I confess: Especially in these tough economic times, I’m always looking for ways to pinch pennies by making instead of buying gifts. But sometimes writer’s block extends to the old imagination, too. So, I find myself looking a little closer at store-bought gifts and wondering, Can I do that?
Here’s one of my favorite “stolen it” ideas for Valentine’s Day. Pottery Barn has a delightful hanging hearts mobile that seems to be a cinch to make, as long as you have a deft touch with a needle (or a sewing machine). You’ll need to buy material in at least five different patterns (you won’t need much so check your scraps or look in the bargain bins at your local craft/fabric stores). You’ll also need about 3-4 yards of ribbon, a thick wire ring, paint to match the color of the ribbon, batting and pinking shears.
First, paint the wire ring in the color of the ribbon and set aside. Cut the ribbon in varying lengths (6-15 inches). Print a heart pattern (such as this one) and cut it out. Trace it on the backside of your material. You will need two or four hearts for each piece of material. Cut out the hearts using pinking shears. Sew the hearts together, about a half inch from the edges, with the backsides facing out, leaving a one-inch opening at the top. Turn it right side out and stuff with batting. Sew the top closed. About halfway down the ribbon, sew on the top of the heart. Repeat for each heart. Wrap the top half of the ribbon around the wire three times, leaving about four inches at the top. Draw all of these top portions together and tie into a loop. That’s it. (And for all those who aren’t looking to pinch pennies, you can buy the real deal for $34.99 from Pottery Barn.)
Prepping for that classroom Valentine party? Bingo’s always popular with kids, particularly when you use something edible for the markers - red and white M&Ms, gummi bears, conversation hearts or yogurt covered raisins.
Here’s how to make your bingo boards: 1. Open a word document on your computer and type in “Valentine Bingo” in some particularly Valentine-y font (we used Snell Roundhand and wondered where the heck they come up with these font names). Now click the tab for making tables and insert a 4×4 table right under the heading. Grab a corner with your cursor and pull it down to make appropriate sized squares. Print the results on white card stock, enough for every child in the class or, if you’re using party stations and letting small groups rotate through, 4-6 boards plus 1 extra. Read the rest of this entry »
Awww, these are too cute. Family Fun Magazine sent us a sneak peek of their February 2009 issue, and we’ve been swooning over these valentines ever since. Fill tiny cellophane bags (we picked ours up at Michael’s - we think they’re supposed to be for homemade lollipops) with tiny Teddy Graham cookies and gummi bears. Tie on a ribbon, and attach a tag that says “Bear hugs for you,” “Join the cub,” “I can’t bear to be without you” or something else suitably adorable. Voila. Instant valentine.
Looking for fun classroom party ideas? A dress-up relay race is great for any age and it’s infinitely adaptable. We’ve used it for back to school parties, Valentines and end-of-school shindigs, kindergarten through fifth grade, and it’s always popular!
For a Valentine’s relay, you’ll need one small suitcase, duffle bag or backpack for each team. Pack each suitcase with a pair of ridiculous red tube socks, huge boxer shorts with red hearts, a feather boa, a tiara and sunglasses. The boa and boxers make kids laugh, so we always include them, but you can use any variation of clothing.
So, how cute are these? It’s day two of our Valentine countdown and we’re making these pretty paper heart pockets, some as decorations and others for holding valentine cards. They’re another brilliant idea from BHG.com’s round up of Valentine ideas. Here’s how to make them…
1. Cut two heart shapes of equal size out of pink or red paper or card stock.
2. Cut 2 or 3 additional, smaller hearts from contrasting paper, and attach them with glue, spray adhesive, double sticky tape or a simple running stitch to the front.
3. Now stack the two main hearts with right sides facing out. Use a sewing machine to zigzag stitch around the edges, leaving the top open. Use pinking shears to trim the edges, if you wish, then punch holes near the top of pouch and thread ribbons through. Voila!
Happy February! We’re two weeks out from Valentine’s Day. Time to fire up the oven and rustle up the doilies and ribbons. And we’re starting our Valentine countdown with a recipe from one of our favorite sites for recipes, crafts and decoration ideas, BHG.com. (And thank you, Better Homes & Gardens folks, for always being so nice about sharing!) We’ve been swooning over their ideas for sweet peppermint stars - little florets of pink and white meringue - and red velvet cupcakes. But that mouthwatering photo above is for White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread, the perfect oh-so-pink cookie for your sweetie. Here’s how it’s done. Read the rest of this entry »
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Check back with us on Sunday, as we begin our 2-week countdown to the pinkest and sweetest of holidays - Valentine cards, crafts, recipes and classroom party ideas.
OK, people. We need a reality check. Got a press release this morning touting the top 10 Valentine “Toys to Say I Love You With.” And yes, we’re troubled by the uneasy grammar there, but we’re boggled by the notion of a Valentine toy ($5.99-$29.99) shopping list. Chocolates and roses for romantic grown-ups, yes. But Valentine toys? Hmmm… Punch a button on the poll and tell us what you do… Or click “comments” and dish.
I confess: Especially in these tough economic times, I’m always looking for ways to pinch pennies by making instead of buying gifts. But sometimes writer’s block extends to the old imagination, too. So, I find myself looking a little closer at store-bought gifts and wondering, Can I do that?
