February Means Valentine's Day!
So I'm sure you've noticed it by now, but Valentine's Day is coming up again. It's about that time of year! And while many people find the holiday to be expensive and overrated, I happen to think it's wonderful. Valentine's Day is a special day set aside to be sure to express to your loved ones that you care about them. For me, it isn't just about romance between couples. I like to extend beyond that and think about my friends and co-workers as well. I like to give everyone a little something just to say "I was thinking about you, because I care". And doing so doesn't have to be expensive. I wouldn't advise going cheap for your significant other, but for everyone else, here are a few ideas to get you in the Valentine's Day spirit. Heck, maybe after browsing through a few of theses favor ideas, you'll go nuts and even the annoying neighbor will get something!
Lollipop Flower Favors!
From familyfun.go.com
I picked this project to showcase because I love the simplicity of it. While I suggest using vibrant colored papers or cardstock over construction paper, the overall design is completely adorable. It takes very little time to complete, (especially if you have a heart-shaped paper punch), and they're inexpensive, so you can give one to all of your friends entirely guilt-free!
Instructions from familyfun.go.com:
Materials:
*Red and green construction paper or card stock
*Scissors
*Lollipop
*Glue stick
Instructions:
From red construction paper, cut out a heart that's just larger than the lollipop candy and glue it to the wrapper.For the leaves, fold the green paper in half and cut out a leaf shape, leaving the two sides attached at the seam.Unfold the double leaf shape, coat the entire inside surface with glue, and fold it back over the lollipop stem, pressing to secure.
Click here to see my samples of the project!
Paint Strip Cards
From countryliving.com
So simple and so fun! Not to mention inexpensive! Paint strips are free just about everywhere (just be courteous when selecting your samples. Leave some for the people who are actually looking to paint something), so this project will cost you virtually nothing. (Although if you don't have rubber stamps, it might be more of an investment). While these little favors don't make very good gifts on their own, they're great for gift tags or writing little sentiments on the back. They can even be used as bookmarks! The country living website didn't have instructions, so I've created these myself.
Materials:
*paint strips
*rubber stamps and ink
*hairspray
Instructions:
1. Pre-coat: Lightly coat each strip with hairspray and let dry. This is very important! The original surface is too glossy to stamp on. Coating them will allow the stamps to stick and dry nice and clean.
2. Decorate: With the rubber stamp of your choice, stamp each section of the paint strip. You can choose to say a message, such as "I <3 U", or you can just decorate with x's and o's, hearts, or flowers. The sky is the limit! Be sure to let them dry thoroughly before proceeding.
*Note: For some extra protection, you may want to lightly coat them in hairspray again. For some extra glitz and glam, consider using a spray-on glitter. Test it out on an extra piece first, though. Sometimes what you read on the can and what comes out of it don't exactly match.
3. Accessorize: Hole punch one end of the strip, and tie on some ribbon to make a fashionable gift tag or bookmark. You can tie on as many ribbons as you like. You can even add beads to the ends.
4. Personalize: Personalize your cards with a special message on the back. Use a fine point permanent marker to write a unique sentiment for your intended recipient.
Click here to see my samples of the project!
