Easy DIYs to Display Your Love

Handmade Valentine’s Day decor is a crafty way to put your love on display. Add a little TLC to your home or share your affection with loved ones by dedicating some time to simple DIY projects that come straight from the heart.

1. Creative cutouts.

Places and moments hold special places in the heart, so memorialize them with decorative wall hangings. Use a treasured photo or map of destinations you hold dear as the base layer. Next, choose a design, such as a heart or a romantic word like “love.” Print your design then trace it on a piece of foam core or matting. Cut out the design to create an opening and layer it over the photo or map. To finish the project, either affix the top layer to the bottom and display as-is or place it in a pretty frame.

2. Sucker for succulents.

Hardy and easy to care for, succulents are a stylish way to add some plant life to your home. Add a romantic twist by gathering a selection of small succulents in a variety of colors and textures then clustering them in a heartshaped basket or planter. Succulents also make great gifts; just create a small planter and attach a card that

3. Love is in the cards.

Almost everyone has a deck or two of old playing cards laying around, or they’re an inexpensive investment. Using the redhued cards from the heart suite, punch holes in the top of each card. String heart-themed ribbon through the holes to make a whimsical banner you can hang on a wall or across a doorway.

4. Say it in string.

Expressing yourself with string art is an easy project suitable for all ages. Start with a firm backing, such as a scrap of lightweight wood. Add a base coat of paint to make your design pop then sketch your design. Examples like a flower, heart, word or some combination of those are all good choices for a Valentine’s Day project. Add thin nails in 1/2inch intervals along the border of your design. Select your string and tie an end to the nail of your choice. There’s no right or wrong way from there; just loop from one nail to another until your design is obvious. Tie off your string, trim any excess end pieces and you’re done.

5. Collage of comrades.

Paying tribute to those you hold near and dear is easy with a stylized cork board. Select snapshots of loved ones and attach them to a basic corkboard using push pins in classic Valentine’s colors like red, white and pink. Then add accents with tape, stickers, gemstones and other embellishments.

Explore more DIY ideas to enhance your home at eLivingtoday.com.

Scented with Egyptian Amber, 100% natural soy wax, filled with Reiki charged crystals of Onyx & Lapis Lazuli & an Evil Eye Talisman. An evil eye indicate spiritual protection, guarding against misfortune. Additional healing candles available in the store. Truly a unique & meaningful gift!

Smith & Company

343 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell 973-228-1167

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Lingerie for your loved one. Sitting Pretty has the styles and customer service you need.

Sitting Pretty Intimates

97 South Livingston Ave, Suite C, Livingston 973-251-2224 sittingprettyintimates.com

Treats for Your Sweet! Shop at Love Letters for Valentine’s candy and stuffed animals for your love ones—of every age.

Love Letters

2 West Northfield Road, Livingston 973-994-1212 www.lovelettrs.com

Get cozy this Valentine’s Day with our PJ Salvage sets. These feel better than your favorite t-shirt, in soft cotton-modal. Breathable, comfy & fun prints!

Pink Jewels Boutique

1110 Town Center Way, Livingston 973-994-0975 www.pink-jewels.com

Say ‘I love you’ this Valentine’s Day with a solitaire diamond pendant—sure to please regardless of one’s personal style because of its timeless beauty and elegance. We have an impressive collection, with both new and estate options, ranging from $350 to $15,000. Shop our Valentine’s sale in store or online and save $100 on your purchase of $500 or more, or save $250 when you spend $1,000, using discount codes: 23LOVE100 and 23LOVE250, respectively.

Walter Bauman Jewelers

653 Eagle Rock Ave, West Orange | 973-731-3155 www.walterbauman.com

Show your Valentine the love with assorted milk and dark chocolates. Since 1909, Abdallah Candies & Gifts has brought joy to countless people throughout the country. A family-owned company has spent over five generations perfecting original recipes. With quality ingredients, natural flavors, and a love for the sweet things in life.

Smith & Company

343 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell | 973-228-1167

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For Your Loved One

Frame Your Favorite Puzzle or Picture.

Mona Lisa Custom Picture Framing

7 Highland Place, Maplewood | 973-762-2777 www.MonaLisaFraming.com

Honor your loved one this Valentine’s Day with a spa gift card. Choose from over 40 treatments: Massages, Facials, Body Treatments or Nail Services. Packages and Gift Cards are available online.

Woodhouse Day Spa

56 South Park Street, Montclair | 973-509-8488 montclair.woodhousespas.com

Little Words Projects’ angel numbers are the perfect way to tap into the divine world that welcomes angelic protection & love in your life. Wear a familiar number sequence to show that you are embracing & appreciating the symbols that have come your way. Each sequence has its own unique meaning, made with new iridescent beads & stars. Which angel number speaks to you?

Smith & Company

343 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell | 973-228-1167

Like us on Facebook/Follow us on Instragram @ SmithCoGifts