Express your feelings with heartfelt projects

As Valentine’s Day approaches each year, I find myself really cherishing my family and considering how much each person means to me. When I reflect on our relationships and the love we share, my tender feelings rise to the surface, and I get choked up with emotion.

In years past I’ve been known to pick up sweet but generic cards or candy from the grocery store, but this year I want to make my gestures of love much more meaningful. You, too, can go beyond the ordinary with valentines your loved ones will remember long after February 14. Plus, you can create the ideas any time of the year—because it’s always a perfect time to let someone know you care.

All My Love by Maggie Holmes. Supplies Patterned paper: Hambly Screen Prints (brown), Heidi Swapp for Advantus (hearts) and Making Memories (pink scallop); Acrylic heart, chipboard bracket and rhinestones: Making Memories; Ribbon: American Crafts (diagonal stripe) and Making Memories (pink eyelet and pink stripe); Pin accent and rub-ons: American Crafts; Brads: Hot Off The Press; Playing card: Heidi Swapp for Advantus; Pens: American Crafts and Sharpie, Newell Rubbermaid; Other: Staples.

Create a romantic keepsake.
I say “I love you” frequently, but I don’t often go deeper than that. This love-note layout tells my husband the feelings of my heart in a permanent way. Photos aren’t necessary—this one is all about the words. To finish, add a title and a few embellishments. I plan to do this every year so he’ll always know of my love.

16 Things by Maggie Holmes. Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper; Patterned paper: Heidi Swapp for Advantus; Journaling shapes and rub-ons: Luxe Designs; Ticket: Jenni Bowlin Studio; Brads: Hot Off The Press; Corner-rounder punch: Fiskars; Chipboard, stickers, ribbon and pen: American Crafts; Other: Staples.

Appeared in:

February 2009