Ideas for DIY Valentine's Day Decorations

Sometimes it seems like Valentine's Day comes and goes so quickly that it's hard to get in the spirit. It would be nice to feel the excitement you once felt on this holiday when you were little. Anticipation building as you made your way down the hallway at school with your shoebox that's been decorated with macaroni and paper hearts in one hand, and homemade crate paper valentines in the other. Decorating with small touches here and there can rekindle these emotions without feeling like you are going overboard. The key is to not create too much work or break the bank in the process. Here are a few DIY projects to get you started.

A paper art installation like this really does the trick. Using sheet music and card stock Jessika, from Secret Pie Shoppe, creates a 3D effect on an empty wall in her home. Time consuming? Maybe. Original and interesting? Yes. See how she did it at her blog Secretpieshoppe.blogspot.com

Recently, I found this Quilled Heart Garland DIY Set on the Paper Source website, but Jessica Jones from How About Orange found a way of making her own version. Not too different, but probably about $10 cheaper. See the great results below and find the full DIY instructions on her site How About Orange.

This light and airy garland goes with any color scheme and can be a romantic alternative to using the color red. Visit holdonlover.tumblr.com for tips on making your own doily garland.

A heart bookmark not only helps you remember your page, but that someone is thinking of you. Decorate the heart with a personal message for extra effect. Learn to make the heart bookmark from Marthastewart.com

The colors in these floating hearts are made using crayon shavings! This DIY from Marthastewart.com is decorative and FUN! I can just imagine how great the light must be that shines through these. Perfect for a kids room.

Other Projects To Emulate This Valentine's Day:

Easy embroidery, but also something you can display year round.

Monkey and Squirrel on Etsy

Lovely heart garland that only involves scrap fabric and a sewing machine.

BananaSaurus Rex on Etsy

A felt graphic or word can really spice up an ordinary pillow and give your space a little flare.

Honey Pie Design on Etsy

The heart wreath definitely wins the prize for the most tedious of the projects posted today. It will involve a lot of tracing shapes and cutting, but the end result is something that everyone will love and appreciate.

Cardboard Safari.com

Simple, yet effective, this heart accent brings life and charm to any candle. (Be careful not to use this design with a candle that drips.)

Better Home and Garden