The new Wrigley’s™ Big Red® 15-stick Slim Pack™ (with a name as big as its boxy new package) left this artist wondering just what she’d be able to fit the treat into.

This “block” of gum became inspiration itself for recreating a favorite folk toy. A Jacob’s Ladder relies on the weight of the connected blocks to help them “tumble” smoothly in sequence. Fitting the gum into the end boxes of this valentine version could provide the heft. Chipboard boxes were sized and built to fit a pack snugly inside. An open end and thumb-notches made the gum accessible. Remaining boxes were built closed and completed the set. Several prototypes were constructed and tested for the weight, to master the ribbon patterns, and to discover the best methods to secure the ribbons to each box. With the mechanics worked out, box production began. Each set of 6 boxes was then wrapped with an iconic visual story: the progress of romance, from flowers to fireworks. Ribbons were attached to link the boxes together in the pattern of the toy. With the gum in place, Jacob’s Love Ladder was complete. The size of this valentine required custom mailing boxes to ensure our new “slim” pack arrived in working order.

Visit the Jacob’s Love Ladder Gallery.