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For us crafty gals, sometimes the best way to express our feelings is through our work.  I know that whenever I want to show someone how I feel, I always wind up making them something.  Whether it’s a scrapbook for my mom’s birthday, a sewn necktie for Father’s Day or just a special handmade card for a friend’s birthday, handmade “labors of love” are always my go-to gifts.

So, with Valentine’s Day just a few short days away, I thought I’d share some of my favorite crafty ways to say “I love you” to that special someone.  And don’t worry if you don’t have enough time to finish these before February 14th. The great thing about all of these projects is they’ll be just as meaningful any time of year.  You can make these for birthdays, anniversaries and other milestones, or even better… as a “just because” present.  Aren’t those the best kind of gift?!

Handmade Cards – One of the easiest ways to say “I love you” is with a card you’ve made yourself!  It doesn’t have to look super professional; it just has to come from the heart!  If you’re looking for inspiration, this “Love You” note card and envelope is one of my favorites, but I also love this Charming Heart Card and the Treasured Love card.

Decorative Picture Frames – If you’re not the craftiest person, picture frames are a great project for you to tackle. You can give yours a personal touch and include a special photo of one of your favorite memories!  These Fancy Frames are so elegant looking, and this Lovely Lace Frame would be perfect for a girly girl.

Flowers from Yarn – Who doesn’t love receiving flowers?  The only thing I don’t like about it is mine tend to die pretty quickly, and nothing’s sadder than a wilting rose. So, why not make that special someone a flower or bouquet that will last forever!  This knitted Peruvia rose is beautiful, and so is this crocheted Always Blooming Bouquet.

Gifts with Photos – Turn your favorite picture of you and your loved one into a keepsake they can display in their home!  I love this personalized photo clock and also these reversible family photo placemats (though it might be sort of strange to eat your dinner on top of your cousin’s face, it’s still super cute as a kitchen decoration!).  You can also preserve special memories in the form of a cute accessory with this Glass Photo Pendant.  Speaking of jewelry…

Jewelry – If there’s a lady in your life who you want to shower with gifts of love, there’s no better present than handmade jewelry!  Make her this “Live, Laugh, Love” charm bracelet and she’ll make it part of her everyday wardrobe; I guarantee it!  I also love the idea of this hidden message locket!

Sweets – The way to just about anyone’s heart is through their stomach, or at least that’s the way the saying goes. So, if you really want to show your love, make them a sweet treat!  Chocolate is almost universally loved, so why not make them these Love Struck Chocolates?  Or even better, how about this Amazing and Edible Chocolate Body Scrub?! If you want to go the candy route, you could always whip up a batch of homemade Conversation Candy Hearts.  And they might not be edible, but these chocolate-inspired crochet patterns would definitely be a hit with anyone who has even the tiniest bit of a sweet tooth!  Check out the Amigurumi Chocolate Fountain, the Heart Shaped Box of Chocolates and the Hot Chocolate Amigurumi!

Have you ever made someone a homemade gift?  What did you make?