As a kid Valentine's Day was a big deal at our house. I remember treasure hunts with clues that lead to a treasure trove of sugary candy if you followed the trail. Around Valentine's Day was also when I brought in treats to school to celebrate my birthday. This was alas due the fact I had a summer birthday that would otherwise go unnoticed during the school year (while the birthday kids during the school year got to be the line-leaders). I remember bemoaning this fact until my parents let me celebrate a sort of half birthday instead--no presents but I got to take the cupcakes to school on my half birthday.
Up until a few years ago my parents still made a big deal about the holiday with a pile of sweets and cards. Then I got married and they figured the hubby would take over. Apparently Valentine's day wasn't as big of a deal in his family. I am gradually bringing him around though by dropping hints about where I'd like to be taken out for dinner for that special night and making him some yummy treats as well :)
To get ready for Valentine's Day, (i.e. inundate/remind the hubby when the day is with subtle decorations), I created a few inexpensive decor items--a pom pom garland, a paint-chips heart garland, a valentine's wreath, and some love-themed gift bag art.
The pom pom wreath was inspired by an Anthropologie garland, but less expensive. I made it using two skiens of lion-brand yarn with the same technique I discuss here for the Anthropologie-inspired pom pom wreath. The paint chip garland was made using a Martha Stewart heart-shaped paper punch from Michaels. I punched out red, pink, and white hearts from a free pack of paint chips I got from Sherwin Williams. The hearts were the sewed together on the sewing machine to make a garland.
I also made some inexpensive art with some cute gift bags and Valentine's card I got a Target. I just put the gift bags in the back of some frames I already had and hung them in the bathroom.
For the outside I made a mini bunting following the tutorial at Thoughts from Alice and strung it across a Boxwood wreath I already had.
Lastly I put a few magnetic letters I spray-painted with gold spray paint in our Antique Letterpress box that is hung on the wall. The XOXO matches the pillow I posted last week .
Hopefully these should be enough "hints" for the hubby for Valentine's Day.
Anne with an E