Remember the good old days in elementary school, when our parents would buy a box of Valentine’s Day cards and have us give one to every kid in the class? (Even the ones we didn’t like?)
Luckily, we’re not in the same position to write notes for all our co-workers and acquaintances (that’s what Facebook is for.) However, the tradition still continues in school and among adults in a relationship. While some companies now create valentines out of recycled paper, most still wind up in landfills.
Easy, Inexpensive and Edible Valentines For Kids
Think back to when you were in elementary school: what would you prefer - a generic note from some schnook or a cookie? Cookie valentine cards can be made as personal as your child wants to make it by putting the message inside the envelope, or just scribbling names on them.
All you need are envelopes made of recycled paper, or just fold some cooking parchment into an envelope and have your kid marker the recipient’s name on it. Buy a rubber stamp from a paper craft shop that has a Valentine’s Day message or design you approve of. It can be re-used as a cookie-stamp next year, or dipped in ink to make paper valentines or just decorate envelopes, if you want.
Valentine’s Day “Cookie Cards”
Assuming you don’t already have a favourite cookie in mind, here’s a frugal shortbread recipe that comes from the side of the Benson’s cornstarch box. It’s easy to make, and one batch makes enough for the average-sized elementary class.
Hint: Follow the directions to roll the dough into balls, and flatten with the bottom of glass for a flat-topped cookie. When they come out of the oven, stamp them with your rubber Valentine’s Day stamp, and let them cool. The dough should be malleable enough to keep the impression intact.
Let the cookies cool and harden before packing into envelopes; if your kid has a special message, let him or her write it out in a note and pack it in with the cookie. Remember to write the names on the envelopes before putting the cookies in, and carry the cookies in a separate box or bag so they won’t crumble if stuffed into a school bag.
Make a Sustainable Paper Love Note
That same stamp can be used to imprint the “cover” of your card, or you can be a modern day Cyrano De Bergerac by writing a love note that will be cherished for years to come.
Using a paper that is made of recycled pulp and paper is one option, and more companies are providing paper that is not detrimental to forest growth. For instance, paper made from dung doesn’t mean you message is crap. It means that even recycled paper won’t produce sludge or use energy to convert used paper into new sheets.
Types of Sustainable Papers
- The Elephant Poo Poo Paper Company Ltd: Made from elephant dung, this paper makes a contribution of its proceeds to preserve elephant welfare and conservation.
- Hemp, banana and bamboo papers can be found in some stationary stores, or earth-friendly speciality shops.
- Kenaf paper made from a quick growing plant that is related to the hibiscus flower makes cultivation and paper making sustainable by not using ancient forests.
Making Your Love Note Memorable
As anyone knows, presenting a love note can be stressful. Having one made with a sustainable choice of paper can only reflect well on the person presenting it. While the overall presentation counts for a lot, consider message you want to convey.
An excellent article by Rosemary E. Bachelor on Short Love Quotes can decorate your handmade valentine. Let your selected quote inspire you to embellish on that point inside your card.
Write about how you agree with the original author of the quote, or what you would change; let your sweetheart know what that quote reminds you of, or how it applies to your love.
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