Looking for easy valentine's day crafts for adults that go beyond a handmade card? Painted hearts, little hanging ornaments and pretty jars give you plenty to choose from.
There’s lots of pink and red here, plus a few ideas if you’d rather try something different.
You can keep things simple or go all out with beads and bows. Start with a painted pot or paper hearts, then save the more detailed designs for when you feel like taking on a bigger project.
Valentine's Day craft ideas worth saving
red and gold cork heart
We’re starting off strong with this cute cork heart. I love the red ends around the open middle, especially with that little gold-colored base underneath.
If you want to try this look, leave the sides unpainted so you get that same mix of red and natural-looking brown.
a pot full of painted hearts
How cute is this painted pot? The pink, coral and red hearts cover the white background, with black outlines around just a few of them.
Try mixing larger hearts with smaller ones instead of making every row match. Those slightly uneven brushstrokes are part of what makes this design so sweet.
layered pink heart ornaments
I am obsessed with these little hanging hearts. The curved strips go from pale pink on the outside to deep red in the middle.
Keep that light-to-dark order if you want to follow this design. A few of these would look lovely hanging from a small branch.
sparkling red heart jar
If you love a little sparkle, this one is for you. The red jar has clear heart-shaped spaces all around it, plus a small bow at the neck.
For your own version, I’d use a battery-operated light inside to show off the hearts without putting a flame near the decorations.
stitched hearts with tiny details
These hanging hearts may just be some of my favorites here. I love the visible stitches around the edges and the smaller hearts layered on top.
Pick a button center or a few sequins for your own version. You don’t need to use every detail on every heart.
red hearts on round slices
Don’t want to go overboard with the decorations? No problem!
These round ornaments have a single raised red heart in the middle and red-and-white hanging strings.
I especially love the mix of white-painted centers and visible circular grain. Keep both looks if you’re making a little collection.
pink and cream hanging hearts
If you are looking for a bigger project to work toward, then this one is for you. There’s so much to love, from the overlapping heart outlines to the long pink and cream fringe.
This detailed knotted hanging goes beyond a simple starter craft. For an easier take, try one wrapped heart hanging from a branch instead.
a heart inside a hoop
How pretty is this open heart? White strands stretch across the hoop while leaving a heart-shaped space in the middle.
That tiny dangling red heart is my favorite part.
I’d keep the white-and-red combination just like this rather than adding more colors.
polka-dot clothespin wreath
The polka dots are so cute on this wreath! Pink, red and pale clothespins surround a Valentine-themed center filled with illustrated sweets.
If you want to follow the look, alternate the colors around your wreath. Don’t forget a big pink bow at the bottom.
a framed flower heart
I am in love with this floral heart. The pink petals have dark centers, with little green leaves peeking out around the edges.
Read also: 20 DIY Craft Projects for Adults With Flowers, Beads and Colorful Details
For a simple collage version, try arranging flower cutouts into a heart on black paper. Keep the frame black too if you like this same dark background.
little love letters
How adorable are these tiny envelopes? The red, white and pale pink designs each have a little heart where the flap meets the front.
They’re gathered inside a larger silver-colored envelope with a checked bow. You could borrow the idea for a tabletop display using miniature paper envelopes.
pink and red pom-pom garland
Don’t want every decoration to be heart-shaped? This pom-pom garland is such a cute alternative.
The red, white and bright pink balls hang along a thin twisted string.
Read also: 20 Valentines Crafts for Preschool With Hearts, Handprints and Cute Little Bugs
Try draping yours across a shelf like this, with a jar of heart decorations underneath.
textured red xoxo
This is another pretty way to keep your colors simple. Raised red XOXO lettering sits across a white background, with little red hearts scattered around it.
I love the bumpy texture on the letters. For a simpler version, you could paint the same design flat and keep the generous white spaces.
wavy pink heart dish
I am obsessed with the wavy stripes on this heart dish. The bright pink and red look so cute against the pale background.
If you’re decorating a plain trinket dish, try letting the waves run over the rim instead of stopping inside it. I’d keep the middle mostly pale, just like this.
pastel heart-covered container
The pastel colors are such a sweet change from all the red. Little pink, yellow, mint and lavender hearts cover the outside of this tall container in closely packed rows.
For a smaller project, try the same arrangement around a pencil cup. You’ll still get that cute all-over heart pattern.
hearts bows and ruffles
If you like lots of little details, this wreath is for you. There are patterned hearts, pale pink bows and pearl-like beads tucked between all those ruffled pieces.
You can borrow the pink-and-red palette without copying every decoration. I’d start with a simpler wreath and choose a few hearts and one big bow.
pink hearts and diagonal layers
These square bars have such a pretty design. A narrow cream stripe separates the blush pink section from the dark bottom, with a small red heart above it.
Save the color arrangement as inspiration for a soap-making project with a tested tutorial. The picture gives you a lovely design to aim for, not the formula.
hanging hearts on a chalkboard
If you’re looking for a decoration you can draw, this one is for you. White lines make the hearts look like they’re hanging from the top of the board.
Write “do small things with great love” underneath, or choose your own short message. The tiny heart in place of the O in “love” is such a sweet touch.
blue and green beaded hearts
Who says you have to stick to pink? These blue, white and green hearts are absolutely gorgeous, especially with the tiny round beads and longer shiny accents.
This is a more detailed option if you enjoy stitching. For a simpler take, try a layered heart with beads just around the outside.
a heart-shaped gift bottle
Last but definitely not least, we have this pretty heart-shaped bottle. White crystals sit below a pinkish layer and dark rose-colored petals, with a stopper at the top.
I love this as packaging inspiration for a bath-salt gift. Use a tested bath-safe recipe for the contents rather than guessing the ingredients from the picture.