Valentine's Day Card Swap

What's up guys?

Let's talk about Valentine's Day. Do you celebrate it? Do you go all out and exchange cards, flowers, and chocolates or is it just another ordinary day?

Last year, I participated in a Valentine's Day Card Swap hosted by House That Lars Built on Instagram. All we had to do was make a handmade Valentine card and mail it to a penpal assigned to us. It's a simple way to spread love and share in some handmade magic.

I was paired with Michelle who lives in England. This is what I made for her:

It's a little scrapbook fashioned from empty bill envelopes and decorated with paint, paper remnants, rubber stamps, brush lettering, and ribbon.

It's inspired by children's pop-up books where there are hidden messages tucked in pockets.

When you open a flap or pull on a tag, there's a reminder about self love...TADA!

I'm proud to say that this scrapbook was featured in Strawberry Moon Magazine last year.

The Valentine card I received came from Caroline who lives in South Carolina. I just love what she created! It still hangs on a cork board right above my desk. Again, a reminder of self love...TADA!

I was so grateful, I sent Caroline a Valentine card, too! The concept was "I want to give you a hand," which means:

Everything associated with friendly hand gestures: waving, shaking hands, and high fives. It's also a literal representation of "handmade."

I included another handmade card with a more personalized message inside. 

I wrapped everything in this heart-shaped doily, put it in an envelope, and sent it on its way...TADA!

This exchange of cards may be old fashioned but I find thrill in making and receiving them. I also love the idea of encouraging others and being able to celebrate Valentine's Day in non-romantic and more inclusive ways.  

May these cards spur you to make and send your own to those who need cheering up. You might just turn their day from blah to TADA!

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