craftgrrl | Long Time Lurker, First Time Poster!

And I even know the LJ HTML! I just wanted to say hi to everyone, and to tell you all that I think your work is just amazing! But of course, I do have a question, and I would appreciate any feedback, thanks!

Ok, so my problem isn't about "what do I get my boyfriend for Valentine's Day?" I read the rules, and I know that type of post isn't allowed. I do believe I have come up with a wonderful idea, sparked by an entry and little stuffed hearts made by

mistressbatty. I have decided to make my boyfriend those ever popular Necco Wafer hearts, that you can only find around Valentine's day. I plan on buying some quilters fleece or even some calico prints in an assortment of colors, iron-on letters, (for the messages of endearment on the hearts) both of which would make the hearts. I still have yet to find a big enough heart parttern (I want to make them big enough to the point where he could hold them with two hands.) but I am working on it.

So here's my question, and I did already check the FAQ's, but if this is already in there and I missed it (because I'm so awesome like that) please feel free to delete this post. I plan on putting the hearts into some type of cardboard box, more like a larger shoe box, or even two bottoms of a large cardboard box taped together, and painting it to look like the Necco Wafer heart box (The hearts are called "Sweethearts" I do believe). My only thing is, the box that I am currently planning on using is a Vans shoe box, and it's black and blue all over. I'm afraid that after coating it several times with several layers of paint it will become soggy and misshapened. Any ideas on what other type of paint I could possibly use? Would acrylic be ok, or would that chip too much? Should I just try the spray paint?

Thanks again! And I will post some pictures when I am done with the project!