Valentine’s Day-cor

Day-cor:

DIY Projects to Make the Holiday Memorable

BY CHRYSTAL SAVAGE

Unsure what to get that special someone in your life this Valentine’s Day, but want it to come from the heart? Here are three sweet DIY projects for every skill level sure to please your partner, parents or any other special person in your life when you celebrate them this Feb. 14.

A Heart-y Holiday Wreath (Expert) What you’ll need: • A foam wreath of any shape or size desired; for this project, consider a heart-shaped form, which can be found at most craft stores or major online retailers • Themed decorative variety (i.e. ornaments, faux flowers, etc.); consider experimenting with different sizes • Scissors, pliers and any other tools needed to manipulate decorative items • Hot glue gun or other adhesive • A thick string • A hook or peg that will withstand the weight of your wreath • A pencil and piece of paper Directions: Reference photos for guidance. Step 1: Begin by sketching out a design. Be sure to make your blueprint as close to an approximate scale as possible. Tip: Trace circular objects to get the right shape and proportions. Step 2: Create a wreath hook by first creating an upside-down U shape with the string. Next, with the loop at the top and back of the wreath, pull the two ends together and toward you. Then, pull the two ends through the loop, still holding the string by the loop. Begin wrapping the loose ends over the lower portion around the loop where the base meets the wreath. After several loops, pull the ends back through the loop, tying a secure knot. Remove excess string with scissors. Step 3: Attach larger pieces to the wreath first, using adhesive. Work down to the smallest pieces, filling gaps along the way. Don’t be afraid to layer your decor. Step 4: Allow your wreath to dry before hanging.

A Perfect Pop-Out Card (Intermediate) What you’ll need: • Three pieces of craft paper in varying designs or patterns of the same or similar color scheme. In the example, white, patterned and solid-colored paper is used. • A pencil and a ruler • Scissors • An invisible dry glue stick • Markers Directions: Reference the photos for guidance. Step 1: Measure, using a ruler’s edge, and cut a 3.25inch square on the patterned piece of craft paper. Repeat this step once, if you would like a heart on the outside of your card in addition to the pop-up.

Step 2: Fold one of the square pieces in half with the pattern side (if applicable) facing in. Using the pencil, trace half a heart, nearly touching each side. Cut heart out and repeat on second folded square (if applicable). Step 3: Cut the white piece of craft paper to 5.25 by 8 inches and fold lengthwise or top over bottom when the page is in portrait orientation; left over right when the page is in landscape orientation. Step 4: Lining up the crease of the white page with the crease of the heart, trace the heart on the cover side of the white sheet. Step 5: Folding the page in half again, cut around the traced heart, leaving a small section on each side attached. Step 6: Crease the heart portion of the page opposite to the rest of the sheet, creating a pop-out effect. Step 7: Cut the solid color piece of paper to the same size as the white, or allow for a border if desired. Step 8: Glue the white piece of paper to the solid color piece of paper, making the white the interior of the card and color the exterior. Fold the card, creating a crease on the new cover piece. Note: Do not put glue on the pop-out heart portion of the interior. Step 9: Glue one heart to the pop-out portion of the card and the other to the cover, if applicable. Step 10: Once the pages have dried, use markers to fill the interior and exterior of the card with sweet phrases or messages. Note: Any size paper can be used, but the ratio should be maintained for balance.

A Charming Paper Chain (Easy) What you’ll need: • Construction paper of mixed colors • A Sharpie or other writing utensil • Scissors • A stapler and staples • Pencil Directions: Reference the photos for guidance. Step 1: Holding the page in landscape, measure and cut equal, vertical strips from various sheets of construction paper. These strips can be as thin or thick as you would like, but sized for a single line of handwriting. Tip: The thickness of a standard ruler is a great way to simplify the measuring process. Step 2: Write sweet notes of admiration, encouragement or other loving phrases to whomever will be the recipient of this gesture. Repeat until strips are full. Note: If you plan to have your chain taken apart (i.e. every day for a month), writing on the entire slip is fine. If your plan is for the chain to remain intact, only write on the left or right side of the slip, as turning the links into hearts covers the middle portion of the strip. Step 3: Staple the first strip so that it resembles a teardrop with the two ends laying flush on top of one another, keeping the text facing outward. Step 4: Line up the next strip (making sure the text faces the same direction and is on the inside or outside - depending on your preference - of the link if you committed to only writing on half the strip). Before stapling the strip, put the narrow end of the new strip on top of the wide end of the last strip, pushing the pieces toward the point of the previous strip until the shape of the former piece resembles a heart. Staple the narrow end of the new piece and the wide end of the old piece together. Repeat until complete. Step 5: Complete the chain by pulling down the center of the final loop into another heart shape and stapling it in that form. Hang or display as desired.

This Valentine’s Day, if flowers and chocolates have lost their luster, turn to your creative side. The effort is sure to wow whomever you’re celebrating this season! +