It's never too early to celebrate Valentine's Day. It's less than a month away, after all.

One simple way to add a dash of amore to your décor is to go with one of my favorite methods of crafting: embellishing goodies from the department store.

You can find a variety of heart-shaped patio lights in the seasonal section of retail outlets. Personalize them with rub-on letters or paint. I went with the rub-on letters because in the end, they have a polished look. If you feel frisky you can spell out a sentence, or decoupage love quotes or pictures on them. How about the word "love" in different languages? Either way, once they are hung, they can add a kissy-kissy mood to your room.
Flirty Word Heart Lights
Supplies
1 string of heart patio lights (glass, paper or plastic)
1 package of rub-on letters (or paint, brush or stencils)
1 Popsicle stick

Directions: Make sure the surface of the light casing is free of smudges. Write up a list of short words related to love (love, kiss, nice, hug, hot, yum, amour, etc). Lay the letter sheet over the area and use the stick to rub on each letter. Make sure to fully rub it, then carefully lift the sheet. Don't rip it off fast because the letter may tear. Repeat for the next letter. Continue until all of the lights are finished.

Tips and variations: To seal your letters, use a brush-on, water-based varnish. If you run out of letters, just touch it up with paint and a liner brush.

Crafty event of the week: Red Scarf Project. The Orphan Foundation of America has teamed with Einstein Bros. Bagels to collect 2,500 knitted or crocheted red scarves (or other unisex color, such as black, blue, green or yellow) so they can be distributed to college-attending foster youth for Valentine's Day. Donate a handmade scarf and receive a free bagel. Scarves should be approximately 60 inches long and suitable for male or female. If possible, each scarf should have a tag securely attached that reads: Handmade for You (with your name, city and group affiliation, if any). Drop off at any Einstein's shop during regular business hours, Sunday through next Saturday. For more information, visit orphan.org.

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* By Kathy Cano Murillo, copyright 2005. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: lights, Valentine's Day