This is a great group project for kids or adults. Invite a few friends over and have a variety of materials available (old photos, cards, stamps, a variety of pretty papers and embellishments. You will be surprised how creative everyone can be!

What you’ll need:

• Old CD’s or new CD cases
• Glue/tape
• A variety of pretty papers
• Stamping supplies
• Photo copies of special pictures or letters, poems, etc.

What to do:

• Cut 2 pieces of paper to fit front and back of CD case. (Do only front side if using CD in your card.) You may want to paint the CD molded area to match your paper.
• Decorate the front, back and inside of paper cut to fit CD case.
• When dry, insert into case.
• If you add a label to close securely, you can mail to your Valentine.

Here are some other ideas for using old CD’s from Somerset Studio Magazine’s Autumn 2000:

• Make a clock
• Make a wind chime, hanging ornament or mobile
• Laminate and use as a coaster
• Send as a birthday card
• Turn it into a photo frame or magnet
• Stick tea lights over it to create a unique table decoration
• Put ribbon through it and give it out as a winner’s medal for kids’ party games.

FLORAL DECOUPAGE DISHES

They begin as plainest-of-the-plain clear glass plates. With tissue paper, paper napkins, or lightweight fabric applied to the underside of the glass, and a layer of flowers or decals for added interest, they’ve become fanciful serving pieces.

What you’ll need:

• Scissors
• Glossy decoupage medium
• Flat brush
• High-gloss acrylic spray (optional)
• 6 ½ " diameter clear glass plate
• 1-ply floral paper cocktail napkin
• dried pressed flowers (or flower decals)
• glass cleaner
• paper towels

What to do:

• Spray the glass cleaner on a paper towel and wipe any fingerprints from the back of the clear plate. Gently wipe the plate dry.
• Place the napkin on the back of the clear plate, positioning the floral design as desired. Trim the napkin ½" beyond the edge of the plate.
• Wearing disposable gloves, apply glossy medium to the front of the flowers (or flower decals). Press the flowers facedown on the back of the plate in a random pattern. Apply medium to the back of the flowers; let the medium dry completely.
• Apply a coat of glossy medium to the back of the plate with a flat brush. Center the napkin facedown on the back of the plate. Gently press the napkin in place, smoothing from the center out. Trim the napkin close to the edges of the plate. Use your gloved fingers to gently shape the napkin to follow the edge of the plate. Immediately clean excess medium from the back of the plate with a slightly damp paper towel. Let the medium dry.
• Apply two or more light coats of glossy medium or acrylic spray to the back of the plate, letting the plate dry between coats.

HANDMADE VALENTINES AND ENVELOPES

Pretty paper and lacey doilies make romantic yet simple cards!

What you’ll need:

• Different size doilies (white, pink, red or gold)
• Tape
• Paint (red, pink) or stamp pad
• Decorative edge scissors
• Silver/gold pens
• Variety of paper for hearts

What to do:

• To make simple Valentines, just use your finger to make finger print hearts. Your distinctive and one and only heart! Press your index finger on paint or stamp pad firmly Blot excess first, then print one to the left, then overlap slightly to right, on a simple card cut out with decorative scissors.
• After heart dries, you can add marker details.

To make simple lace envelops:

• Turn doily upside down so that point is away from you.
• Fold over sides vertically.
• Fold bottom side up horizontally.
• Finally, fold point down to "close" envelope.
• Tape or glue sides when all edges are straight. Leave top flap open.
• When dry, add a card or cut out heart shapes with sweet messages on them!