THE HANDMADE VALENTINE

Years ago I received a care package in the mail from my late Grandma Van. In it was a handwritten letter about her adventures, a handful of photos she found of my sister and I as children, a few lotto scratch tickets and this sweet treasure... a handmade Valentine I made for her and my Grandpa many years ago. In her letter she wrote, "Brooke Leigh, you were destined to make greeting cards." It brought tears to my eyes then, and it does now as I write this post.

As a graphic designer and paper artist, I often hear my family and friends express anxiety at the thought of making a paper project for me for fear they will suffer in comparison. The thing is, I don't compare... I just love that they took the time to make something for me and express their love from the heart.

This valentine is the perfect example of sweet love. So my message here today is it's not too late, don't hold back, grab some paper, pens, paints, scissors, glue, glitter, pictures, the works... and make your loved one a one-of-a-kind, Original, valentine. And while you're at it, tell them in your own handwriting just how much you love them. It feels fabulous to give such a card, not to mention, receive such a card.

FOR THE LOVE OF PAPER Happy Valentine's Day!

THE RECYCLED VALENTINE

I'm a paper and packaging junkie and when I come across cool stuff that feeds my addiction it's hard to throw away or even recycle for that matter. So I established a recycle bin in my studio where I collect things for a rainy day. Sunday morning was quiet around the house so I ventured into my craft room and made a recycled Valentine using these select treasures: cardboard, glassine sleeve, coffee sleeve and apparel tag.

I created an over-sized tag by recycling the cardboard and string. First I measured the glassine sleeve and A7 envelope to ensure the tag would fit. I carefully aligned the eyelet with the notch in the glassine sleeve for an appealing presentation.

I cut out a heart from the coffee sleeve and embellished the rest of the card using a rubber stamp, heart punch and my own original Valentine fortunes. I love how it turned out!

Wanna join the fun? Post a picture of your Recycled Valentine on the Originals Paper Art Facebook page. I'd love to see what you're doing with your recycled treasures!