Intro
The thrill of Valentine’s day in elementary school was enough to make me melt into a puddle of candy hearts. I would rip into my store-bought Valentine cards plastered with the faces of Jem, Rainbow, and Strawberry Shortcake on them. Eagerly reading the words from my classmates I would consequently read into the words from the cute boy sitting behind me. “U R Sweet!” “ohmygosh. He thinks I’m sweet! He did sit next to me during quiet reading time. Does this mean we are going out?”
In the sixth grade I had a “boyfriend”. I avoided him at all cost. I thought he was dreamy but I was far too shy to interact with him. Occasionally we’d glance at one another across the playground and I would quickly turn my head so as to hide my blushing cheeks. We did exchange Valentine’s gifts. I gave him two cd’s. C&C Music Factory and Fresh Prince and DJ Jazzy Jeff (rejects from my brother who was a member of BMG). He gave me a party-size bag of pink, red and white M&M’s.
I’ve matured a little since then. Now Valentine’s day means more to me than chalky candy hearts and awkward young “love”. February 14 is a gentle reminder for me to slow down, get out the glue and glitter and tell those in my life that I love them and I think they are sweet.
While I look forward to spending time with the love of my life on this overly Hallmarked holiday, I don’t believe Valentine’s day is limited to Eros – romantic love. We all need a little nudge to put our regularly scheduled activities on hold to appreciate dear friends and family that make our lives shiny and sweet.
Now having children of my own I am excited to take this opportunity to teach them the importance of loving one another. This is a lifelong lesson that manifests itself in more ways than pink hearts and should occur more often than once a year. But I appreciate this single day for us to use our hands to create and open our hearts to reflect on who we love and to let those people know.
So this week we are working on a few projects. This first one involves one of my favorite materials. Felt.
Felt envelopes in various colors and designs are a delightful way to give someone a little sweet and a few kind words.
As my oldest and I sit together crafting we talk about who each envelope is for. I ask him why he wants to give it to that person and what makes that individual special. He draws them a picture and lovingly tucks it into their envelope.
I started with a super simple envelope template. You can make one yourself by dissecting an envelope you already have or just Google “envelope template”. Then cut out the template from felt. Hot glue (be careful, it’s hot!) or stitch the sides. Then add bows, hearts, glitter, unicorns, or puppies and kitties. You’ll also want to make some sort of a way for the envelopes to close. Most of them I just attached velcro because it was the easiest.
Next – the really fun part – stuff your little envelopes with candy, notes, drawings, etc. Then give them away and watch the smiles.
Come back for more. There will be crayon shavings and chocolate (not together).
So cute! I made valentine envelopes, too, but they are a little different. I definitely think valentine’s day is for celebrating all the people you love!
Oh you are too sweet! I finally found a great gift idea – not a day too soon. You are awsome.
BTW
I roasted my own coffee. Thanks for the inspiration!
This is such a treasure of an idea!
PS Ashley – I love this idea so much, I’ve made you my Blog of the Week! (possibly for a second time – I can’t seem to remember 😉 )
Amanda – yeah! Thank you. I’m touched.
Aww, what a cute post! Loved reading through it! and pick n white m&m’s?? how cute is that 🙂
This is so sweet! I love how personal and thoughtful this is. P.S. I love following your blog. You are just about 8 years ahead of me and seem to really “get” life. Thanks for all the ideas. 🙂
Leslie – wow. Thank you. Life is a continual lesson and I love to learn.
This post is so cute. I love reading your adorable stories 🙂
Katrina – ohhh. Thank you. I’m honored that people read them. 🙂
Adorable! I also love the idea that Valentine’s Day is not only for romantic love. I always send something to my best friend and my parents, and it is just a nice reminder of how much they mean to me.
Hanna – That is so sweet. It is so fun to take time to think about and love on the people who really matter in our lives.
I LOVE YOU FOR MAKING THIS!
I’ve been very into felt lately and these are so adorable! While I don’t think my husband would appreciate these as much as I do, I might have to make a few for some girl friends. Thanks for posting!
Sammie – Isn’t felt amazing?! My husband randomly ordered me a pack of very good quality felt in shades of pink and browns. I melted. He doesn’t quite get the attraction but at least he knows how much I love it and supports my love of felt.
aww, i feel the love! these are so adorable – and what a wonderful way to spread some hearts and hugs and smiles. thanks for the idea!
Ashley,
So, so cute! Wishing the boys had made me one. Oh woe is me, for the lack of this stunning love nudge! Such nice traditions to share with the boys, and soon Ivy.
Tutu – If we lived closer we would hand deliver your Valentine. Love your new site by the way!
Isn’t it true, V-day’s a much better holiday with kiddos, I think!
Love these little envelopes, and we’ll be back for more.
These are absolutely lovely. And I completely agree that this holiday is about every single kind of love out there.
Love this! At first I thought no way because I’m horrible with (and afraid of) sewing, but since you mentioned hot glue… I can’t wait until my babe is older and we can do more crafts!
Anandi – Notice only one is stitched. That was the first one – I got smart real quick. 🙂
These are absolutely adorable and I love that they are home made. What a great tradition to have with your little ones.
I love that I know who that dreamy 6th grade BF was and remember the C&C Vday cd!! Was 6th grade really not that long ago?;)
Mindy – hahaha. You can vouch for how dreamy he was right?! heheehheee. Just thinking of all the awkwardness makes me cringe. Thanks for commenting! So fun to hear from you.
These felt envelopes are great! They would be fun for a lot of occasions besides Valentines too! I’d love for you to submit this to the M&T Spotlight at http://www.makeandtakes.com/spotlight
Ashley – Did the kids love the fried pasta?
Black Envelopes suggest luxury and high quality even sophistication. Black envelopes are stocked in 6 sizes but also offer a window version for the most popular C5 black envelope.