Be My Valentine

I l.o.v.e. this time of year. 

Rainy days, hot popcorn,

catching up on movies,

and

crafting!

Right around early February, I invite friends over for a Valentine's craft-fest, also known as Creative Therapy!  I provide inspiration and all the supplies they need to create an altered art project. 

Next week we're going to make this adorable Valentine's gift, embellished with ribbon, rub-ons, wood hearts, tags, stamps and, of course, CHOCOLATE!  [I thought that would get your attention.]

Starting with a plain tin "take-out" style box (which comes in red, white and silver), I added an "only YOU" rub-on to the front of the container. Then I glued a wooden red heart to the clasp that locks the lid in place. I found some puffy stickers, and adhered a "Be My Valentine" sticker on this heart.

Ribbon adds so much color and texture to a project.  I gathered a combination of red, white and black ribbons, and tied about a dozen 5" strands to the handle.

Then I stamped "sealed with a kiss" onto a circle tag, embossed it, and tied it to the handle as well.

The last step is adding the chocolate kisses! I lined the bottom of the tin with shredded paper, and then filled it to the top with red & silver Hershey Kisses. 

I got a GREAT DEAL: when the holiday candy went on sale [50-75% off], I bought several large bags. After eating removing the green pieces, I used the red & silver wrapped kisses for this Valentine's project. [No one will be the wiser.]   If there are any leftovers, I'll save the green kisses for St. Patrick's Day!

The best part of these craft-fests is that everyone has their own style when it comes to choosing their ribbons and embellishments.  This means that every project looks different, making it truly unique.  I love spending a few hours together with my friends while we relax, chat, and craft.  Creative Therapy is just what the doctor ordered!

 What are your crafting plans over the next few weeks?

Want more Valentine's ideas? 

I [Heart] You Mailbox

 

You Had Me at Hello

A Coordinated Ensemble

Find me having fun at these linky parties

and

Life With Lorelai Home Matters

French Country Cottage

Art is Beauty

Organized 31

I Gotta Create

From My Front Porch to Yours

Knick of Time Vintage Inspiration Party

Fox Hollow Cottage

Cupcakes & Crinoline

Whipperberry valentines-day-link-party

One She Two She

An Original Belle

A Coordinated Ensemble

Here it is late January, and I'm still writing up my to-do-list for the new year.  So many things to take care of.  One of my resolutions is to carve out crafting time a few times a week.  Until I get this prioritized, I have decided to re-post favorite Valentine's Day theme projects.  Here's one which includes an entire coordinated ensemble.  Enjoy!

A heartfelt handmade gift means so much, both to the giver and receiver. You know how much love goes into making something special, so it is equally important to know who your recipient is as you create it.

I decided it would be fun to create an entire coordinated ensemble of altered artwork to mix and match for a good friend or two.

Finding vintage-style coordinating scrapbook paper online a few years ago, I loved it so much that I bought all that was available. It's a subtle Valentine mix of dark red, soft yellow, sage and black -not a hint of pink or bright red in the bunch.

Since I just altered a wood photo frame (see February 2 post), I decided to create coordinating items, adding a small notebook, pillar candle, clothespin clips, a large spiral notebook, a note holder, and of course, a glass jar filled with chocolate.

Here is the beginning of my embellished mini notebook. I found these small spiral notepads (with pens) on our recent visit to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo -- in the college bookstore for less than $2 each. Here are the before and after notepads.

And here is it is shown with the matching pen and altered clothespin clip. Embellishments include ribbons, chipboard circle stamped with "Friendship is a work of heart," a wooden bead and metal heart charm, and of course, the coordinated scrapbook paper.

And a surprise envelope inside for love notes or perhaps a sweet gift card?

And a few stamped images throughout the pages.

...the large spiral notebook

...matching tile coasters

...an embellished pillar candle

and this altered glass hinged jar full of kisses--chocolate kisses!

And a photo of the complete ensemble:

Now it's time to steal a few of those kisses...xoxo

Linking up to these fab blogs:
The CSI Project: Red Inspired Challenge
Cheap Crafty Mama Valentine Party
Serenity Now)
Bacon Time with the Hungry Hypo
Project Queen
Rook No.17
Carolyn's Homework
Making the World Cuter
Today's Creative Blog
Passionately Artistic
Lil Luna
Ginger Snap Crafts
Blackberry VIne
A Glimpse Inside
Happy Hour Projects
The Answer is Chocolate
One Artsy Mama
Happy Go Lucky
At the Picket Fence

Be My Valentine

You look so familiar.  Do we know each other?  

Oh yes, I recognize you now. 

We frequently run into each other in the $1 aisle at Tar-che[z]!

Well in that case, you probably bought a few of these tin mailboxes. 

Did you get one in red, white or pink? Oh, one of each color! Me, too...

Most probably you will use this cute little box to "mail" Valentine goodies to your special someone[s].  That's exactly what I'm going to do. 

But first, I must alter the mailbox...

Materials: 

• one tin mailbox (your choice of color)
• Decorative scrapbook papers
• Three coordinating Ribbons
• Metal Charms (lockets, keys, hearts, etc.)
• Flowers
• Buttons
• Mini tag
• Mod Podge
• Dymo label maker          

Measure and cut one piece of decorative paper to cover the main piece of the box. I cut it 4" wide x 12" long. The 12" just barely covers the entire body of the box. Adhere paper to mailbox using Mod Podge, starting at the bottom center of the box.

Carefully move the flag out of the way as you adhere the paper.  If the area around the flag anchor tears, you can cover it with a flower later, and no one will be the wiser. Let paper dry with flag in up position. 

 

Cut additional piece of paper 1" wide x 3" long. 

Adhere to one of the open sides. 

You can, of course, cut two pieces of paper, and embellish both sides.

Let dry.

Using Dymo label maker, type "Be My Valentine"

or other phrase of your choosing, and stick label below paper. 

Apply another coat of Mod Podge over the entire mailbox.

Cut 5" lengths from three different ribbons. 

Tie together all three ribbons into a knot,

catching charm locket in knot as well. 

Tape ribbon ends of one ribbon to inside of mailbox.

Trim additional ribbon ends.

 

Embellish flag with flowers, buttons, key charm, and mini tag. 

 

Add contents.  For the chocoholic, use kisses.

Or fill mail box with stationery, tissue pack, key chain and a candle.

You can also add a gift card and coupons.

Done.

Don't forget to place the flag in the up position!

Partying with these lovely bloggers:

Home Stories AtoZ

Serenity Now

x

Happy Hour Projects

A Glimpse Inside

Ginger Snap Crafts
Oopsey Daisy
Answer is Chocolate
Serenity Now