Sometimes creative, easy, and inexpensive Valentine’s day gift ideas are hard to come by, but I have two for you today!
IDEA #1
You remember the “Light Bulb Art” that I wrote about earlier (if you missed it click here).
Well, you may have thought it was a cute idea, but didn’t really think of it as a Valentine’s day gift. BUT with just one small addition, this home decor item can show that special someone how much you love them. I bought this letter stamping kit from Harbor Freight for $20 and got out my hammer.
Two minutes later, I had this!
In case you can’t read it, it says “To the light of my life.” Tip- you don’t have to use an old stadium bulb, you can find all sorts of cool looking light bulbs at your local hardware store!
IDEA #2
I love this next idea and I came up with it as I was trying to think of something fun to give Tim for V-day. As you may know, Tim graduated with a bio-chemistry degree (yeah, he’s a smarty pants) so when I stumbled upon some used lab ware this summer at a garage sale, I snatched it up. I thought it would be fun to decorate with in some way. So, here’s what I came up with.
I love this next idea and I came up with it as I was trying to think of something fun to give Tim for V-day. As you may know, Tim graduated with a bio-chemistry degree (yeah, he’s a smarty pants) so when I stumbled upon some used lab ware this summer at a garage sale, I snatched it up. I thought it would be fun to decorate with in some way. So, here’s what I came up with.
1.I cut a 6×6 square out of some left over 1×6 and used a hole saw (which is a drill attachment) to cut a hole in the center of the square.
2. I then used my handy dandy letter stamps to “engrave” a message into the wood. Soon after I stained it.
3. Then I placed my flask on top of the hole, filled it with water, and added a flower! Check it out.
I know flowers aren’t normally what you think of as gifts for guys, but I knew Tim would really like the way the flask/vase can sit cock-eyed and kinda seem to defy gravity. I am open to other ideas of what you could put into the flask if anyone has one!
Now, to the message. Any guesses on what I wrote to the love of my life? Well, Tim and I have always really appreciated humor and the the phrase that kept coming to my mind when I looked at the flask was courtesy of an “All 4 1” song that was really popular in the 90’s. It was entitled “She’s got Skillz” and the phrase was “You’ve got the potion (I guess this is why it came to mind) in the motion to cure my ill.” I kinda thought it would be hilarious to use this phrase and I knew Tim would think it was funny too!
If you are too old or young to remember this song and kind of see this phrase as inappropriate I say- “Lighten up- you know you want to laugh!” 🙂 I am sure there are a number of other phrases you could come up with that have “chemistry” theme. Feel free to leave any you have in the comment section for readers that are more conservative or that have young children and don’t want to try to explain what this phrase means! 🙂
UPDATE- Tim had a great idea to make the alternate phrase thing into a contest. If you have any thoughts on what you would engrave into the wood- leave it in the comment section. I will pick my favorite in a few days and I will ship the winner their very own Valentine’s vase and holder with your quote engraved in it!! Get creative!
From an equally cheesy 90’s song, “I know my calculus. It says u + me = us.”
Love the vase, so cute!
This might be totally cheesy but- Your love keeps me balanced.
An easy choice – this is on my husband’s “engagement” band: “Where words are not feeling remains.”
From an old 90’s emo band fave. 🙂
“Love looks through a telescope; envy through a microscope.” – Josh Billings
“Love Potion No. 9”
“The greatest science in the world; in heaven and on earth; is love.” – Mother Teresa
I immediately thought of this song I heard in Biology way back when and had to share 🙂 It’s my duty as a fellow science nerd!
Well there’s one thing Mama, I think you should know
That it’s not Love, that makes the flowers grow
But a complex electron transfer process known as photosynthesis when chlorophyll reacts with the light of day
Since you’re gone, the light has gone away
For what I would actually choose to engrave, it would have to be “I live for little moments” from Brad Paisley’s song Little Moments. It’s my husband’s and my song and I always cry listening to it. 🙂
“Papi, let me SAYANG u!”
Sayang in our language means Love/TLC.
😛
Chemistry…the science of love
i LOVE that song! you have me searching for the whole album track listing now! SUCH great gift/craft ideas! i would love to get those stamps!
“I feel the chemistry
Between you and me
There’s electricity
when you’re touching me
From a Velvet song, I think that deserves bonus points! Love the vase!
“Come on baby- Light my fire!” For the light, of course.
Let’s Get Physical. Because it makes me laugh every time I hear that song. Very fitting for Valentines don’t you think?
My fake plants died because I did not pretend to water them.
Mitch Hedberg
My fake plants died because I did not pretend to water them.
Mitch Hedberg
Hi Kara,
I don’t know if I’ve ever commented before – but I’ve been reading your blog for quite a while now and I love what you do!
My quote isn’t really ‘valentine’ themed, but the whole science, nature, and balance idea got me thinking about the mysteries of life – and my own spiritual beliefs… So if I were to have my own beautiful vase sculpure, it would say:
“He is before all things, and in him all things hold together…”
(Colossians 1:17)
I also like the Mother Teresa quote that Charlotte posted as well – “The greatest science in the world; in heaven and on earth; is love.”
I’m kind of torn between those two quotes!
Keep up the great work – I always love checking your blog!
http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/02/diy-project-valentine-lightbulb.html
i did the same