Guest Author - Lili Pintea-Reed

Many people want to give Valentine's Day gifts but feel they will be too expensive. You can make many gifts for free, or nearly free that are fun and easy. And the recipient will love them. Here are some fast ideas for you!

1) Laminated placemats. Have your kid, OR YOU draw a Valentine's Picture on a 11 by 6 1/2 inch sheet of standard paper. Or you can paste pictures and text to make a Valentine's Message. Then take it to a copy place like www.staples.com and have it laminated for a bit over a dollar. It makes a great thoughtful gift and can be very artful and attractive.

2) Decoupauge Card. Cut a Heart Shape from pasteboard (I use old cereal boxes) and glue a photo or message in the center. Paste cloth or paper colors of your choice around the photo. Paste paper or cloth lace around the edge. I like to use photos of arden flowers from magazines to fill in around the messsage. To make it shine -- dilute white glue one half with water and paint over it. Let dry. Your shiney valentines. Try several!

3) Lapel Pins. Use the technique explained above on cardboard cut to the size of lapel pins and earrings. Tape to safety pin to attach to clothing or glue to recycled earring backs.

4) Make Heart Shaped Cookies, and Cakes. Frost with red and white icing. Who can resist.

5) Make Gift Coupons. What are your friends or family members activities? Make Coupons for them and wrap with your handmade cards, or put in a basket with the cakes and cookies.

I hope these ideas have given you more ideas for the BIG V DAY. Have fun!

Here are some more ideas for you.

CHEAP AND EASY VALENTINE'S DAY

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art28305.asp


Tons of Valentine's Recipes
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8168.asp