Handmade valentines are the only kind, in my book. the surest way to guarantee you receive some is to join a valentine swap. Clever, isn't it? I've already received one from The Netherlands (lucky me). Mine went out a few hours ago. Yes, I used those plastic melty beads you get in buckets of 6000 for the kiddies to iron into shapes. I can't bear to sit and watch the kids have all the fun. I sewed the heart shapes onto magenta silk, then tulle, then purple metallic vinyl and stitched on words like "lover," "sweetheart," and "flame." I backed it with a favorite (loud) vintage fabric. Made with love for one friend and nine complete strangers. I heart swaps.