I love Valentine's Day. I love to craft for it, I love the unabashed use of red and hearts, the opportunity to be a little silly. And in my world, everyone's a potential Valentine, not just my husband and son. So it's one of my favorite gift giving times as well - a holiday that calls for small, thoughtful gestures in nice packages.
That's the focus of my Valentine feature in the February issue of Better Homes and Gardens - making small, handmade gifts or upgrading traditional packaging (like giving a store bought box of chocolates a new look with customized wrapping). It's easy - and a lot more fun than being a Valentine cynic!
You can find all the projects shown here (and more!) in the February issue or online at BHG.com. (The link to BHG.com has a number of other DIY gifts in it as well - from various contributors.)
Customizable, downloadable scratch-off card.
Upgrade a standard drink carrier and fill it with a special selection of sodas or beer (look for shops that sell sodas or beers by the bottle so you can have an eclectic assortment).
Stamped muslin bags are a breeze to make and can hold all kinds of treats, not just candy. I like the idea of packaging them with vintage printers blocks, like XOXO and Love (I find wooden letters on Etsy and Ebay, as well as antique stores.)
I like to create inspiration kits for my girlfriends. I fill them according to their personalities and style, favorite colors, etc.
Decorative papers, ribbon, and cupcake liner flowers dress up traditional candy boxes.
I made these scrapbook paper candy bar wrappers for BHG a few years back, but I still love them. They're easy to make (especially if you have a paper trimmer) and the design possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a wrapper that truly reflects your recipient.
Hi Phyllis,
Unfortunately, there aren't any complete graphics for the candy bar wrappers. They were made with with strips of patterned scrapbook paper then embellished with stickers and so forth. It's an easy project to replicate, with the newer designs you find in places like Michaels, but they won't be exactly the same since those papers have been discontinued.
Posted by: Suzonne | 12 January 2014 at 06:31 AM
How can we find the complete graphic for the Valentine candy bar wrappers - would love to do this. My son's birthday is on Valentines and this would be an extra treat. Thanks for all the fabulous ideas. I'm going to do the muslin bags as well. I have some left over from Christmas and will decorate them up for Valentines.
Posted by: Phyllis Fisher | 11 January 2014 at 03:14 AM
I am actually thinking about a unique or different way of making gifts for valentine's day and even for Christmas day. I like the idea of scrapbook paper candy bar wrappers they're so unique and very girly perfect for my girl friends.
Posted by: Chocolate Gifts | 22 October 2012 at 09:01 PM
I love the drink carrier...I might even make my own home brew as a surprise! :)
Posted by: Flowers | 26 March 2012 at 09:17 AM
I absolutely love all of these ideas! Wish I had seen them sooner, I hope I can still track down a Feb BHG! Valentines is becoming a favorite holiday of mine too- it's so pretty!
Posted by: KatieJ | 29 February 2012 at 12:23 PM
The last hidden treasure should include a Valentine card expressing how much you have been enjoying their friendship.
Posted by: funny valentine | 02 February 2012 at 10:43 PM
These are all beautiful. I really have to try the scratch-off cards. I had no idea you could make these yourself!
Posted by: Shannon @ A Mom's Year | 02 February 2012 at 09:36 PM
Adorable ideas! It was great meeting you last weekend!!
Posted by: Amy @ Living Locurto | 01 February 2012 at 02:58 PM
where can i download the scratch off valentines? i love these ideas! thanks!
Posted by: Abbey Metcalf | 28 January 2012 at 05:49 PM
Those muslin bags are lovely! Love it!
Posted by: Car Insurance Seattle | 26 January 2012 at 09:26 AM
Yes, Sarah. You can use any stamp you like. I used regular pigment ink pads for the bags (allow for a little more drying time than paper). One note - pick a stronger colored ink because it will end up more muted on the muslin. If you use something light, like pastels, they won't have much impact.
Posted by: Suzonne | 26 January 2012 at 06:06 AM
I agree, those muslin bags are lovely, and would work for any occasion with a different stamp. Do you make them yourself?
Posted by: Sarahmillman.wordpress.com | 25 January 2012 at 03:22 PM
I LOVE your muslin bags!
Posted by: Noas'Libellule | 25 January 2012 at 07:58 AM