Last Minute Valentine's Day Ideas

The Big Love day is almost upon us!  If you have put off the kids' cards long enough, here are a few ideas that can easily be completed over the weekend.  Make the card exchange both fun and rewarding this year!

Posy Flower Lollipops

These cute little flowers hide a lollipop in between two flower shapes.  They are fast and easy to pop out and the kids will always love giving a sweet treat.  Since these flowers are small and can be done in any color, it is a great way to use up all those little scraps in your stash!  Use lots of colors and patterns to make a beautiful bouquet.

Supplies:

various colored or patterned cardstock paper
a 2" or larger scalloped punch or circle punch *
a 1" circle punch *
flat lollipops
pens or markers
cute little ribbons cut into 4-1/2" lengths
glue sticks or glue dots

(* Note:  if you don't have a punch, just cut out shapes with scissors)

1.  Figure out the number of cards you will need.  Punch (or cut) that number of shapes with the smaller shaped punch, using only solid colored card stock.  Write cute little messages on these smaller shapes.  "I pick you", "Be Mine", "A Flower for You" are all good ones.
2.  Multiply the number of cards you need by 2.  Punch (or cut) that number of the larger shapes.
3.  On half of the larger shapes, glue a smaller shape in the center.
4.  On the other half of the larger shapes, you or your child can write their name.

5.  Glue the two shapes to both sides of a flat lollipop, making sure the message and the child's name are facing outward on either side.
6.  Tie a small length of ribbon around the lollipop stick.

Voila!  A bouquet of valentine flowers!

Popping Up Lollipops
More cute flowers for Valentine's Day!  These ones use the Tootsie pop or Dum Dum style round lollipops as the center of the flower.  Again, use lots of different colors and patterns to make a beautiful bouquet.
Supplies:

various colored or patterned cardstock paper
green cardstock
a 2" or larger flower punch *
a smaller flower punch (optional) *
a 1-3/4" leaf punch or template *
round lollipops
pens or markers
glue sticks or glue dots

(* Note: if you don't have a punch, just cut out shapes with scissors.  A Sissix or Cricut die works well also.)

1. Figure out the number of cards you will need. Punch (or cut) that number of leaf shapes using the green cardstock.  Write cute little messages on the leaves. "I pick you", "Be Mine", "A Flower for You", "You're Sweet" ... you get the picture! 
2. Punch (or cut) enough flower shapes so that each flower has 2-3 rows of petals.  Mix up colors and patterns.
3. Punch a small hole in the center of each flower using a small hole punch, a snip of the scissors or even a pen.
4. To assemble the flower, push one or two flower shapes onto the lollipop stick.  Glue the leaf on the last flower shape.  Push this on the stick with the message facing upward.

Presto! Another bouquet! 

Simple Messages of Love
These are beautiful little cards that convey your message through simple words.  These cards are great for the tween & teen set ... or for you!  Remember, you can say "I Love You" in any color so use whatever colorway strikes your fancy (or that you have in your stash!).

Supplies:

solid colored cardstock (plain or textured)
stickers, patterned cardstock or old magazine or book pages
printed words from stickers or old magazine and book pages
glue or glue stick
(Note:  we used Bazzill textured cardstock on Wildberry and stickers from the Garden Gala collection from Webster's Pages)

1.  Cut the desired number of cards from the solid cardstock, measuring 4"x6".  Fold in half so the card now measures 4"x3".
2.  If using patterned cardstock or old magazines/pages, cut or punch 1" circles.  You should have enough for 3 circles per card.
3.  Stick or glue the circles to the bottom right hand side of each card, spacing evenly.
4.  Cut the desired words to convey your message from the stickers or old pages.  Vintage pages from books and dictionaries look especially cool here.
5.  Stick or glue the words to the bottom of each circle.

Write your sentiment on the inside and you have a beautiful, simple card that conveys everything you want it to!

A Whole Bottle of Love
Who wouldn't want to get one of these little bottles of love????  Filled with candy hearts, these make great little gifts for teachers and friends.  Just make a quick wrap, fill with candy hearts, and you are good to go with your message of love!
Supplies:

small bottles (we used recycled spice jars; you can also look at dollar stores for similar ones)
various colored or patterned cardstock paper
brads
small paper flower embellishments
glue sticks or glue dots
candy hearts


1. Figure out the number of jars you will make.  Cut or punch two sizes of circles for each bottle from the cardstock.
2.  Measure the circumference of the bottle.  Add 1".  Cut strips from the cardstock measuring 3/4" wide times the circumference of the bottle.
3. To assemble the wrap,  cut small slits in the two circles for the brad.  Putting the slits slightly off center creates a cool look.  Find the center of the long rectangle.  Mark a point 1/4" to the left of the center and 1/8" up.  Cut a slit at this point, being careful not to cut through the edge.  Gently push the brad through the flower, the smaller circle, the larger circle, then the rectangle.  Push the metal brad pieces apart to hold it all together.
4.  Attach the wrap to the bottle by centering the design portion halfway up the bottle.  Bring the two ends together in the back.  Glue about 1/2 of both ends.  Overlap the ends, glue side together, and press firmly.

Many thanks to our fabulous Paper Doll, Aubrey Cece, who shared all these fun Valentine's projects with us.  Stop in the store for more great inspiration from her!

We hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day filled with love of every color!

Ciao,

Beth