I Heart Valentines

First off, my Great Grandmother's last name was Valentine.So I guess you could say, Valentines is in my blood. My grandmother was Mary Valentine. I think that is just the cutest name ever. Of course when she married my Grandpaw her last name changed. Still Valentines Day was always very special to my mother. We usually got presents at our seat at the breakfast table. Something nice like a red shirt or a book. My mom would wrap them in red and white paper. For dinner she often made a meal out of red and white foods. She always made the day very special.

As I teacher I am beyond blessed on Valentines Day. In all my many...many...many...single years I never felt sad on Valentines Day because to me it has always been about family and of course my students.No matter how poor my students are they shower me with love on Valentines Day.

Here are some cupcakes I made for them. It's a mutual admiration society we have going in The Crayon Box. These were so simple. Just place two mini candy canes in the frosting to form a heart. I got these at the Target 90% off sale after Christmas sale. They were "tropical flavor" thus the bright colors.

I always have my students write conversation heart letters to their parents too. It's super fun to read what they come up with. This is one I made for my hubby. You can click on it to enlarge it.

Around the apartment I display pictures of my loves and put out my heart shaped rock collection.



 
I also have fun with my salt and pepper shakers. These are couples and symbols of  love.

For the past three years I have participated in the Heart to Heart Swap over at Sarah's blog.

The first year I made these red work hearts. I used handkerchiefs from the dollar store and images from google images. These took a long time but I love how they turned out.


I made one for me on a dishtowel.
The next year both my parents and my inlaws went to Russia. In honor of their trips I made these Matrioshka Valentines.

This year my Valentines for the swap are already done and mailed, and I am dying to share them with you!
Seriously. Dying.

Here's a behind the scenes peek. :)
Anyway, Someday Crafts is having a Valentines Craft show and tell today and I had to join in. Now I am off to check out everyone's great ideas.