Story and Photos by Kate Burke
It’s that time of the year again, my friends. February is here, which means that love is in the air and cupid is aiming his arrows. Don’t be fooled though, you don’t need a lover (or a lot of money) to celebrate Valentine’s day.
These matchbox valentines are a simple solution to your gift-giving woes. You can make about ten of these for about $4, so personalize each one for your boyfriend, girlfriend, friends and family!
You’ll need:
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Heart candy
- Sharpie marker
- Match boxes
- Colored paper
- Ribbon (optional)
Let’s get started:
- Empty the match box of the matches—you won’t need them.
- With the paper facing upside down, trace the width of the box on the piece of paper.
- Using the marks you just made on the piece of paper as measurement for the width, cut a strip of the paper long enough to wrap around the whole match box.
- Cover the back of the paper strip with glue.
- Wrap the paper around the closed sides of the match box. Make sure that the sides with the drawers are uncovered!
- If you have ribbon, cover one side of it with glue and wrap it in any design you choose around the box.
- Cut a small rectangle out of the paper, about ¼ inches wide and two inches long.
- With the white side of the paper facing up, write the recipient’s name on the second half of the tag. Set the blank end of the tag in the center of the box.
- Pick a candy heart with the saying you want and glue it to the top of the box, covering the blank end of the tag.
- On the bottom of the drawer that usually holds the matches, write your own message with a sharpie pen.
Now that you can see how simple these homemade valentines are, get out there and spread some love!
