Today its valentines day – feb 14, for me – married with two children, valentines day has lost its appeal, but still its an excuse pick some flowers from the garden and give all my loved ones a big juicy kiss. For others Valentines day is a big deal, romantic getaways and expensive gifts, some of you may hate valentines day – its just another reminder of your singleness – why not go crazy with anti valentine sentiment – or else celebrate your freedom with friends. For us crafty types valentines day is a really good excuse for some serious light hearted crafting. Whatever or however you feel about valentines day – I hope it was a good one.

Thinking of the victims of the Australian bushfires today – lost their homes and loved ones – why not spare some change for those in need – find out how you can give some handmade help here. Or buy something handmade here to help out the cause.

Some quick last minute valentines stuff – oh joy has some links to e-cards – very cute : I love these vintage valentine cards (one pictured here) : design for mankind – last minute giveaway.

Some very stylish valentines ideas:

1. love heart bent paper clips from How about orange.

2. uncommon valentine at design sponge.

3. printed bags and love heart brownies at design sponge.

4. origami love heart book marks from how about orange.

5. hand stitched valentines from martha stewart.

6. paper heart wrappings from martha stewart.

lots of designers and crafty sites are offering free original or vintage designs to download and turn into crafty valentines. [some links are via craftzine and crafty crow]

1. vintage valentines at bella dia

2. sticky note cosy and pimp stitch.

3. sweetie pie valentines at inside a black apple

4. embroidery tweetie bird pattern from little acorn.

5. squid valentine download at dabbled.

6. zebra valentines from bunny cakes.

Are you feeling the love yet? There’s a LOT of Vday stuff around. This heart is cute! Get hookin’.

Link.

Burda style have a tutorial on the storque on how to make a luscious floral bouquet – just in time for the big love day. [via craft]

Just in time for Valentines. Link.

These are lovely. Quick too so you get to spend more time with your Valentine :)  Link.

Ha! These guys are awesome, great for little ones to make and us adults! Link.

no sew valentines day garland – thanks Fiona.