DIY Keepsake Valentines

                                          It is officially one month until the Day of Love!

I absolutely LOVE Valentines Day, don't get me wrong! But there is something about seeing the stocked shelves of disposable Paper Valentines (that we all know - though very much appreciated - will end up in the Trash soon after being received by all those expect those like me who keep every card or piece of paper they deem to be a memory & even then how often are they dragged out? Though they are very sweet & super cute, they are also wasteful... I decided to create Valentines this year that are more Keepsakes, something that can be kept or used!  Both ideas are non-disposable / non-paper Valentines made out of items I would be willing to bet you have in your home!

Heart Crayons 'Art Is Love' Valentines :
This one is especially Great For Kids - both to do & to gift. It is also a great idea for any other Holiday - simply switch out the molds to suit the season.

All you need for this super sweet 'Art Is Love' Heart Crayon Valentine is:

• Crayons (this is a great way to get those broken Crayons back in action) 
• Silicone (Heart) Molds  
• Scissors 
• Conventional Oven 

1. Start by Pre-heating your Oven to 200 degrees F
2. Next move on to removing the paper wrappings off of the Crayons - If you carefully cut down them with an x-acto knife it will make the process much easier.  
   
3. Using either your hands or a pair of scissors begin breaking up the crayons into equal size pieces. [ The wax pieces will take longer to melt the larger they are, so you will want to keep them reasonably close in size. The smaller the pieces of wax the more they will inter-mix - As a reference I cut mine into bead sized pieces. ]
   
4. Place the bits of wax into the Silicone Molds. 
   
   
5. Bake in pre-heated oven for 15-20 min.
6. Place in freezer or fridge to cool.
7. Carefully pop out your New Crayons Don't forget the wrap - it completes it!
   
   
   
   

Salt Dough 'Sweet Hearts' Valentines :
I saw this idea on Pinterest Another great choice for kids (with adult supervision and assistance) to do and gift to their parents, grandparents & friends! & Again can be easily customized for absolutely ANY holiday or event!

All you need for these 'Sweet Hearts' Valentines is:

• 1/2 cup salt
• 3/4 cup water
• 2 cups flour (of absolutely ANY kind)
• (Heart) cookie cutter
• large mixing bowl
• cookie sheet 
• conventional oven
• paint (in your choice of colours)
• paint brushes
• ribbon / cord - (optional)

1. Start by pre-heating your oven to 300 degrees F
2. In your large bowl combine the Salt, Flour, & Water.
   
3. using your hands begin mixing the dough, & knead for 10min.
   Note: The salt absolutely will dry out your hands & depending on how sensitive your skin is - maybe even sting a bit. Be sure to apply a good hand lotion before this step to protect and moisturize your hands. No worries if it gets in the Dough - you aren't going to be eating this recipe! 
   
4. Roll out your dough until it is flat.
   
5. Using your cookie cutter(s) cut the dough into shapes.
6. Carefully transfer these onto a cookie sheet and place in pre-heated oven for 30 min. 
   
7. Once baked remove from the oven and allow to cool fully.
8. Select your paint colours and begin painting your sweet hearts. Yea, you may notice that I am using cosmetic brushes from old makeup pallets. Re-use Right?
   
   
9. The classic Sweethearts Candy has Red writing so did attempted to the same.
   Please don't mind my awful writing - All I had to work with was those cosmetic brushes!
   
10. Depending on what you plan on doing with these is up to you!
    You can gift them in a box as they are, with a ribbon to hang, OR use some to create a cute wall display?!
    
    

I hope that you enjoyed these Tutorials & that your New Year is off to a phenomenal start! 

Gratitude Is The Best Attitude