Local Crafters Share V-Day Gift Ideas

While the traditional chocolates, flowers and jewelry can make for fine gifts on Valentine’s Day, sometimes a homemade gift can be more memorable. Patch reached out to a few local crafters to have them share their ideas for creative and less traditional gifts for loved ones.

“I like to collect and save virtually everything, so I always have lots of 'stuff' to sort and pick through when it comes to making something special for Valentine's Day,” said Andria Palange of the Etsy shop Andria’s Serendipity.

Palange suggested finding old photos or cards and putting them in a frame you decorated yourself. Palange recommends picking up a “shadow box” frame from a craft store and gluing shells, or sea glass collected from the beach. For an extra special touch you could handwrite a poem on the photo if there is room.

If you have an abundance of "found" items, like the sea shells and sea glass, Palange suggests layering them in a clear glass vase. Lay a piece of clear plastic wrap over the top and tie with a red ribbon to hold everything in place.

Another idea from Palange is to cover a picture frame's border using cut out hearts from magazines, old cards, or even heart stickers. Overlap them randomly or spread them apart or cover the frame completely. When doing this she advises to take care not use too much glue, otherwise the paper will get too wet and rip. When done, she recommends giving the frame a protective spray coating with an acrylic spray

“An acrylic spray dries fast, gives the frame a finished look and can be found at any craft store as well,” said Palange.

Palange sells her jewelry and art on her page on Etsy.com.

“Giving your loved one roses or taking them to dinner is always nice, but has been done to death. It isn't romantic anymore,” said Jenny Swanson.

Swanson, who sells jewelry on her website, Sugarpiejewelry.com, said that a better gift is something more personal such as a bracelet or necklace that has a loved one’s name or birth stone on it. These are the types of jewelry she sells on her site. Swanson said she began making her jewelry a few years ago because she wasn’t able to find a personalized necklace that wasn’t “gaudy” or expensive.

“I personally would love to have such a personal gift like this where someone put a lot of thought into it and it lasts a lifetime...a lot longer than that steak dinner,” said Swason.

Elizabeth Brennick of Elizabeth Brennick Designs had a few recommendations as well.

First: hair clips. “Hair accessories for women right now are so hot,” said Brennick.

Another idea would be a cowl or scarf, especially appropriate since it’s still the cold season in New England.

“Pair up any handmade gift with a handmade card designed by you and that's a Valentine's day that will always be remembered,” said Brennick.

Brennick also noted that if any Seekonk resident purchases an item in her Etsy.com shop there will be no shipping charge and she will personally deliver the item.