Handmade Valentine Cards

Creative Calligraphy and Hand-Lettered Valentine’s Day Cards

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and you know what that means - it’s time to lock in and wrap up any last minute gifts for that special someone in your life before February 14th! If you’re looking for a heartfelt, creative way to say “I love you” this holiday, designing your own handmade Valentine is the perfect way to add a unique, personal touch for your loved ones. And it’s pretty simple too!

Using calligraphy or modern lettering techniques to create a custom card may seem like it’s above your skill level, but Pretty Simple Lettering author Whitney Farnsworth has come up with a quick and easy Valentine’s Day card template that can help you look like an expert in no time. Of course, as with all creative outputs, practice makes perfect, so if you’ve already been diving into Pretty Simple Lettering to develop your technique, you’re going to find yourself ahead of the curve. If you haven’t, well - what are you waiting for? Pick up a copy today and see just how simple it can be!

How to Make Your Own Custom Valentines

With this beautifully designed card template, you can create custom cards for your loved ones that are quick, easy, and personalized. Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Download the free handmade Valentine cards template 

Click here to download your free template (PDF) from Paper Peony Press.

Step 2: Print the PDF

If your printer can accommodate it, try using a good quality card stock to give your card a more professional look and feel, but be careful - you don’t want to jam up your printer with paper it can’t process.

Step 3: Cut and fold your card

Cut along the red dotted line and then create a crease along the pink dotted line. 

Nervous about your lettering technique? Practice inside Pretty Simple Letterings practice pages before starting your card design.

Step 4: Add your custom lettering

Use your brush pen or monoline pen to create a simple design on the blank heart on the front of the card. Get as creative as you want, depending on your skill level.

Step 5: Add a note

Write a note to your Valentine inside the card.

PRO TIP: Pick your tools carefully and watch out for bleed-through if you’re using markers or inky pens on a thinner paper stock.

Step 6: Cut and fold your envelope

Just like you did for your card, cut carefully along the red dotted line and then create a crease along the pink dotted lines. Flip your envelope face down and fold the side flaps in. Fold up the bottom flap and adhere to side flaps with a small amount of glue or tape.

Be careful not to get any glue on the inside of your envelope!

Step 7: The finished product!

Insert your hand lettered card and seal your envelope using a small amount of glue or double-sided tape. Before putting your card in the envelope, be sure that all your ink has sufficiently dried, so it won’t smear. 

Your handmade, custom Valentine’s Day card is now ready to be given to your loved one!

Are you planning to use this template to create your own cards this Valentine’s Day? We’d love to see the creative designs you come up with. Tag @paperpeonypress on Instagram and share your beautiful work with us.

Don’t have your copy of Pretty Simple Lettering yet?

Pick one up, along with the suggestions from this blog post, to learn how to master the art of calligraphy and modern lettering.