Masculine Valentines by Judi Kauffman for Quietfire Design

My husband has always scoffed at Valentine’s Day, declaring it a conspiracy between florists and candy makers, but since it’s one of my favorite holidays (I love chocolate!) he gives in and celebrates. Of course, this leaves me with two tasks: Making a special dinner and a special card.

Masculine Valentines can be tricky. The usual color combination often skews too far toward feminine. My solution: Start with Suzanne Cannon’s elegantly hand lettered word die – Love. Combine it with simple motifs – hearts and stars – and a quirky color combination. I chose speckled red cardstock for a weathered feel and mixed it with ivory, gray, and bright orange!

The cards are 5.5” and 6” top-fold squares. I used black ink to stamp a striped background, creating a wonky plaid when it’s turned crosswise. Good alternatives include crackle pattern or wood grain.

Instead of step-by-step instructions, please use the photos as inspiration. The cards are so simple.

A couple of design strategies to help beginners:

Angle the word ‘Love’ so it is aiming upward to the right. This adds movement.

Repeat the word several times, or just once, depending on the look you want to achieve.

Add a bit of dimension here and there with foam tape beneath hearts or stars.

Double-up on the die cuts using two colors, offset, to create a dropped shadow effect.

If you’re in a hurry or want something different, instead of cards, whip up some heart-shaped ornaments!

If you want to make the same cards more feminine, all you’d have to do is switch the color combination. Pile on the pink – two or more shades, mix it with crisp white and lipstick red. Stamp with dark red and coral inks. Use a floral background instead of stripes.

SUPPLIES:

Love die – Quietfire Site | ECD Site

Stitched Stars, Stitched Hearts dies – Elizabeth Craft Designs

Stripes Background clear stamp – Elizabeth Craft Designs

Double sided adhesive tape or glue stick

Stamp platform

Black ink pad (or any dark color)

Cardstock in speckled red, ivory, gray, bright orange

For ornaments: 1/8” hole punch and red metallic cord