valentine day cards

Softly hued hearts and delicate stitches give this card its romantic appeal.

Tug at your valentine s heartstrings with an embellished envelope.

The petals of these romantic flowers are overlapping paper hearts, inscribed with words or single letters that spell out a message. If you make them with wire stems, the valentines can be displayed in a vase; with ribbon stems, they can be tucked into envelopes.

This clever pop up valentine is designed so that when you open it, the two people kiss a unique way to say I love you.

With just a little TLC, colorful hearts flourish as the petals of a new flower variety one with a lollipop center and stem.

Propagating seeds is a little like nurturing relationships: The more attention and care they get, the more likely they are to flourish and thrive. Give flower seeds with little pots that they can take root in. Put seeds in plain white coin envelopes available at stationery stores, and label with an eraser stamp. Use a rubber stamp or make a heart with thumbprints. Put growing instructions on back, noting when seedlings need to be transplanted.

Send whimsical, sweet greetings with an old fashioned flair to your loved ones this year.

Opening a mysterious gift packet is even more thrilling when the wrapping itself turns out to be a beautiful valentine. Start by selecting decorative papers; origami paper is best because it folds neatly and easily. Other papers can be used, as long as they aren t too heavy or stiff to fold crisply. Also consider double sided papers, since both sides will be visible.

When opened, this valentine expresses your love four times over on its accordion folds.

Your valentine will never guess that these lovely cards were made using items commonly found your grocer s produce department.