butterfly valentines

Valentine's Day is almost upon us and it's kind of a tradition around here to create unique valentine cards! I thought it would be fun to create something a little different from a heart shaped card this year.

I started by drawing some black and white butterflies.

Don't want to draw your own?

Grab a free download of the four butterflies that I created HERE

Then I cut the butterflies out.

Next, using watercolors I added color to some of the butterflies and kept other without color.. I like the idea of these valentines cards also staying black and white so kiddos can color them on their own.

Next, I wrapped Tootsie Rolls in colorful tissue paper. Using a dab of hot glue I glued them to the middle of each butterfly.

valentine bouquet

Looking for a simple but creative twist on Valentines Day cards? How about creating a bouquet of hearts!

Start by painting paper with lots of color- the messier the better!

Then add personalized messages, love notes or even drawings to the hearts. 

Glue the hearts to the top of a stick and add a few leaves.

The result is a bouquet of handmade LOVE! 

Looking for more Valentine's Day Inspiration?

handmade candy wrappers  moss hearts  wire hearts  rustic valentines  heart branches  valentine stones  heart art warmers  homemade marshmallows  award ribbon valentine  recycled heart wreath   healed hearts  valentine cards

valentine cards- a new twist on an old classic

When I think of Valentines Day cards I think of time spent cutting hearts out of construction paper and decorating each one with something special- maybe this is because I stopped celebrating Valentines Day when I was eleven!

But surprisingly there really is something delightful about spreading out your supplies and creating valentines for loved ones. I decided this year to go back to basics- just construction paper and a few supplies to create little valentines for family and friends.

I started with a few packages of construction paper. I forgot how affordable it is- .99 for each package!

I folded each sheet in half and cut out hearts.

I must admit this brought back memories- the feel of the construction paper in my hands, the process of cutting out a heart- it was like I was in grade school again!

I used my drawing pens to create a pattern all over the surface of the hearts.

Some of the valentines I only used pens

while others I used watercolors to fill the surface with color.

And of course I HAD to find a way to use dimensional paint- so I added tiny little dots all over the top of the surface pattern.

I made a variety of different hearts in different colors and designs.

I wrote short and simple messages on the back

and put them in little envelopes to sent off!

award ribbon valentines

Recently while browsing through my local party supply store (yes this is what I sometimes do for inspiration) I got caught up in the streamer aisle. I just couldn't resist all the pretty colors and all the fun polka dots! I bought a handful of streamers knowing that eventually I would come up with something fun to make.

Finally I came up with the idea to turn my streamers into miniature award ribbons to add to a my Valentine cards.

I started at one end folding the streamer, gluing it in between each fold.

(with my terrible chipped nail polish- so sorry!)

I kept folding and gluing

until I had a circular ruffle.

Next, I cut out two strips

and glued them to the back of the ruffle.

I cut out a small circle from pink paper and glued it to the center of the ruffle.

I added a message with pen.

Last I glued it to the surface of a blank card.

I just can't get over how darn cute they are!