Ah, St. Valentine’s Day…one of my favorite holidays since childhood. All the reds and pinks and candy. Memories of making valentines for everyone in the class and exchanging candy grams with my friends.
This year I wanted to bring Valentine’s Day back to basics and make my own simple V-Day cards. In case you forgot, Valentine’s Day is this Friday, so you still have time to make your own sweet treats.
For some seriously adorable handmade holiday cards, check out Cherry Blossom Tree Designs!
Inspired by these handmade beauties, I will show you how you can personalize your valentines this year:
Card #1 Heart of Gold
Card #2 S.W.A.K.
Heart of Gold
Valentines don’t have to be romantic or for your significant other. They can be given to friends and family as a token of how much you love and appreciate them. This ‘Heart of Gold’ card is for my parents, since their unconditional love comes from their hearts, which are made of gold.
What you need:
- Card stock (plain or with preferred design)
- Mod Podge (I used a glossy finish since I already had it. You can also try Mod Podge in a matte finish for paper products)
- Foam brush or regular brush
- Stiff paper to cut out heart stencil (any heart-shaped stencil you might already have)
- Scissors
- Gold glitter
- Gold paint pen
First, select the size of card stock to be used and decide if you are making a horizontal or vertical design.
Take a sheet of thick or stiff paper (I used resume paper) and cut out a heart shape that will fit comfortably on the face of the card. This will create a disposable stencil. You can try the grade school method I show below or use something like a heart shape cookie cutter to trace the stencil.
You can use the cut out heart for another card idea or other craft projects.
Line the heart stencil on the face of the card and make sure it is centered. Since I folded the paper to cut my heart stencil, I used the center fold as my guide.
You can tape the stencil paper onto your table or place weighted items on the corners to help keep paper in place.
Grab a generous amount of Mod Podge on your brush and apply an even layer of glue over the heart stencil. Try to keep the application even on the edges of the heart, otherwise the glue can bleed under the stencil and warp the shape.
Let the glue dry for about 20 seconds so it becomes tacky. Then apply your glitter over the glue. Try to apply the glitter evenly.
Let the glitter sit on the glue for another 20-30 seconds, then use your clean finger to gently press the glitter onto the glue.
Allow the glitter to adhere to the glue for 15-20 minutes (follow drying instruction listed on the bottle).
Once the glitter has rested for the necessary time, you can carefully shake off excess glitter and clean the edges with your clean finger, tissue or clean brush.
Then, realign the stencil over the heart. Try to be as exact as you can so the edges match up.
Dip your used brush into the Mod Podge and gently apply another even layer of glue over the glitter. This layer will seal the glitter and avoid fall out.
Allow the top layer of glue to dry for 15-20 minutes.
Once the top coat is dry, brush off remaining loose glitter and proceed in using the gold paint pen or marker to write the text.
*You don’t have use the same text or glitter color. Go ahead and use whatever colors and text you want!
S.W.A.K. (Sealed With A Kiss)
The ‘S.W.A.K.’ card was inspired by one of my favorite stationary and sticker sets from Lisa Frank (remember her?).
This card can be as cheeky, sexy or sentimental as you want. For my version, I will include a personal message listing a few ways kissing a certain someone is my favorite thing to do!
What you will need:
- Card stock (plain color may allow the lipstick to pop more)
- Your favorite lipsticks
- Pen or marker of your choice
- Hairspray (optional)
This card is so simple, yet so cute. The idea is to have your own kisses fill the card like love confetti. You can do a random pattern like I did, or if you have more space on your card you could do one kiss per reason/written line.
To begin, I went ahead and used a gold paint pen to write the main text (you can leave space on the inside to write a personal note).
Once the ink is dry, get to smooching!
I chose a mix of pink and red lip colors that were vibrant and matte (Sonia Kashuk & Maybelline are awesome). I wouldn’t suggest using a moisturizing lipstick or lipgloss, as the color can transfer and smudge very easily.
Apply a thick layer of lipstick to your lips, adding extra pigment to the center.
Pucker your sexy pout and plant that sucker straight onto the card. Hold and press your lips then gently rock the card side to side to capture your entire lip.
Write your message and remember to seal the envelope (and your special someone) with a kiss!
Optional: To help seal the lipstick, I applied a light mist of Moroccanoil hairspray. The hairspray acts as sealant that dries instantly. Please DO NOT use a heavy spray or gel hairspray. Only use a hairspray that has a fine fist and low alcohol content. And of course, do not allow this card or hairspray to come into contact with heat or flames!
*You do not have to use pink or red lipstick. If you have a signature color that will drive your special someone wild–use it!
The most important thing to do for Valentine’s Day is have fun and celebrate L.O.V.E!
Elizabethology 