Valentine’s Day is nearing and love is in the air. Anytime a holiday is brewing my 2 favorite things to do is buy gifst and decorate, but these things can be expensive. Since I’m a problem solver, I decided to take on a few popular DIY Valentine’s Day projects made from items you can find at second hand stores to cut down on costs.

Project #1: Re-Purpose Picture Frames

First, stop off at your local second hand store and peruse the frame section. Remember, they don’t have to be pink, red or white; you can always spray paint them to match. For both projects below the next step is to choose scrapbook paper that is festive and matches your color scheme. TIP: For extra savings have the kids color the background paper.

[Image source: A Dimond in the Stuff]

For framed love letter you’ll need 4 frames, one for each letter in LOVE. The LOVE may need to be painted to match. You can get the letters at your local craft store. Take the glass out of the frames, attach the desired paper to the backing and glue the finished and painted letters to the paper and voila! This whole project costs around $15.

[Image source: Super Savings]

For the “I Love You Because” project choose your paper and either type or write “I love you because….” on it. Then, attach this paper to the frame backing and put the glass back on. The glass makes a surface for dry-erase markers. Write a sweet message and hang it up to be discovered on Valentine’s Day morning. This whole project cost as little as $4.

Project #2: Re-Purpose Old Books

[Image source: HoopsyDaisies]

This one is easy and adorable! Shop second hand stores for old books, preferably romance novels or a dictionary defining “lovey words.” If you can’t find books old enough to get the brownish page effect, soak the book pages in black tea water. Make a blueprint of the heart out of cardboard and cut as many hearts as you want the garland to be long, times 2. The string, yarn, or thread you use will be placed between 2 hearts and glued in to place. This project is a bit time consuming but so worth it, it turns out so cute! This project is done for a total of only $5, you can’t beat that!

Project #3: Re-Purpose Puzzle Pieces

[Image source: Mommo Design]

Puzzle are always easy to find at second hand stores. People usually bypass them not wanting to count to make sure the pieces are all there. This project is easy-peasy! All it takes is the puzzle, some glue and paint if your taste calls for it. You can do this project 1 of 3 ways; the first is to use the back of the puzzle pieces for a natural look and feel. You can also paint the pieces any color you’d like, perhaps you want to use your favorite color or add some glittery sparkle. Last, you can choose the puzzle wisely off of the picture it creates and use them right side up just as they are creating an abstract color scheme. Any and all look great. Attach ribbon or twine for easy hanging. This project is our cheapest yet ringing in at a whopping $1.50!

Don’t forget to shop at second hand stores for inexpensive DIY project materials for any holiday! Pinterest is a great place to find DIY gifts and décor for any given occasion or holiday, check out the Arc Store’s holiday DIY board. Everyone appreciates a thoughtful handmade gift, surprise that special someone with some second hand store creativity.

Do you have any fun and easy holiday DIY projects you’d like to share? Leave a link in the comment section under this blog. Thanks for sharing and Happy Valentine’s Day from the Arc Store staff!

Shopping at second hand stores does more than just save you money. Find out how shopping at the Arc Store supports the local community!