Employ My Ability offers vocational training for students with learning disabilities and special educational needs and disabilities. One of their students, Maddie Walters, spent her work experience with us, and now writes a regular column – Ed

It’s February, which means Valentine’s Day is nearly here! Since Valentine’s Day is all about loving and giving and sharing love, in this month’s article I thought I would share with you some homemade decor and gift ideas to for your Valentine on the 14th.
If you are having a Valentine’s Day party a heart garland is an easy Valentine’s Day decoration to make. This simple pipe-cleaner garland is so sweet and not hard at all to make.
One of the easiest ideas you can make is a simple hanging heart decoration – hang it anywhere!
Easy treats
Want a romantic sweet treat that is simple to make? Chocolate-dipped strawberries are perfect: easy to make, pretty to look at and oh so yummy to eat!
Hanging Heart Craft
Pink String
Pink or patterned paper in Valentine colours, cut into heart shapes of various sizes
Pink gems optional
This craft is really easy because all you have to do is cut five or six hearts from some love-themed paper and punch a hole in the top and the bottom of each heart. Thread the hearts through with pink or red string, hang it up and feel the love!
Galentines
Why not spend Valentine’s Day with your best friends? Watching rom com movies or curling on the sofa eating chocolates is always great, but you can celebrate the BFF love and make simple bracelets! It’s really easy and fun to share the making and the giving both. Bracelets can be customised in so many different ways and styles – not just for Valentine’s Day but any occasion.
If craft is not your forte, then maybe look for something special to buy instead. These sweet little charms could be perfect for loved ones and best friends (whispers my personal favourite is the ‘little bit of love’ charm) so you can share the love all year round.
I hope you enjoy your Valentines Day, however you choose to celebrate it! Maddie.
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