DIY Glittered Valentine Mini Cards Tutorial

Growing up, one of my favorite days of the year was Valentine's Day. We'd always have a party in school - we'd make mailboxes out of old shoe boxes, construction paper and felt hearts; then we'd deliver candy and valentines to each classmate. I don't know about you, but my Valentines weren't very creative when I was little. Part of the excitement of Valentine's Day was going to store with my mom and picking out a box of pre-made valentines that I would cut-out, address, and package with candy.


Now that I'm a mom, I really like the idea of crafting Valentines to have some mother/daughter time with the girls. I recalled seeing DIY water color valentines online last year (which I love), but I thought - what about something a little more glamorous?

Admittedly, I'm a little obsessed with glitter and sequins right now. Just can't help myself. So, I've come up with this very simple, very flashy DIY Valentine's Day project for those who will be passing notes out to lots of people.

Materials

• card stock
• mini envelopes
• ball point glue pen
• glitter or flock
• heart-shaped hole punches (optional)

As far as materials go, this is pretty flexible. I like the contrast between the neutral, matte kraft paper envelopes and the glitz of silver glitter. These little pocket envelopes can be found at most craft stores.

I chose to use white card stock with silver glitter, but you can use any shade of card stock (as long as it's sturdy enough to hold glue and glitter) and any shade of glitter. Alternatively, you can use loose, velvety flocking material if you don't like the sparkling glitter.

I also recommend a ball point glue pen. Mine is by Martha Stewart, but I've seen similar pens by other brands at craft stores.

You'll also need scissors, and something to catch the loose glitter or flocking material (some kind of paper). 

You can cut your card stock to size (so that it fits in your envelopes) before decorating, or after. If you're doing all the cards the same pattern, it might be better to decorate the whole sheet with the same design before. If each card will be different, you might want to cut them first.

Directions

On your card stock, use stencils made with heart-shaped hole punches to trace or color in the hearts with glue.

You can also free-hand this if you like! I find that the glue pens write just like a thick marker does. Try free-hand hearts, words, and patterns. 

Quickly sprinkle glitter or flock over the glue, before it dries.

I let my paper dry for half an hour before tapping the sheet over another sheet of paper, to remove the excess glitter.

If you haven't already, you can cut your valentine cards to the right size.

Make sure the backs are blank for the kids to write their messages on! Recipient names can be written on the envelope - how cute would it be to write each recipients name in glitter as the card's design?!