Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to express your love than with a personalized touch? Forget store-bought cards and unleash your creativity by using my step by step Handmade Valentine Cards tutorial.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind cards using a gelli printing technique, with free down loadable templates. So, grab your crafting supplies, and let’s spread love through art!
If you are not familiar with gelli plate printing check out my post How to Start Gelli Plate Printing.
Table of Contents
Materials Needed for your Handmade Valentine Card:
Before diving into the creative process, gather the following materials:
- Gelli Plate: This is the heart of the gelli printing technique. It’s a reusable surface that allows for easy creation and transfer of colorful designs.
- Brayer (Roller): Essential for spreading paint evenly on the gelli plate.
- Acrylic Paints: Choose a variety of colors to add vibrancy to your cards.
- Bubble Wrap: For adding texture to your prints.
- Gold Leaf: To make your special valentine card sparkle.
- White Cardstock: Sturdy paper is crucial for a professional finish.
- Crafting Tools: Brushes, stencils, and stamps to enhance your designs.
- Palette Knife: Useful for spreading and blending paint on the gelli plate.
- Paper Towels: Keep them handy for cleaning the gelli plate between prints.
- Masking Tape: Secure your paper to avoid shifting during the printing process.
- Markers or Pens: For adding personalized messages to your cards.
- Envelopes: Choose or craft envelopes that complement your handmade cards.
Step by Step Handmade Valentine Cards
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace Set up a dedicated crafting area with enough space for the gelli plate, paints, and paper. Lay down newspaper or a craft mat to protect surfaces from paint spills.
Step 2: Print the word love. Here is the template, it is set up for a word A4 document onto a white piece of card. This white piece of card is the basis of the handmade card.
Step 3: Tape across the card. I am using a decorators tape which is 24mm wide, to tape across the front of the card covering the word Love. This acts as a mask which we will remove later.
Step 4: Apply Paint to the Gelli Plate Squeeze a small amount of acrylic paint onto the gelli plate. Use the brayer to spread the pale pink paint evenly, creating a smooth layer. Add a subtle texture to the paint.
Step 5: Press Paper onto the Gelli Plate Carefully place the cardstock onto the gelli plate. Gently press and smooth it with your hands, ensuring full contact with the paint. Peel the paper off to reveal the stunning print.
Step 6: Cut out heart stencil Using a sharp craft knife cut out the heart template from a piece of paper or card. I am working with simple copy paper. If you are making more than one card you may wish to make the template from a sturdier material such as
Step 7: Apply Paint to the Gelli Plate Apply dark pink, and/or crimson paint to the gell plate, rolling out with a brayer. Add a texture, I love working with bubble wrap to create circular patterns. Then quickly drop tiny pieces of gold leaf on the gelli plate (I drop them so I don’t end up with finger marks on the print).
Step 8: Pull the print Once the paint has dried apply a layer of modpodge or acrylic matt medium with a brayer.
Carefully pace your heart template centrally, and so the word love with tape runs across the heart. Then apply your card and press carefully all around to ensure good contact with the gell plate. Leave for fifteen minutes or so then peel the card.
Step 9: Assemble Once your cute valentines card is dry, remove the decorators tape then fold the piece of card stock in half. Now is the time to use markers or pens to add personalized details, or additional designs to your card.
Lastly, pair the finished handmade valentine’s card with crafted or store-bought envelopes, and your personalized creations are ready to be shared with those you love. Add your personal message inside of the card.
Handmade Valentine Card Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use other types of paint for gelli printing? While acrylic paint is commonly used, you can experiment with other water-based paints. Keep in mind that the key is to have a smooth and even consistency for successful prints.
I don’t own a gelli plate, how can I adapt this card? How about using pink paper or decorative paper to create the two colors, have fun experimenting with different materials for your greeting cards.
Creating your own handmade Valentine’s day card using the gelli printing technique is a great way of combining your love of DIY crafting and sharing your love for the lucky recipient. Let your imagination flow as you spread love and creativity this Valentine’s Day. Don’t forget best friend’s love a special card too.
