Everyone wants to know they are loved. Sometimes we can assume our partners know why we love them. But do they? I think we could all use a reminder from time to time.
A few years ago I wanted to do a better job telling my husband how much I love and appreciate him on a more regular basis. Even though we have always had a strong foundation of communication, I felt that really articulating the small and big things I love about him could only strengthen our relationship.
Through a simple and affordable “reusable love note,” I am able to do just that. Quietly, and simply, I am able to regularly remind us both why I love him so much.
The Reusable Love Note
The reusable love note is a picture frame that sits on his nightstand which I routinely update with a reason why I love him. I do this by writing on the glass front with a dry erase marker something he did, or an aspect of his character I appreciate.
I don’t do it daily, and sometimes the reasons are very small. But I have found it keeps me grounded in gratitude. This practice helps me regularly think about the reasons I value him, and he is regularly reminded of my appreciation.
The practice can also be replicated for children or for friends. And I make pairs as newlywed gifts as well.
DIY Reusable Love Note
Required Supplies:
- A picture frame of any size with the glass intact (I use tabletop frames, but you could easily choose wall-mounted instead)
- A scissors
- A piece of paper
- A dry-erase marker
Optional Supplies:
- I also recommend jazzing it up with scrapbooking supplies. Things like decorative paper, stickers, and small trinkets and adornments you can find in craft stores
- Craft or scrapbooking glue to attach any layers of paper or adornments
- Stick-on Velcro
Step 1: Cut a Base Piece of Paper to Fit the Size of the Opening in your Frame.
You can use a simple piece of white paper if that’s what you have handy, or a color scheme that you think the recipient will like. If you are gifting to someone (like a newlywed couple) and you aren’t sure of their decor, I find neutrals work really well, too!
Tips:
- You want your paper to be a lighter shade and simple enough that your daily appreciation message is legible. If you pick a busy pattern for your base paper, it may be hard to decipher the writing you add later.
- A thicker piece of paper may be helpful if you plan to jazz it up, but be careful that it still fits in the frame. If your paper and layers are too thick, you may not be able to close the back.
Step 2: Add Your Text.
I have always used “I love you because….” but you can also use “You’re awesome because…” or “Thank You for….” or any alternative phrase personal to you and your partner.
Because I like to jazz mine up a bit, I use scrapbooking stickers and layer them on pieces of paper to add dimension and texture. Then, I glue the layers into place. But again, you could simply write your message on a piece of paper, or use a computer and print it out if that is more your style.
Important: Do not center your text on the base piece of paper. You want to be sure to leave space to write your changing message.
Optional Step 3: Add Some Adornments.
I use stamps, little trinkets from the craft store, other stickers, and hand-scribbled lines and dots to liven it up. This is a great way to work in the personalized interests of your partner, like hobbies, or their favorite colors.
Personally, I like to match my reusable love note to the decor of the recipient. That’s because I hope they will be left out on a nightstand or table. Being on display and updated regularly is the whole idea.
Optional Step 4: Add Stick-on Velcro to Attach a Dry-Erase Marker to the Back of the Frame.
I think these get more use if the dry-erase markers are handy. You may not enjoy one sitting around the table next to it, or accessible for small hands to find. Attaching it to the back of the frame keeps it out of sight, but accessible when you need it.
That’s it!
All that’s left is to gift it to your partner and use it. However frequently you update the love note message is up to you, but I do recommend you try to update it regularly. It feels good to tell your partner why you love them, and this is a simple way to do just that.
