A Handmade Valentine’s Day.

Happy (early) heart day, everyone! One of my favorite childhood memories of Valentine’s Day has always been making a little mailbox to keep on my desk and collect valentines from my classmates.  While I no longer create those little mailboxes, I still love creating handmade valentines to share. Thankfully, there are others who share my enthusiasm out there.

This is the second year I have participated in the handmade valentine swap hosted by the wonderful Lyndsey who runs The Stationery Place, a fantastic blog featuring fabulous and unique stationery.  (If you haven’t already checked it out, be sure to stop by and take a look! I guarantee you’ll get the urge to pick up some stationery and send a fun card or letter through the mail!)

I was so happy to see her post about hosting the swap again and couldn’t wait to get started! Last year I had so much fun and received some of the sweetest (and coolest) valentines. Once she sent out the swap partners, I got to work.

My valentines were slated to go to San Diego, North Dakota, the Philippines and just across town in Seattle. I’ll admit it, I was pretty stoked to get an international destination on my list. I absolutely love connecting with people and across the globe is just too much fun!

Since I already spend a lot of time crafting cards, I wanted to include something a little extra this time around. I’ve been working with polymer clay a lot lately so putting the two together was a pretty easy combination.

I rolled some clay out and made an impression with one of my heart stamps, then attached it to the end of a large paper clip.  Bookmark, decorative paper clip, or just a plain decoration- it could be used multiple ways. Making them was so fun and easy, I plan on making more with different colors and designs.  I really hope they make it to their destination’s in good shape.

I can’t wait to see what fun valentines make their way to my mailbox this year! I’ll be sure to update once I open my valentines and snap some pictures to share.

What fun things do you do for Valentine’s Day? Do you participate in any card swaps? Would love to hear what you do to celebrate and spread some love!

Until next time friends! XO – Michaela