient with a short description of its contents.
5) You must include two small black buttons in your box.
6) All the boxes will be numbered and your assigned box number should be attached to the outside of the box.
7) You will need to post pictures of your box on your blog when you receive it.
8) You will send and receive only one box and you will be responsible for all postage costs for the box you send.
9) You will not be receiving a box from the same person you are sending a box to. And you will not know who you will receive a box from.
10) You must have a blog to participate.
I''m thinking that small papier mache boxes, cigar boxes or even small toy hat boxes that you buy at the craft store might be the best way to go because they are lightweight for shipping but still sturdy and inexpensive. Anyway, like I said, just some preliminary thoughts.
Leave me a comment if you might be interested. Please note I'm not signing people up right now, this is still something I'm just considering.
THE SWAP HAS ENDED - THANKS!!
i'm not certain i'll have the time to commit to this but I LOVE the idea!
Posted by: ysolda | January 29, 2009 at 01:10 PM
I would do it in a second - as long as there was enough time to get things together (I'm a full time graduate student with two internships and a boyfriend who has a roommate with a cat that requires you to play mousie with him at every waking moment...consequently free time is very carefully managed)
But if you do it. I would be first-ish in line. And I am so excited about the coraline movie. I loved the book so much.
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 29, 2009 at 01:30 PM
Count me in!
Posted by: squirrel momma | January 29, 2009 at 01:58 PM
How fun would that be! It's very odd but I read the book a couple months ago and didn't realize that it was being made into a movie until I saw the toys at Carl's Jr. Since then I've seen the trailers and can't wait to see it.
Posted by: Lemon Tree Tami | January 29, 2009 at 03:28 PM
Oh, I have been so excited for Coraline ever since I saw the ads on Deviantart! I almost immediately rushed out to grab the book, and finished it the same night, such a wonderful story!
I am MOST DEFINITELY Interested in participating, I love this sort of craft swap!
Posted by: Michelle | January 29, 2009 at 06:23 PM
If you decide to do it, count me in. This was an idea I also toyed with. I think it would be lovely.
Posted by: Salem Winter/Mo Phelan | January 29, 2009 at 08:04 PM
I too would love to participate in a Coraline swap, it is right down my alley ;)
Posted by: ann | January 29, 2009 at 09:31 PM
oooh, a Coraline swap... I would love to join!
:)
would this swap be open to people outside the US?
Posted by: sandra murta | January 29, 2009 at 11:13 PM
I'd be up for it, too! But I also might need a bit of time to get things together, so don't go too hard on us!
Carmen
Posted by: Carmen | January 30, 2009 at 03:05 AM
I would LOVE to participate in a swap like this!!
Posted by: Donna | January 30, 2009 at 06:10 AM
Sounds divine! I'll be here with bells on!
Posted by: sarah | January 30, 2009 at 08:01 AM
Sounds like fun, but I wouldn't qualify since I'm not a blogger. :-(
Posted by: Kamahina | January 30, 2009 at 10:40 AM
I'd be in as well, if you'll include international entries (Australia). Otherwise I might just have to make that box I was thinking of on my own.
Posted by: S.L. | January 30, 2009 at 12:01 PM
Yes! A thousand times yes. I am in for any size box. Please do organize this, it's a great idea for sharing some of the magic of the film and taking inspiration from its beautifully hand-crafted figures and sets.
Posted by: Laura | January 30, 2009 at 12:25 PM
Super cool idea, I love projects. Please include me, I am always interested in a great swap. Thanks!
Posted by: karen | January 30, 2009 at 03:35 PM
What a perfectly spectacular idea. I just finished the book because I think my daughter's book club is about to read it. It was wonderful and I would totally love to do this with you.
Posted by: Amanda | January 30, 2009 at 04:02 PM
I'd love to!! I can't wait to see Coraline!!
Posted by: LIndsay B.. | January 30, 2009 at 05:34 PM
I'd love to do it! Let me know if you go forward with this project.
Thanks,
Heather :)
http://heathersnightmares.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Heather Robertson | January 30, 2009 at 06:10 PM
You can totally count me in on this one! This is an awesome community idea.
Posted by: Moses Roberts | January 30, 2009 at 07:49 PM
I would love to be involved if you end up doing this!!
Posted by: Melissa Burford | January 30, 2009 at 10:57 PM
Hi! I worked on this film and I assure you it's going to be stunning. I can't wait to hear what you think!
Posted by: Holly | January 31, 2009 at 04:27 AM
Sounds like just about the coolest idea ever! I would love to do it!
Posted by: Paolina | January 31, 2009 at 07:43 AM
oooh, i want to do it! stop motion is my favorite fantastical-ness. i made my boys watch the nightmare before christmas from october to december and they are not even two yet. count me in if this works out. yay!
and those boxes were incredible. a little daunting to try to follow that, but i am game.
Posted by: mamie | January 31, 2009 at 10:19 AM
I'm in. Love to see what different minds around the world create and swap.
Posted by: Barry | January 31, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Count me in!
Posted by: allen | January 31, 2009 at 01:59 PM