Romance is in the air! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and by now most of us moms and grandmothers are winding down our Valentine crafting. Classroom and teacher gifts are done or nearly done, as are gifts for friends and families. By now many of us have had our fill of cutting out hearts and cupids and are ready to move on. But we may have neglected one of the most important people in our lives, our significant other!
Let’s be honest, Valentine’s Day is a female holiday. We expect our husbands and boyfriends to take the initiative and come up with fabulous Valentine gift. We expect flowers, chocolates, jewelry, dinners, etc.
I admit I love the pampering, and most of the gifts my husband has given me. Okay, the weed trimmer wasn’t a big hit, but it was certainly memorable. Over all I think he’s gotten this Valentine thing down pat, even though at times he goes overboard with humongous boxes of chocolates or a truck load of blooms.
I must confess that most years I tend to neglect doing something special for him. By the time I get around to getting him a gift it’s usually the day before Valentine’s Day and I end up buying a shirt or a bottle of cologne. Occasionally inspiration strikes and I do something special. One year I remembered early enough to reserve an ocean view table at our favorite gourmet restaurant, another year I checked us in to an oceanfront suite for the night.
This year I tried booking a table at a restaurant during the last week of January. I tried all our favorites, they were sold out unless I want to have dinner at 10 o’clock. So I searched the web for inspiration. I found many great ideas and will be incorporating a couple in my Valentine’s Day plans. I’ve decided that a moonlight picnic on the beach is just what we need. We live in Hawaii so the weather should be cooperative, if not then on to plan B, a picnic at home.
Here’s a round-up of DIY Valentine gift idea for men. Perhaps they will inspire your Valentine planning. Whatever you decide have a wonderfully romantic Valentine’s Day!
If you’re still feeling crafty then this cool chocolate guitar may be just what you need. Specially if your Valentine is a music and chocolate lover!
Edible Crafts online has a great tutorial to show you how you can make this guitar for your lover boy!
Click here for the tutorial![spacer height=”-20px”]
Picnics are always romantic.
If the weather is bad you can still have a romantic picnic in your livingroom. Set the scene with candles and “picnic” on a blanket on your floor. Serve food you would serve if you were actually going on an outdoor picnic, but keep it simple; pasta salad, cold chicken, cheese, crusty bread, fruit, chocolate dipped strawberries, etc. And wine, Don’t forget the wine! (sparkling cider makes a nice non-alcoholic alternative, specially if you have to drive home) Pack everything in a picnic basket if you have one.
After dinner snuggle up in your romantic bedroom.
I’d add a candle or two , a couple of wine glasses, a bottle of wine, and a small box of truffles to this design by Everyday Art. [spacer height=”-20px”]
Click here to learn how to make it![spacer height=”-20px”]
Bacon is supposed to be “manly”, treat your man to Chocolate dipped roses by Everyday Dishes![spacer height=”-20px”]
Here are more Bacon Valentines from PrettyOrganized you’ll find recipes and free printable tags on their site.[spacer height=”-20px”]
Give him a gift that lasts the whole year. This Pre-planned date night book by Thinking Closet let’s you celebrate Valentine’s Day once a month doing something you both enjoy.[spacer height=”-20px”]
This Sensual Valentine by What’s On My Porch will stimulate all his senses.
Decorate cardboard boxes and fill each one with a corresponding item. His favorite candy, a massage bug, his preferred cologne, a CD, and some sexy lingerie he’ll love seeing you in. Tailor the items to your man.[spacer height=”-20px”]
If you haven’t found the right Valentine project or just need more ideas here is a round-up of cute Valentine crafts for the whole family.
I really love the Gumball Machines pictured above.
It’s posted by Lilac City Momma on Eat Craft Parent. They are simple and inexpensive to make using terracotta pots and trays and a glass bowls you can find at dollar stores, hardware, and discount stores. You can fill them up with your choice of Valentine themed candies. Click here for instructions.[spacer height=”-20px”]
Tulle Valentine’s Day Wreath by Oh So Savvy Mom is adorable and easy to make.
Click here for instructions [spacer height=”-20px”]
Here’s another cute wreath from Saving With Shellie using dollar store supplies.
Click here for instructions [spacer height=”-20px”]
You can take your child’s photo using their favorite theme just be sure they are posed with their hand out so it will look like they are holding the lollipop.
Click here for instructions[spacer height=”-20px”]
Heart shaped boxes of chocolates and Conversation Heart are the tried and true Valentine’s Day gifts we give and receive every year. This year step out of the box and try making something different. Homemade Valentine treats will be a refreshing change for your friends and family.
Here’s some cute Valentine’s treats I found around the web, most of them are easy to make, and all of them look definitely yummy!
Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate Love and Happiness. Here are some easy DIY ideas with free Valentine’s Day stickers to surprise your Valentine.
Lovely Planner
We all know that one person that writes down their plans, ideas, and goals. Why not surprise them with a customized planner? You’ll need a notebook, some decorative paper or some washi tapes, ribbons, and maybe even glitter. Let your creative juices glow. And don’t forget to print the stickers and apply one on the notebook, or inside of it with the inscription.
Adorable Coasters
They are easy to make, yet very useful. You just need to take some cork, cut it in wanted shape, print some Valentine’s Day stickers on regular or self-adhesive paper and apply them on the cut cork. You can use the coaster to decorate your house for Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day Card
There’s no doubt that Valentine’s Day cards are adorable, and so easy to make. Take some paper, fold it, and apply the printed stickers on the paper. Write a personal message to warm up the heart of your Valentine. This craft is easy to make, and can be a perfect crafty activity for kids to encourage their creativity.
Download these stickers, and start preparing for the holiday of Love!
Valentine’s Day is in less than a month. Valentine’s is such a fun holiday, specially for crafters! I made up this super cute set of Valentine Heart Hot Pads to use in my kitchen this Valentine’s Day. They make great gifts too!
Set of 3 Heart Hot Pads
Red Heart Hot Pad
Ring Holder
This pattern is very easy, it’s perfect for beginners! It uses rows of alternating single crochet and double crochet stitches to get the textured look. To make it heart shaped you just increase and decrease stitches at the appropriate rows.
I used Lily’s 100% Cotton Sugar’n Cream Yarn in Pink, Red, and White for the main colors and Azalea Ombre for the border and the matching ring holder. The holder is made by crocheting SC stitches in a plastic shower ring I got from Walmart. The shower rings come in a set of 12 rings and sells for about $1. You can buy them in different colors, but I like to buy the clear ones so that I can use it for several projects. It doesn’t really matter what color you buy as you will be covering it in yarn and will only see the ends.
You will need to make 2 hearts in the main color, the hearts are held together by the boarder. Using 2 hearts makes the pad thicker and less floppy. If you only want to make 1 heart you can, but it would be more like a washcloth, which are super cute too!
I used a J hook to make these Valentine Heart Hot pads, but really you can use any size hook you want as guage really isn’t an issue. Here’s the pattern, hope you love it!
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Supplies:
Hook size J
100% Cotton yarn in colors you want for the main color or colors – I used Pink, Red, and White
This pattern starts at the bottom point of the heart. Ch 1 at the turn does not count as a stitch.
Increases are made in the 1st. st of each increase row with a HDC & DC in the same st, and in the last st of each row with a DC & HDC in the same st. This adds 2 sts every time you increase.
Decreases are made in the First 2 sts of each decrease row with HDC decrease, and HDC decrease over the Last 2 sts. This subtracts 2 sts every time you decrease. Decrease begins on Row 18. To make an HDC decrease – yo (yarn over), insert hook in 1st. st, pull up loop (you will have 3 loops on hook), yo, insert hook in 2nd. st, pull up loop (you will have 5 loops on hook), yo and pull thru all 5 loops.
With main color Ch 2
Row 1: SC, DC, SC in 2nd. Ch from hook, Ch 1, Turn (3 sts)
Row 2: HDC, DC in 1st. st, SC in next st, DC, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn (5 sts)
Row 3: HDC, DC in 1st. st, SC in next st, DC in next st, SC, in next st, DC, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn (7 sts)
Row 4: HDC, DC in 1st. st, (SC in next st, DC in next st) 2 times, SC in next st, DC, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn (9 sts)
Row 5: HDC, DC in 1st. st, (SC in next st, DC in next st) 3 times, SC in next st, DC, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn (11 sts)
Row 6: HDC, DC in 1st. st, (SC in next st, DC in next st) 4 times, SC in next st, DC, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn (13 sts)
Row 7: HDC, DC in 1st. st, (SC in next st, DC in next st) 5 times, SC in next st, DC, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn (15 sts)
Row 8: HDC, DC in 1st. st, (SC in next st, DC in next st) 6 times, SC in next st, DC, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn (17 sts)
Row 9: HDC, DC in 1st. st, (SC in next st, DC in next st) 7 times, SC in next st, DC, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn (19 sts)
Row 10: HDC, DC in 1st. st, (SC in next st, DC in next st) 8 times, SC in next st, DC, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn (21 sts)
Row 11: HDC, DC in 1st. st, (SC in next st, DC in next st) 9 times, SC in next st, DC, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn (23 sts)
Row 12: HDC, DC in 1st. st, (SC in next st, DC in next st) 10 times, SC in next st, DC, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn (25 sts)
Row 13: HDC in 1st. st, (SC in next st, DC in next st) 11 times, SC in next st, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn (25 sts)
Row 14: HDC in 1st. st, (DC in next st, SC in next st) 11 times, DC in next st, HDC in last st, Ch 1, Turn (25 sts)
Row 15: Repeat Row 13
Row 16: Repeat Row 14
Row 17: Repeat Row 13
Row 18: HDC decrease over first 2 sts, (SC in next st, DC in next st) 10 times, SC in next st, HDC decrease over last 2 sts, Ch 1, Turn (23 sts)
Row 19: HDC decrease over first 2 sts, (SC in next st, DC in next st) 9 times, SC in next st, HDC decrease over last 2 sts, Ch 1, Turn (21 sts)
First Lobe of heart:
Row 20: HDC decrease over first 2 sts, (SC in next st, DC in next st) 3 times, SC in next st, HDC decrease over last 2 sts, Ch 1, Turn – leave rest of heart unworked (9 sts)
Row 21: HDC decrease over first 2 sts, (SC in next st, DC in next st) 2 times, SC in next st, HDC decrease over last 2 sts, Ch 1, Turn (7 sts)
Row 22: HDC decrease over first 2 sts, SC in next st, DC in next st, SC in next st, HDC decrease over last 2 sts, Ch 1, Turn (5 sts). Fasten off and weave in ends.
Second Lobe of heart:
Row 20: Turn work so that unworked portion is on the right side. Attach yarn to the 1st. st on row 19. Ch 1, HDC decrease over the same st you attached yarn to and the next st, (SC in next st, DC in next st) 3 times, SC in next st, HDC decrease over last 2 sts, Ch 1, Turn ( 9 sts)
Repeat Rows 21 & 22 of the first lobe.
Edging:
Round 1: Hold 2 hearts together and match sides and points. Attach contrasting yarn to the bottom tip of the hearts making sure you attach to both hearts. Ch 1, SC, HDC, SC in same st you attached yarn to. SC evenly along the side 20 times until you get to about row 16 ( the part that starts to curve out), 2SC in each st along the curve (15 times) until you get to middle point. SC in middle point st, Ch 7, SC in to the same middle point st you placed the last SC in (this forms a chain loop), 2 SC in each st along the curve (15 times) , SC evenly along the side until you reach the bottom tip, Sl St to first st, Ch 1, DO NOT Turn.
Round 2: SC in same st as join, SC, HDC, SC in next st (HDC of round 1), SC in the next 30 sts, (2SC in next st, SC in next st) 4 times, SC in next 12 sts – this takes you to the middle point, HDC into the middle point st you worked SC in the 1st. round, work 8 SC into the loop you made in round 1, HDC into the middle point st you worked HDC in, SC in next 12 sts, ( SC in next st, 2SC in next st) 4 times, SC in next 30 sts, Sl St to first st of round, fasten off and weave in ends.
Ring Holder:
Attach yarn to one end of plastic ring, attach to the main part of the ring leave the opening clasp free so you can open and close the ring. Work 40 SC in to the ring, bunch st close together so that the plastic ring is completely covered.
So you want to throw a Kids’ Valentine’s Day Party, how fun!
As you may know our family loves to throw parties, we use any excuse or holiday. So of course we think Valentine’s Day is a great day to have a party! A Valentine’s Day Party doesn’t have to take too much thinking, you already know your colors are going to be red and pink for the most part. And you have to have hearts, lots of hearts!
Here are some ideas to help you plan a Valentine’s Day Party!
All you need is a pretty glass container to fill with conversation hearts. The tulle pom poms add fun, but you can use lollipops, flowers, or whatever you can put on a stick![spacer height=”-20px”]
Romance is in the air! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and by now most of us moms and grandmothers are winding down our Valentine crafting. Classroom and teacher gifts are done or nearly done, as are gifts for friends and families. By now many of us have had our fill of cutting out hearts and cupids and are ready to move on. But we may have neglected one of the most important people in our lives, our significant other!
Picnics are always romantic.
After dinner snuggle up in your romantic bedroom.
I love this heart box by Theresa of Crafting the Web!
Bacon is supposed to be “manly”, treat your man to Chocolate dipped roses by Everyday Dishes![spacer height=”-20px”]
Here are more Bacon Valentines from PrettyOrganized you’ll find recipes and free printable tags on their site.[spacer height=”-20px”]
This Sensual Valentine by What’s On My Porch will stimulate all his senses.
in Pink, Red, and White for the main colors and 
So you want to throw a Kids’ Valentine’s Day Party, how fun!
Check out this centerpiece by 
Serve 
Pink Cookies!
Popcorn Mix
Heart Chains
Party Games
