Grab your sweeties; it’s almost time for Valentine’s Day! For couples, kiddos, and friends, February 14 is a day of appreciation and warmth. Whether you’re one for chocolates, roses, or spa retreats, it’s always nice to be able to give and receive love from the special people in our lives.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been snagging boxes of iconic Sweethearts from the candy section at the grocery store. You know the ones—they’re crunchy but not too sweet, multi-colored and fun, and have adorable sayings like ‘Be Mine’ and ‘Call Me.’
While we all love snacking on these mini treats, it might be nice to give your loved ones Valentine’s gifts they can hold onto forever!
So, as you help the little ones craft Valentine cards for school or while you’re thinking up a unique way to surprise a co-worker or friend, consider crafting a needle felted project for the perfect addition to any V-Day celebration!
Animals
Your kids’ Valentine basket will be the star of the show when it’s filled with a card, a few candies, and a needle felted critter! From bears and dragons to mice and hippos, these designs are adorable and are especially ideal for beginners.
Hearts
Want to give your best friend a Gal-entine’s gift she’ll cherish for years to come? Craft her a felted conversation heart with a quirky phrase that’s sure to bring a smile to her face.
‘Are You Single?,’ ‘Love You,’ ‘Dream Big,’ and ‘Squeeze Me’ would be great messages…to name a few! To make a conversation heart, all you need is your felting tools, bright colored wool, and a heart-shaped cookie cutter! Add this heart to another gift or deliver it solo.
If you want to craft something a bit more sentimental, a handheld heart might be the perfect option. Select light colored wool and create a piece that’s smaller than the palm of your hand. You can keep the design simple or add a special touch such as initials, birthdays, or even the names of children!
Homemade Cards
If you have a way with words, show your partner how much you care with a needle felted card! While it’s probably not the best idea to try and craft a card made of wool, you can easily craft a felted piece and glue it to the front of the card.
This way, you’ll be able to show your flair for creativity while taking the time to write just how much your heart flutters every time you think about that special someone.
Jewelry
Did you know that you can make marbled beads out of wool? All you have to do is gather bits of your leftover wool and form them into the shape of a pearl. The more colors you use; the more interesting and Bohemian they’ll look.
Make smaller beads for dainty necklaces or bracelets, and craft large baubles for chunky statement pieces! Simply string these beads together, and voilà, you’ve just created adorable craft jewelry. Give one to a friend, family member, or maybe even treat yourself.
The Gift of Crafting
For me, my students, and thousands of other creators around the globe, crafting continues to be the gift that keeps on giving. If you or someone you know would love the opportunity to learn a new skill, join the Bear Creek Felting Academy!
We’re a tight group of crafters who love to share tips, tricks, and techniques while we explore the world of needle felting. And I’m here to offer guidance and feedback every step of the way!
With new projects, design ideas, and patterns, the Academy crafters can accomplish pieces they didn’t even think were possible. If you’re interested in becoming part of this community, check us out! We’d love to have you. Click here for more information.
