On Valentine's Day, even the shyest of folks should be able to find the nerve to wish their secret someone a special greeting. OK, maybe you aren't willing to sign the card. But wouldn't that be defeating the purpose of sending the valentine in the first place?

This adorable, little bear photo holder is just the right touch for a classy valentine — when a card is too little but everything else seems too much. Plus, any handmade gift will earn extra points in the love department because it is considered very thoughtful. Place a photo of yourself in the holder and your valentine will get your message of love loud and clear.

This craft idea and instructions were submitted by Erin Madson of Chicago, and is made using Sculpey III oven-dried modeling clay by Polyform Products.

Sculpey III in tan, ballerina (light pink) and hot pink1 6-inch piece of wireToothpickSmall photo.Make a 1-inch ball of tan clay into a pear shape for a body.Roll two three-fourth-inch balls of tan into tapered logs (one end is smaller than the other) for legs. With your thumb, press the wider end upward to form a foot. Press a leg to each side of the body.Using a ¾-inch ball of hot pink, form a triangle, (not too pointed) about 1/4-inch thick for the heart. Indent the top of the triangle with a toothpick. Round out the edges to form the top of the heart. Press the heart to the body and the leg. Use a small amount of light pink to roll out a thin rope. Pinch off small portions using the toothpick to make letters.Roll two ¾-inch balls of tan into tapered logs for the arms. Press them to the sides of the body, large ends in front, resting on the legs. Curl the left paw and rest on top of the pink heart.Press a ¾-inch ball of tan to the top of the body for a head. Roll and press two 1/4-inch balls of tan and press to the top of the head at each side for the ears.Make two hot pink 1/4-inch balls into triangles and press both to the top of the head, touching point to point. Press a-inch ball in the center for the bow.Form the nose with a ¼-inch ball of light pink and press to the face.Make small hearts for the bottom of each foot and for the larger heart by forming small triangles out of light pink clay.Use the toothpick to make indentations for eyes, paw pads, ears and mouth. Poke holes for the border on the heart and polka dots on the bow.Bend the wire into a spiral and press through the hand of the bear into the heart base.Bake according to directions, allow it time to cool and insert the photo in the wire.