The Valentine’s Day tradition started in the early 1700s, and for centuries it was celebrated with an exchange of handwritten notes and handmade tokens of affection.  (You can thank the Victorians for today’s Valentine’s Day style—they liked their paper goodies dolled up with lavish images of lovebirds, cupids, and flowers!)   When printing technology began to improve, mass-produced cards become the norm. But if your local drugstore’s offerings fall short of your grand expectations, you can opt to create handmade Valentine’s Day gifts and greetings that are truly authentic, and won’t fail in the romance department either.

Wikipedia says that lovers have traditionally expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as “valentines“).  So whether you chose something edible, grow-able, or save-able, your loved one will sure to delight in the sweetness of your hand-made tokens of love.  Below, Brides.com asked eight of their favorite designers to share their best ideas for homemade valentines.

DIY Moleskine “Top 10″ Photo Album

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Turn an ordinary blank sketchbook into a romantic photo keepsake.

• Read our directions

Fondant “I Heart U” Pops

Pastry chef Melody Brandon shows us how to transform ordinary donut holes into a special treat.

• Get the instructions

Sweets for My Sweet!

Baker Naomi Henderson shares a simple tutorial on decorating with fondant to create cute cupcakes.

• Read it here

Matchbook Scrapbook

The design mavens behind Nice Package explain how to make a custom scrapbook for Valentine’s Day.

• See how here

“Love Grows” Bulb Garden

Studio Choo presents a stylish Valentine’s Day centerpiece that you can easily make at home.

• Learn how to create them here

Simple Mason Jar Arrangement

Event designer Megan Fickling demonstrates how to turn supermarket staples into clever centerpieces.

• Read the instructions

Paper Punch Valentine

Stationery designer Sally Shim gives the how-to’s for an easy DIY valentine.

• Get the directions

Candy Matchboxes

Stationery designer Brooke Reynolds shows us how to turn matchboxes into sweet candy containers.

• Read the how-tos here

Do you have a favorite homemade Valentine idea? Please share it with us!!