February 07, 2023

Make Something Useful for Your Sweetheart: Easy Valentine Paperweights!

February 07, 2023/ jodi levine

I like to give something useful as Valentines, whether they are to my kids’ classmates (when we used to do that…sob!), friends, or family. “Useful” can sometimes be candy but, as there is already a lot of sugar at this time of year, we try to give out candy alternatives. I made these Valentine rock paperweights for The Week Junior, a super easy craft and a sweet keepsake that will remind your loved ones of you all year long!

January 16, 2023

Fun and Easy Valentine Crafts Made From Recycle Bin Items!

January 16, 2023/ jodi levine

If you’re here, you probably know that I love to make stuff out of materials found in the recycle bin…and, of those, my absolute favorites are toilet tubes! In fact, I have a whole book of toilet tube crafts called Toilet Tube Treasury! Surprise your Valentine and decorate their room with this toilet tube heart garland from the book! (Or a tube heart necklace, see below!)

January 26, 2019

A Roundup of My Favorite DIY Valentines Cards and Gifts

January 26, 2019/ jodi levine

Valentines Day has always been a favorite crafting holiday. I’m just a sucker for pink, red, and hearts! I’ve gathered a few of my favorite projects from over the years, like these freezer paper stenciled muslin bags I made for Martha Stewart Living magazine a few years ago. Slip a love note, some candy, or even a gift of jewelry inside for your sweetheart. Click here for full instructions!
*By the way, freezer paper stenciling is one of my favorite techniques! You can find freezer paper at most supermarkets (or here). It is paper with a plastic coating on one side. After cutting a shape out (ie. a heart) you iron the paper onto your bag (shiny plastic side down) and you have an almost foolproof one-use stencil. If you use a craft punch to make your stencil shapes, as I did with the small hearts here, it is a breeze!

February 03, 2018

Yummy (and Gluten-Free) Petit Four Treats for your Valentine

February 03, 2018/ jodi levine

Rice Krispie Treats are not only yummy but a good option for a dessert to serve to gluten-free friends. Making them into mini "cakes" is such a fun crafty food project! You can use square and round cookie cutters or hand-cut them. They work well if you cut into with a pretty thin layer, around 1", so spread them a little thinner than you usually do. (You might need to spread it into two baking dishes.) I use the classic recipe right off the box.

January 27, 2017

Assembly-Line Felt Valentines and a Video

January 27, 2017/ jodi levine

Many many years ago, my friend Page and I liked to make homemade Valentines for our coworkers at Martha Stewart Living magazine. We came up with ideas for little gifts, like these felt tissue dispensers (instructions here), that we could produce assembly-line style. The beautiful wool felt we used was special ordered from Holland. This was before the internet (!) so we would call the sweet owner over the phone to place our overseas orders! We sat together and measured, cut, and sewed until the wee hours of the night...and we loved it! This went on for many years until our recipient list grew to well over 100, we had our babies, and got too busy. Now, Page co-owns Purl Soho with Joelle Hoverson where, coincidentally, you can buy this beautiful felt!

January 17, 2017

Easy DIY Heart Lollipops Made From Supermarket Candies

January 17, 2017/ jodi levine

These pops, made by melting supermarket candies, are perfect party favors or school Valentines! You can even use up any leftover peppermints swirl candies you may have from Christmas!

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