Editor's Note: This post was originally posted in January 2017 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in January 2020.
Have you already started giving your Valentine's Day gift idea some thought?
There's no doubt that it's nice to spoil your partner to celebrate this romantic day, but there's something even more special about DIYing your own Valentine's gifts.
With that in mind, we've developed a very simple, but beautiful Valentine's gift idea that is both pretty, fun and customisable. It's really easy to do, and is extremely cheap to make too - there really are no excuses not to try it!
So roll your sleeves up, get out your craft supplies and put half an hour aside to make these adorable love heart photo frames.
What you need:
- 2 x love heart photo frames, backing and 'glass' front removed. (We got ours from Flying Tiger)
- PVA glue
- UHU glue
- Paintbrush
- Pink pearlescent beads (also from Flying Tiger)
- Red glitter
How to make your DIY Valentine's Day photo frames
1. Protect your surface
Lay down some newspaper onto the surface you plan to craft on. This will make cleaning up glitter and glue much easier. Don't forget to pop on some classic love songs to get you in the mood - this step is obligatory!
2. Apply glue
Take one of the frames and, using the paintbrush, apply a layer of PVA glue onto the plastic.
3. Add glitter
Gently sprinkle the red glitter around the edge of the heart until the frame is no longer visible.
4. Fill the gaps
Flip the frame over, and press down over the glitter that has fallen onto the newspaper. This will help to fill in any gaps, and also press the glitter into place.
5. Apply UHU glue
Taking the other frame and your UHU glue, apply a thin line along one-half of the heart.
6. Add beads
Immediately begin to press the pink beads onto the line of glue, beginning at the point of the love heart so as to be sure the shape will be well defined. Continue sticking on beads until the frame has been covered.
8. Leave to dry
Set the frame aside to dry on a clean sheet of newspaper. Be sure to clean the bottom of the frame so that it doesn't get stuck to the paper.
9. Trace your photos
Choose some photos and print them out on standard photo paper. Take the backing of the frames and trace around the photos you want to put inside, then cut the shapes out. Make sure that the focus of the photo fits in the frame before you start cutting.
10. Add the photos
Pop the plastic front back into the frames, followed by your photos, then the card backing. Secure the frames so that the backing doesn't fall off.
11. Wrap and gift!
Wrap your frames in some pink tissue paper, cut out hearts, then hide your gift until Valentine's Day arrives. This gift is perfect on its own, but it could also be accompanied by chocolates or flowers for a final flourish.
Happy Valentine's Day everyone! How will you be celebrating? Let me know in the comments below.
OMG! this is so beautiful. I'll try this for valentine. It's a great idea.
We'd love to see the finished result - please share the pictures with us on social media!