Before Putting Away Christmas Supplies, Think About Valentine’s Day

It may seem a bit early, but taking a few minutes to think about reusing holiday decorations for Valentine’s Day will save you time and money in a few weeks. As you are packing away your ornaments and lights, keep an eye out for anything red or pink that (with a few changes) can look entirely new and appropriate for use on Valentine’s Day. You may not want to start these projects yet, but you may want to select some items to put away in a separate box – so they will be easy to grab when the time comes in about 6 weeks.

These glittery heart lights are really stunning and easy to make.

These glittery heart lights are really stunning and easy to make.

A short strand of 35 red lights are decorated with red glittery paper hearts.

A short strand of 35 red lights are decorated with red glittery paper hearts.

Using a die cut in the shape of a heart (available at craft and paper supply stores) I punched out several hearts, created a cross-shaped slit in the center of each and slipped them over the bulbs.

Using a die cut in the shape of a heart (available at craft and paper supply stores) I punched out several hearts from a sheet of saved wrapping paper.

I cut a cross-shaped slit into the center of each paper heart and slipped them over the bulbs. Make sure the paper does not touch the bulb - it should fit snuggle around the plastic socket.

I cut a cross-shaped slit into the center of each paper heart and slipped them over the bulbs. Make sure the paper does not touch the bulb - it should fit securely around the plastic socket.

Red wooden beads make a wonderful Valentine's Day garland with the addition of a few more of those glittery paper hearts.

Red wooden beads make a wonderful Valentine's Day garland with the addition of a few more of those glittery paper hearts.

Using the same die cut, I punched out more hearts. I punched a hole into the top of the shape and cut a slit from the edge to the hole to open it up so it would slip onto the strand of beads.

Using the same die cut, I punched out more hearts. I punched a hole into the top of the shape and cut a slit from the edge to the hole.

Making this type of cut, allows the hearts to slip on easily in between the beads.

Making this type of cut, allows the hearts to slip on easily in between the beads.

Valentine's Day treat bags, made from mesh grapefruit packages are simple and fun to make - the kids can help.

Valentine's Day treat bags, made from mesh grapefruit packages are simple and fun to make - the kids can help.

We eat a lot of grapefruit in our home. At this time of year, they are at their best and are sold in red, plastic mesh sacks that have a certain look to them that inspired me to reuse them to make these delicate bags. This idea may not fit in with the concept of reusing Christmas decorations, however, I add it on here because you will want to start saving your grapefruit bags now in order to make these delightful little treats in February!

Start out by cutting the paper label off of the base of the bag.

Start out by cutting the paper label off of the base of the bag.

Start out by cutting the mesh bag in half - creating two tubes of mesh.

Cut the mesh bag in half - creating two tubes of mesh (if the bag is larger, you can cut it into thirds).

Using a small rubberband, close one end.

Using a small rubber band, close one end.

I keep a bag of small hair elastics around to use for various projects - they are inexpensive and sold in large quantities.

I keep a bag of small hair elastics around to use for various craft projects - they are inexpensive and sold in large quantities - perfect for this idea.

Turn inside out to create a bag.

Turn inside out to create a bag.

Fill with candy.

Fill with candy.

Tie with ribbon and add a heart and you are done.

Tie with ribbon and add a heart and you are done.

Comments (12):

  1. Elk Lighting

    January 1, 2010 at 11:09 am

    Very cool lights, and creative.

  2. Primary Work at Home

    January 2, 2010 at 5:19 am

    Wow great work! I will definitely try this one. Thank you very much for sharing this.

  3. camilla

    January 2, 2010 at 6:31 am

    Thanks!

  4. Aunt Jenny

    January 3, 2010 at 8:58 am

    Beautiful lights and treatbags! I think I’ll make some for my coworkers for Valentine’s day.

    The photography on your site is breathtaking!

  5. camilla

    January 3, 2010 at 9:54 am

    Thanks ! I am thrilled to hear it!

  6. louise

    December 28, 2011 at 9:06 am

    ahhhh! I usually grown when I see Valentine’s things before Christmas is even over. But I love your spin on it… Recycle the Christmas into Valentine’s! And the treat bag is totally cute!!

  7. Susan L

    December 30, 2011 at 4:43 am

    I really love the pink roses in the silver pitcher. Beautiful and elegant!

  8. Bonnie@WhatAboutPie

    December 30, 2011 at 3:35 pm

    I love the idea with the red mesh grapefruit bag! I have thrown those bags away before and every time I do it I pause and think….what can I do with this…and then I throw it away. I’m glad you posted this…thanks!

  9. Love To Crochet

    January 3, 2012 at 2:25 am

    Love the ideas. Now that grapefruit and oranges are in season, there are plenty of bags available. Valentine’s get ready. Thanks for sharing.

    • pooja12

      February 3, 2012 at 11:07 am

      very innovating ideas…..

  10. pooja12

    February 3, 2012 at 11:02 am

    this is marvels,,, good work on net

  11. Sarah

    January 22, 2013 at 10:17 am

    Very clever, useful ideas. I’ve never reused the mesh bags, but I’ve thought about it. These would be perfect for individual valentines for a child to take to school for everyone in the class. 😉

Comments are closed.