5 easy Valentine's DIYs to make before Tuesday

Valentine's Day is coming up on Tuesday, folks yes, THIS Tuesday. But there's still time to make your loved ones some relatively simple crafts. Remember, homemade is where the heart is, and usually cheaper!

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1. 50 shades of pink

There are several book-themedDIYs on a post on the BookRiot blog, the easiest of which are these super-cute bookmarks made from pink or red paint swatches. You'll need some of the swatches, whichare free from your local hardware/paint supply store, a heart-shaped hole punch from a craft store and some pink, red or white ribbon. You could put one in a romantic book, addinga personal touch to your gift.

2. Teeny feet card

A perfect Valentine keepsake for parents or grandparents, this card from JanyClaire's blog looks pretty easy.

First, you need a baby, preferably in a good mood, because you never know what will happen when you try to diptheir little feet inpaint. I suggest you enlist help. And make sure the paint is washable dollar-store paint should be fine.

You'll also need white craft paper, red or pink printed scrapbooking paper and some paper doilies in red or pink, and a red or pink marker or pen to write the cute message.

3. Friendship bracelets

Here's a unique idea for kids with a crafty sidewho want to give their classmates something special these easy braided friendship bracelets.

You'll need various colours of cotton thread from a craft store, and some craft paper to make the cards. If you want to get fancy, cut the cards out using a scalloped-edge hole punch, also available at craft stores.

Find instructions and link to a free printable card for the bracelets at the blog dandee.

4. A year of dates

Valentine's Day doesn't have to be the only romantic night of the year present your loved one with envelopes ofpre-planned, pre-paid dates for the whole year! Bonus: it's really a gift for both of you.

This idea comes from blogger Shannon Brown, who shares her ideas for datesincluding dinner and a movie, rock climbing and lunch, and a spa date at home including a massage and chocolate-dipped fruit. She and her husband opened the envelopes at the beginning of each month,look at the calendar and decide on a date, so they'll have a fun dateon the calendarto look forward to.

You could do the same idea with a "date jar" of ideas for your love to choose from.

5. Mason jar candle holders

Valentine's crafting wouldn't be the same without a dusting OK, a tsunami of glitter. Try these easy mason jars candle holders from the blog TaterTots and Jello for an easy, fun-to-make gift with lots of visual impact. Include a scented votive for a nice teacher gift.

You'll needsome different-size glass jars, vinyl such as shelf liner for the heart-shaped "window," glitter of different colours andpolyurethane from the craft or hardware store.

Display several together for a bigger impact.

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