Love is in the air - getting in the mood for love!

It's February and the high street is turning pink and red full of fluffy hearts, tacky cards and not-so-sexy undies with the return of St Valentines Day

The day first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. Modern Valentine's Day symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards.


But why should this lovely day of love and affection for the one you love be just an overpriced card bought the day before, unwanted jewellery or some half dead flowers from the petrol station up the road - No!!


I really believe handmade is the way forward - even if you can't make it yourself, putting some serious time, effort and thought into some small token of your love shows you care. 

Take a look at some of these great ideas to show your love in the classiest, cutest and unique ways - and earn major brownie points for the year ahead!

Vintage can be a great way of getting a unique find for those without the creative spark to make something themselves. Searching may take time, but it is very much worth it to find a piece with character and a story behind it. This gorgeous pendant from CharleysRoses is fab - vintage but timeless!

A unique card you can keep is something I love - and this super cool card is definitely that - this clever card by   bjoytomac would adorn my office notice board for years to come! (I love cheese a LOT, so I'm not sure I could give my hubby THIS card...)

And for those who, like me, have 100s of teddies bought by well intentioned friends and loved ones - why not get your other half to invest in a heirloom teddy? This gorgeous bunny by woolies is hand made and will last from the first date though to old age! (and she does giraffes!!)




My contribution to this array of handmade schmaltz is my Smitten - the lover's mitten. Picture the scene - you are walking out in the park, holding hands, enjoying a frosty morning - but it's getting cold - dilemma; do you stop holding hands, try and hold hands with regular mittens or stick your hand in his pocket...??

Stop. Put your hands in the Smitten and problem solved! And as a bonus - it looks like a heart when flat!

So guys - I implore you - put some effort in this Valentines Day - if you can't make it yourself go to someone who can!


(and I hope NOT to see you picking flowers from the side of the road on the way to their house - you have been warned!!)

Debs