Handmade with love: DIY Valentine's Day card

By Veronica Batton, CFCA writer/editor 

For me, tiny and cute go hand in hand.

I always think things are more adorable when they are shrunk to teacup size.

Think about it: puppies, babies, kittens and baby elephants are just a mere fraction of all the tiny, cute things in the world.

Check out this cute Valentine’s Day card I made for my sponsored friend! Complete with tiny messages!

DIY Valentine

(Difficulty level: easy)

Materials needed:

• Specialty paper
• White paper
• Glue stick
• Thick cardstock
• Scissors
• Colored pencils or markers
• Ruler
• Pen/pencil
• Heart stickers (optional)

1. Purchase specialty paper at your local craft store. You can use any color you like. I’m a big fan of Valen-tiny (get it!) colors, so I went with two shades of red and two shades of pink.

I also purchased a piece of white cardstock for the base of the card.

2. First, you’ll want to download the template guide I created. You’re welcome.

3. Trace envelope template onto specialty paper and cut.

4. Fold in side one, then fold in side two.

5. Fold the bottom up and glue the sides of the bottom flap to the outside of the envelope.

6. Fold down top of envelope and set aside.

7. Follow steps 3-8 to make the rest of your envelopes.

8. Glue envelopes, flap side up, to the cardstock.

9. Once your envelopes are glued, cut your cardstock to your preferred size. I cut mine vertically. Make sure your card will fit CFCA mailing guidelines: No larger than 9 x 12 inches, weigh less than a pound and be under an inch thick.

10. Next, cut out small pieces of paper and write your message.Look at the adorable, tiny notebook paper I made! Cute city!

11. Fold up the paper and place inside your tiny envelopes.

12. You can leave your envelope flaps open or you can seal them. I used small heart stickers to seal the tiny envelopes on my card.

12. If you want to write more, flip your cardstock over and write a message on the back. Tell your friend about how you celebrate Valentine’s Day, and then ask them about holidays they celebrate.

If you made it this far, congratulations! I’m sure your Valentine’s Day card totally defeated any commercially made card, hands down.

I am going to give this card to my friend, Thilothammal, in India. I hope she likes it!

Although your friend may get your card after Valentine’s Day, they will still appreciate all the effort and love you put into your homemade card. Besides, several countries celebrate Valentine’s Day at different times of the year. Colombia, for instance, celebrates Valentine’s Day on the third Saturday of September. Just remember, it’s the thought that counts!

Related links:

• DIY friendship bracelet
• DIY collage photo frame
• DIY Christmas ornament