There’s nothing quite like receiving a handmade card, so today I’m sharing three easy DIY Valentine’s Day cards. These cards are completely customizable, so make one for a friend or someone special!
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I love receiving handmade cards. My husband is actually kind of crafty, and he makes me a couple every year. Just knowing that he put in the effort makes me super happy!
Today, I’m sharing three easy DIY Valentine’s Day cards that you can make for someone special in your life, whether that person’s a friend or something more. Each of these cards can be customized with different papers, stamps, ink colors, washi tapes, and more … so get creative!
The first DIY Valentine’s Day card has a sweet floral background and simple I ♥ U message. It’s so simple to make, and you can change the message to say whatever you’d like.
To make this card, you will need:
- floral paper (I used origami paper.)
- scissors
- double sided tape
- 2 A6 notecards (I used flat cards, but folding cards would work, too.)
- pencil
- heart stamp (I made my own, using my rubber stamp tutorial.)
- pink ink pad
- clear embossing powder
- heat tool
- letter stickers (These cork stickers are similar to the ones I used, but here are lots more letter stickers to choose from.)
- decorative paper for envelope lining (The exact paper I used is not available, but Paper Source has lots of great options.)
- envelope liner template kit
- A6 envelope
Trim floral paper to 4 1/8 x 5 7/8-inches. Center floral paper on the A6 card, then attach it with double sided tape.
From the long side of the extra A6 card, cut a strip of paper 1 1/8-inch wide. On the back of the strip, make two vertical lines: one 1-inch from the edge and the other 1 1/4-inch from the edge (see below). Repeat on the other side of the strip.
Cut a v-shaped notch out of each end of the strip.
At the 1 1/4-inch mark, fold paper toward back of strip (the side with your marks). Then at the 1/4-inch mark, fold strip back toward the front of the strip. Repeat on the other side.
The strip of paper should resemble a three dimensional banner.
Stamp a heart on the center of the front side of the banner, using the pink ink pad.
While the ink is still wet, cover the heart with clear embossing powder. Flick the back of the strip to remove any excess powder. Tip: I use a tray to catch the excess powder so I can reuse it.
Melt the embossing powder with the heat tool.
The embossing is totally optional. It’s really hard to see here, but it gives the heart a wet look that’s a really special touch. Check out my heat embossing video if you’ve never tried it before. It’s one of my favorite craft techniques!
Place letter stickers on either side of the heart to create the I ♥ U message, then attach the banner to the card with double sided tape.
The card is complete, and you could send it off as is. I like to add an envelope liner to my envelopes though. It’s such a fun touch and only takes minutes to make.
Simply take the A6 size from envelope liner template kit and place it on the back of a sheet of decorative paper. Trace around the template, then cut out the liner with a pair of scissors.
Slide the liner into the envelope with the decorative side facing you. Fold the envelope closed, then open the envelope back up, leaving the liner folded down.
Apply tape the the back side of the liner flap (no need to tape around the whole thing), then press it into place on the envelope flap.
I love this technique! It’s so easy, but it adds a ton of personality to your cards. You can even add envelope liners to boxed stationary.
Your card is complete!
The second DIY Valentine’s Day cards has a pretty ombre background, gold washi tape stripes, and cute #sweet message.
This card has some really cool techniques that you’ll be able to use for other projects.
To make this card, you will need:
- 2 A6 notecards (I used flat cards, but folding cards would work, too.)
- pink ink pad
- foam dauber/pouncer
- corner rounder
- gold washi tape
- scissors
- red ink pad
- hashtag stamp
- gold foil thickers
- foam adhesive squares
- decorative paper for envelope lining (The exact paper I used is not available, but Paper Source has lots of great options.)
- envelope liner template kit
- A6 envelope
To create the ombre effect, press the dauber on the stamp pad to load it with ink. Then drag the dauber back and forth across the card, adding more ink as needed. Go over areas repeatedly to add more ink. Apply less pressure to areas where you want less ink. The top of the card should be the darkest, and the ink should become fainter toward the center of the card.
This process takes a bit of experimentation, so try it out on scrap paper first, if you’d like. Avoid pressing the dauber straight down in one spot, or it may leave a circular mark. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect. No one will notice except you!
Repeat this process on the other end of the card.
Use the corner rounder to trim the corners of your card.
Add stripes with the gold washi tape. I like to place a stripe of wash tape on either end of the card, then one in the center. Then, I add the two other stripes. That way, my stripes are evenly spaced.
Tip: don’t worry about cutting the washi tape to the perfect length before you add it to your card. Simply apply it over the card, leaving some excess on either side. When all of the washi tape has been added, trim off the excess with your scissors.
Cut a strip of paper from the extra A6 card that measures 1 1/2 x 4-inches. Add your message to the strip with the gold thickers (dimensional stickers). Leave room for the hashtag.
Tip: when using thickers, place them on your paper gently. Move them around as necessary to get the layout right, then press them firmly onto your paper.
Ink the hashtag stamp with the red ink pad, then press it onto the strip of paper before the message.
Add a few of the foam squares to the back of the strip of paper, then stick the strip to the front of the card.
To complete the card, add a decorative liner to the envelope using the envelope liner template kit. See previous card for directions.
That’s it! This cute card is complete. Think of all the messages or names you could customize it with.
The final DIY Valentine’s Day card is all about hearts!
This card is so easy to make, and you can add any message you’d like to the heart.
To make this card, you will need:
- A6 notecard (I used flat cards, but folding cards would work, too.)
- decorative paper for card and envelope lining (I used this tiny pink and red hearts paper, but Paper Source has lots of other options, too.)
- scissors
- corner rounder
- double sided tape
- fuchsia cover weight paper (card stock)
- gold foil thickers
- 5/8-inch heart punch
- white cover weight paper (card stock)
- Sharpie gold paint pen
- foam adhesive squares
- envelope liner template kit
- A6 envelope
Cut out a piece of the decorative paper that measures 4 x 5 3/4-inches.
Round the corners on the A6 card and on the decorative paper, then attach the decorative paper to the card with double sided tape.
Next, you’ll cut a heart from the fuchsia cover weight paper. Click the image below anywhere except the “Pin Me” button to access the file. For best results, print the heart at full size (100%).
Cut out the template, then place it on the fuchsia paper and trace around it. Use your scissors to cut it out.
Attach two thickers to the heart for the initials, leaving room between them for the small white heart.
Punch a heart out of the white cover weight paper using the punch. Attach it to the fuchsia heart with a foam square.
Use the paint pen to add an apostrophe and an “s” after the heart.
Mount the heart on the card with foam squares.
Lastly, use the envelope liner template kit and the decorative paper to add a liner to your envelope. How cute is that paper?
I hope you got a few cardmaking ideas from the three easy DIY Valentine’s Day cards. You can use these techniques for any project, not just Valentine’s Day cards.
It was so much fun making these cards. Now I just need to figure out who to send them to!
Do you like to make your own Valentine’s Day cards, too?
I’m linking up with I Heart Naptime.
How beautiful. I love those bright colors you are using. I have been planning to send some Valentine´s cards to friends who I can´t see everyday. Time goes so quickly and it is nice to remember the nearest and dearest at least once or twice a year.