the ReFab Diaries

Still looking for a quick, thrifty, upcycled Valentine DIY? Here's 2020's big round-up of the 30 best ideas I can find. Some of them throw back over a decade because good ideas don't date!

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and, if you have children in elementary school in US, you might be like us: on the hook to produce 15-20 kid-friendly Valentines for the students in your child's class. And all their teachers. And the coach.... and, and, and. In short, it's either a daunting task to make a "batch" or an expensive shopping trip to buy things that will probably be thrown out.

Oh, and we generally leave it until the last minute because, who doesn't?

Also, our school district added a twist this year by banning candy - no candy at school for any reason. In general, I'm in favor of this ban. But, you know..... it doesn't make the Valentine thing easier.

Anyway, while eating breakfast on Sunday morning, my daughter suddenly decided to make origami hearts for everyone - she just needed interesting paper. I was delighted by her initiative and offered up the idea of painting book pages. She wasn't sure what I meant but agreed enthusiastically.

We completed the whole project in under two hours so I'm sharing it. Because I hope this idea will save some poor parent out there who realizes - the night before - that 15 Valentine's have to materialize by 8am the next day.

Scroll down for instructions and a 50 second video! 

Yup - I made a Valentine's Day thing. Mostly because I was inspired by Pillar Box Blue's upcycled map hearts. They're so easy to make and such a great way to repurpose magazines, old book pages and, apparently, maps. Also, sewing paper is fun!

 For you I have to risk it all 

'Cause the writing's on the wall 

―

 Sam Smith

I haven't done a Valentine's post in years. But I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by the hate happening all around me right now. So let's make love... out of junk.

Since Feb 1st, I've been actively avoiding posts, sites, blogs etc featuring valentine "crafts" ... let's just say that I can't see the talent for the pink haze ... aaaahhhh!  So it takes a lot to make me look twice right now.  And this made me look.  Because it's a re-purposed book.  Because it's a really nicely done tutorial that will get you a decent result (cutting out a book with a craft knife is hard work - pay attention to the "short cut"!) ... and because I wish I'd thought of it!  Check out "Life is a Book of Chocolates"

Handy with a saw?  This tutorial involves cutting, roasting (or nuking-to kill the critters) gluing etc ... but the result is great.  Check out her mirror while you're there... thanks Pretty Handy Girl!


Wrapping yarn around balloons is a technique popping up everywhere ... lovely twist on the the idea at Made by Michelle ... she also has a sweet fabric heart garland tutorial.



Write a letter to your love ... then send it across the room via paper plane (printable - designed by Cathe from Just Something I Made)