diy: valentines blocks/garland

instructions:
* cut a 2 x 4 into three square pieces (about 4' x 4')
* paint them, let 'em dry (i used an off-white acrylic paint)
* while drying, cut your festive valentines paper (just smaller than 4')
* modge podge front of block
* stick paper to the block (make sure to push out any bubbles that may form)
* after paper is dry, modge podge the front again
* stick letters to block and hold for about a minute
* let dry
* show off your cute new creation for everyone to see :)

also - if your looking for a simple garland, this one was super quick and easy!
all you need is paper and twine (or substitute thread).

only 6 more days 'til valentines :)
happy crafting friends!


sincerely,
mrs. b


**remember how much fun it was to make valentines boxes in elementary school?
i looked forward to it every year.

come back soon to see the one i just made out of a cereal box!
(cuz you're never too old for that kind of stuff, right??)

diy: valentines scavenger hunt.

(i know i said garlands were next, but i decided to switch. they will be coming soon though promise!) 

last year for v day, i sent mister b on a scavenger hunt. boy, that was fun!

not only was it fun for him, but i had a blast making the clues, picking out his favorite candies, and sending him on my wild goose chase! obviously there are a million different ways to do a scavenger hunt, but here's how i did ours.

supplies needed: 
* paper (red and pink to be festive)
* his favorite candy, treat, anything
* puzzle of sorts (homemade is more fun and personal!)
* a grand prize 

steps: 
* come up with the clues. they can rhyme, or if that makes your brain hurt - they don't.
whatever your little heart desires.

now, don't copy mine because it's way more coming up with your own, but below is the list of my clues.  
(i only did five because our apartment isn't all that big... but you can do as many as you like.)

put by the front door:
 "you have now begun your very own valentines scavenger hunt. i know, sweet huh? it shouldn't take very long, but don't miss any clues or you won't find your grand prize! your first clue is on the couch. good luck soldier!"

#1: roses are red, violets are blue, for your next clue look in a _ _ _ _. (hint: 4 letters, rhymes with blue.)
#2: february 14th, full of red and pink - to find the next clue, look under the _ _ _ _.
#3: good job! you found me, there's only one more - to finish this chase, look behind the _ _ _ _.
#4: haha, just kidding - i'm making things hard, to end this chase go west 12 yard(s). *ok, maybe feet - but that doesn't rhyme.*
#5: yay! you did it - now wasn't this fun, put the pieces together and your all done! *after completing the puzzle, look on the back to find your valentine!*

* with each clue you can attach the candy/treat - i put his favorite treats with each one and a piece to this puzzle:

all materials found at wal-mart.

back - with baby pic of yours truly

some may think this is a tad cheesy - but we had so much fun with it... i might even do another one this year :)

enjoy!


sincerely,
mrs. b

(linking up here,
here

and here.)

valentines day...

... hasn't always been my favorite holiday.
actually, starting in about middle school - it became one of my least favorites.

every february would roll around and secretly - i would get excited. i would put on my favorite outfit and do my hair all nice. (you know, crimped like every middle schooler did in the 90's) then i would walk around school hoping my crush would notice me, give me a flower, and tell me he had a crush on me too. (or something like that.) 

year after year i would fall into this trap - just to be disappointed.

so then i got older, went to college, and got married. still, i couldn't get over my love-hate relationship for this holiday. no matter what thoughtful gesture was extended - it wasn't what i was hoping for. (selfish, i know.)

long story short: this year i have decided to make valentines day less about expectations (less about me) and more about making it fun, exciting, and lovely... just like it should be! in hopes to do this, i've created some fun valentines crafts to make, give away, eat, or decorate the house with that i'll share with you over the next few weeks. hopefully you think they're cute :)
and hopefully my husband won't ruin the surprises and read my blog for the next little while...

homemade valentines card
who doesn't love a little reminder that, "hey - i think you're great!" and "you're great enough that i made you a cute little card!"

front:

 

inside:

back:

 

the best part is - this card is cheap and super easy to make. all you need is cut out hearts (as many as you want), twine, and a hole punch. then you get to express your love however your heart desires! homemade cards are more personal and are fun for your significant other to read and see your creativity.

* let me know if you have any questions or comments!

*** linking up here ***

next valentines craft: valentines garlands

life lately.

 

 

 

 

 

  

* dishes jenga, mr. b making chocolate chip pancakes for dinner, buying our very first swiffer (always wanted one - who knew the simple things could bring so much joy??), skyping with cuties, obsessing over friends, crafting, baking, and snowboarding... life is sure fun these days.

happy monday friends!
sincerely,
mrs. b