Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and if you haven't ordered your Valentine's Day gifts yet, maybe this is the year you want to think about going the DIY route. Because nothing says "You're the One" like a special homemade gift. We can guarantee the recipient will certainly appreciate the time and effort you spent making them a heartfelt gift. Whether you're looking for a present for your husband, a teacher, your mom, or a Galentine we believe that there is something in this list that will certainly spark your interest and crafting skills. How about a pinch pot shaped like a heart for holding jewelry or keys, or a clever wind chime made with heart shaped cookies cutters. And many of these simple ideas are easy enough that the kids can help with a little oversight from an adult.
If you're wondering "what makes a good Valentine's Day craft?" Really it's any gift you make that shows your loved one(s) just how special they are to you. Added bonus, most of the ideas on our list can be done on a budget. And many of these easy ideas can be completed in just a few hours, so you still have time to put together a sweet gift or a unique decoration to show off in your home (but you should definitely get to work!). If you're looking for Valentine's Day mason jar crafts, we have a bunch here, but you can find even more in our exclusive roundup of Mason Jar Ideas for Valentine's Day.
1
Homespun Pincushions
This nifty project pairs up fabric scraps and heart-shaped cookie cutters.
Step 1: To construct the base of each pincushion, place the sharp side of a cookie cutter atop a thin piece of Styrofoam (we used a produce tray from a grocery store). Press the cutter down to imprint the Styrofoam; then cut out the heart shape.
Step 2: Cut a heart-shaped piece of fabric that's about half an inch larger, all the way around, than the Styrofoam shape. Lay the fabric, right side down, on a flat surface and cover the back with Aleene's Tacky Glue; then press the Styrofoam against the fabric. Pull the excess fabric up around the Styrofoam's edges and secure with more glue; let dry for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Meanwhile, cut a square of fabric that's at least three inches larger, all the way around, than the cookie cutter. Hold the cutter, sharp side up, on your lap and lay the fabric right side down over the cutter. Push fiberfill stuffing into the cutter until the fabric protrudes about three-quarters of an inch past the cutter, forming the pincushion. To close the cushion, fold over the remaining fabric and secure with a running stitch.
Step 4: With the cushion still inside the cutter, cover the cushion's bottom with a generous coat of glue. Push the Styrofoam into the cutter so that it presses against the glue; hold in place for three minutes. Let dry for 30 minutes.
2
DIY Ring Plate
This simple idea makes a perfect last-minute Valentine's Day gift for anyone you'd like to show how much you care. Personalize it with a special message. To make:
3
Handled Glass Mug Decorated with a Dot Heart
The sweet tea drinker in your life will be reminded of your love for them every time they use this inexpensive DIY Valentine's mug. Get the kids to help make these for grandparents.
To make: Use paint pens to draw dots into the shape of a heart on the outside of a glass mug. Allow to dry completely.
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4
Heart-shaped Cookie Cutter Wind Chimes
Transform humble cookie cutters into cheery wind chimes that are ideal for hanging above a bed or on the front porch.
To make: Fashion a 10- to 12-inch length of wire into a heart shape; wrap with red twine, set aside. Make a clay heart with oven-baked modeling clay; punch a hole in the top for hanging and write a phrase (if desired) before baking, and set aside. Punch holes in the crook and point of 3 large, 3 medium, and 3 small heart-shaped cookie cutters. Cut three lengths of twine. Working with one length at a time, thread a large, medium, and small cookie cutter onto twine, knotting above and below each cutter so that it stays in place. Repeat with remaining twine and cookie cutters. Wrap twine lengths (being sure the hearts are facing the correct direction) around wire heart; gather twine lengths at the top and tie in a knot for hanging. Knot twine lengths at the bottom and trim. Thread a short length of twine through the ceramic heart and tie to knot at the bottom of the wine chime, and hang.
5
Painted Mason Jar Lantern
Give the gift of light and love with this simply decorated glass jar. Make up a batch for teachers or friends. To make:
6
Custom Printed Market Tote
Make sure your loved one is the belle of the farmer's market by crafting her a custom market tote replete with iron-on imagery and a ribbon embellishment.
To make: On your computer, design imagery including punny sayings, if desired (ours says "I love you from my head tomatoes"). Print on iron-on transfer paper. Cut out around imagery and iron on a canvas tote bag. Attach a length of ribbon to the top of the bag with Stitch Witchery.
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7
Decorated Valentine's Candy Jar
Transform a plain mason jar into a spectacular candy jar that is guaranteed to spark joy.
To make: Write loving words and draw decorations on a mason jar with acrylic markers. To make the collar: cut a long, 1-inch-wide strip of seasonally appropriate fabric. Using a needle and thread, sew a long, loose running stitch along one edge of the fabric, leaving lengths of thread at either end. Pull thread and fabric to create a ruffle. Use extra thread to tie the ruffle around the top of the jar.
8
Love Message Iron-on Dishtowels
Beautiful and utilitarian, these custom dishtowels will bring love and joy to the most used room in the house: the kitchen.
To make: On your computer, design imagery including photographs, if desired. Print on iron-on transfer paper. Cut out around imagery and iron on cotton dishtowels per manufacturer's directions.
9
Candy Charcuterie Heart
A candy charcuterie mosaic makes the perfect Galentine’s party centerpiece or an activity to do with the kids for a family celebration of the holiday!
To make: Using a heart-shaped tray, pick out candies in several different Valentine’s Day shades. Sort candies by color and place them into the board one color at a time to create an ombre effect.
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10
Valentine's Day Suede Earrings
These handmade earrings will look seriously festive hanging from your sweetheart's earlobes (and you can even make a pair for yourself!).
Get the tutorial at Hey, Let's Make Stuff!
11
Rustic Love Barnwood Sign
The best thing about this upcycled wooden sign is that you can keep it on display all year round.
Get the tutorial at Lolly Jane.
12
Scrap Ribbon Heart Tote Bag
No sewing is required to make this adorable (and amazingly easy!) decorated canvas tote bag.
Get the tutorial at AttaGirl Says.
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13
DIY Lavender Lip Balm
This adorable DIY lip balm will ensure that both you and your Valentine have perfectly kissable lips on February 14.
Get the tutorial at Sugar and Charm.
14
Sweetheart Candies Valentines Flower
What could be sweeter than a little flower pot decorated with conversation heart candies?
Get the tutorial at Made With Happy.
15
Birdhouse Valentine Box
If you've got a Cricut Maker handy, then you can easily put together this pretty pink-and-red Valentine's Day birdhouse for someone special.
Get the tutorial at Happiness Is Homemade.
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16
Valentine's Day Box
Likewise, a Cricut Maker can help you put together this mini Valentine's Day mailbox in a snap.
Get the tutorial at Hey, Let's Make Stuff!
17
Valentine's Day Terrarium
Use pink-and-gold sand and pretty pink air plants to create this easy (and totally unique!) craft.
Get the tutorial at Sugar and Charm.
18
Conversation Heart Painted Rocks
A great craft for both kids and adults, these clever painted rocks serve as the perfect paperweight for your Valentine.
Get the tutorial at Made With Happy.
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19
DIY Valentine’s Day Embroidery Wine Bags
The only thing that could make this embroidered wine bag better is a bottle of wine to accompany it.
Get the tutorial at Sugar and Charm.
20
Valentine's Day Bird Feeders
Mix up some bird seed mix, then use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to create a cute bird feeder for your backyard.
Get the tutorial at Simple Joy.
Charlyne Mattox
Food and Crafts Director
Charlyne Mattox is Food and Crafts Director for Country Living.
Corinne Sullivan
Editor
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
