Valentine's Day: "Simple Heart" Earrings and Key Chains

Remember the "Friends" episode when Monica and Chandler exchanged handmade gifts. The results were a bit questionable, enough comedy to fill a half hour; but the general idea was sweet, like when you were little and made Valentine's Cards for your mom.

Tough economic times present a perfect opportunity to face a few Valentine's Day facts of life. Anyone with a few dollars in his pocket can buy a box of candy. Flowers are everywhere. On Valentine's Day, even grocery store aisles are filled with last minute discount Rose buyers; and of course there's the stranger selling cheap bouquets the corner. Jewelry stores are pushing diamonds; but do you really want to go into debt to show your love on Valentine's Day? Spending money for a gift doesn't guarantee originality, so why not make something with your own two little hands?

Give Yourself Permission To Create

Think about all those Valentine's Day gifts you've given and received over the years. Candy stays on the hips, possibly forever. Roses are beautiful, but they die. When you think about it, exactly how creative can you be with a gift bought from a store?

One alternative is to Give yourself permission to create a gift instead of buying one and it will be just like those cards you made for your mom all those years ago. Your loved one will cherish it forever.

What, Me Creative?

So you don't do creative, that's understandable; and even if you did, you wouldn't dare offer up something you made as a gift. Perhaps now is a good time to change that standard and make handcrafted gifts a tradition. Make it a joint decision, a pact between you and the one you love.

Tools

If you're already a jewelry maker, you probably have the basic tools:

• Pliers,
  
• Round nosed pliers
  
• Wire cutters
  

If you don't have these tools, borrow them from a jewelry-making friend or buy them from a craft store. (The tools might cost less than a big box of chocolates, they won't make you fat; and they will last far longer than a dozen roses.)

Create "Simple Hearts" Earrings-

You can craft a simple pair of heart-shaped of earrings to show your Valentine how much you care. Simply take a look at "Handcrafted Jewelry: Simple Hearts Wire Earrings" for step-by-step instructions. They're perfect for your valentine.

The "Simple Heart" Key Chain-

Use the basic "Simple Hearts" instructions to create a "Simple Heart" key chain that works as a Valentine's Day gift for both men and women. You'll create a memento your true love may carry with them forever, or until you break up, whichever comes first. (Remember we're facing Valentine's Day facts.)

Materials-

For your key-chain, purchase these inexpensive items from a craft store like Michael's or Hobby Lobby, and you'll have enough materials to create several key chains-

• Package of Key Chain circles ( Split Rings)
• Copper Wire (You may also use sterling silver or brass or whatever metal you choose)
• Refer to the "Simple Heart" instructions to create a wire heart and a 'figure eight.'
  
• Use a figure eight to connect your heart to a key chain/split ring and you're done. Simple right?

A "Great Big Heart" Penny Key Chain-

Not many of you know how to use a jeweler's saw; but those of you who have that particular skill set probably have the tools (A saw, a drill and some blades) and the know-how to create a "Great Big Heart" key chain. Use a split ring, some wire and a coin from your pocket or purse. Here's how:

• Use a black marker to draw a heart on a shiny penny
• Drill two holes, one at the top and one inside the heart.
• Insert one end of your saw blade into you jewelry saw
• Slip the penny onto the blade (through the hole inside the heart)
• Cut out your heart shape.

File the rough cut edges inside the heart to make them smooth.

Create a figure eight (See "Simple Heart" instructions.) Slip one side of your figure eight into the top hole in your penny, then close the gap. Slip the other end of the figure eight onto your Key Chain split ring.

Add A Poem-

For a bit of Valentine's Day flair, write a poem for your love. Print it out and glue it on a a blank piece of card stock. Attach your earrings or key chain to the card and present your beloved with a handcrafted Valentine's Day gift that's truly unique because it was made with your own two loving hands.

If you can't think of a poem to use, feel free to borrow this one:

Great Big Heart

My dear you have a great big heart

In every way you play the part

Of friend to everyone you meet

Such love you spread,

It's no small feat

My friend you have a great big smile

You share your smile and all the while

Such joy you bring, it is your art

Because you have a great big heart

Source: My personal jewelry making projects