By The Bel: Valentine's Gifts

Valentine’s Day is less than a week away. What are you going to get the one you love, especially if your wallet is a little skinny and your bank account is dwindling?

You can whip up a really nice card yourself rather than pandering to the Hallmark giants. Having trouble thinking of something romantic to put in the card? Find a really nice quote from a book of quotes; you should be able to find one at your local library.

If you don’t have the budget for store bought jewellery, you can make your own for her. Be sure to take notice if she wears mostly gold or silver, then what colour she wears often. You can make a memory wire bracelet, for under $10 if you spend a little more on focal beads and use seed beads as fillers.

Or try this Celtic Heart knot

from TyingItAllTogether with satin ribbon cord, a bead on either side of the heart, and a knot to hold the beads in place. Pass the cut ends carefully through a candle flame to seal them and avoid fraying. This would be great for a bracelet or a necklace.

Rather than buying an expensive bunch of flowers, you can make them with origami or tissue paper. From How to make these, is a tutorial on origami Tulips…

Staying with the origami theme, you can make a heart shaped gift box for whatever you decide to buy or make. This tutorial, thanks to Jo Nakashima, is really pretty and looks simple enough.

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You don’t have to spend a fortune to let someone know you care about them. It really is the thought that counts, and a handmade gift shows you thought hard. As a bonus it will be something nobody else will be given. Good luck!

Happy Valentine’s Day!!