Recycled Romance: DIY Valentine’s Cards Using Everyday Materials
Admittedly, as a Valentine's birthday baby, I am a HUGE V. Day fan. And while I understand not everyone can get behind the commercial holiday, why not use it as an opportunity to let your loved ones know you think they are the bee’s knees! Remember how fun it was to exchange little valentines in elementary school? Well, Valentine's Day is this Friday, and nothing says I’m thinking of you quite like the personal touch of a handmade card. Even better, you can make a big impact with simple materials and unconventional supplies you most likely already have on hand or can inexpensively secure with a quick trip to the thrift store or an estate sale!
Whether you’re giving a card to a partner, friend, or family member, the effort you put into creating a meaningful one-of-a-kind custom card will make your people feel truly seen.
This Thursday, Flipside is hosting a Valentine’s collage workshop at their showroom in Fountain Square, so in preparation, we have rounded up some inspo to get those creative juices flowing.
First, grab the basics:
Scissors
Glue Stick/Glue Gun
Scrap Paper/Blank Cards
Next, walk your house, local thrift store, or estate sale and let your creativity guide you!
Pressed Flowers
Pressed flowers bring an earthy, delicate beauty to any card. If you're lucky enough to have access to wildflowers, or maybe even some roses from a previous occasion, pressed flowers make a gorgeous addition. Faux florals are a great alternative if fresh ones are unavailable to you.
Image from onelittleproject.com
Old Book Pages & Sheet Music
Old book pages or sheet music are a charming way to incorporate literature or music into your card. This is perfect for someone who loves books, music, or both.
Buttons, Beads, & Charms
Buttons and beads can add a playful, three-dimensional aspect to your card. These can add a fun, tangible element to your card, available in many shapes and sizes and can bring texture, color, and a little whimsy to your Valentine’s creation.
Scrap Paper
If you're passionate about sustainability, paper goods are an excellent material for crafting your Valentine’s card. Old newspapers, magazines, and greeting cards can be repurposed into something beautiful. Hit the easy button and repurpose an old greeting card or postcard. With paper goods, imagery is endless making for the perfect collaged card.
Watercolor Paints, Markers, & Pens
Watercolor paints, markers, pens, or a combination are an excellent way to add a touch of artistry to your card. The soft, fluid nature of watercolors can evoke a sense of calm and romance. While a simple word or phrase written in different creative fonts add a touch of whimsy.
Washi Tape
Washi tape comes in an endless variety of colors, patterns, and textures. Its light adhesive makes it easy to move around and adjust until you get the perfect placement, which is perfect for those who like to experiment with designs.
THE OPTIONS ARE ENDLESS!
Glitter
Paint Swatches
Cupcake Liners
Puffy Paint
Embroidery Floss
Punches & Die-Cuts
Ribbon or Twine
Stamps
Stickers
Fabric Scraps
Felt
Doilies
Tissue Paper
Embossing Powder
Scrapbook Paper
Metallic Foil
Feathers
Sprinkles
Once you’ve completed your card, add a personal message or quote on the inside, and don’t forget to include a date so the recipient can recall the year when reminiscing in the future.
DIYing Valentine’s Day cards allows you to personalize your creations in ways that store-bought cards simply can’t match. Whether you choose to use fabric, buttons, pressed flowers, or a combination of materials, your loved ones will undoubtedly appreciate the effort and creativity you put into crafting these beautiful tokens of affection.
Take your time, enjoy the creative process, and let your love shine through every handmade detail! And remember, like the saying goes, it’s the thought that counts, so don't be too hard on your artistic abilities!
Happy Crafting!
XO- Tori
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Flipside is celebrating Valentines TWO ways this week—>
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