Valentine

I wanted the card to be personal and funny. I went a round the house looking for anything that related to Steve's interests and importantly it had to be red. I think it's mission accomplished especially pleased at getting the vuvuzela (representing football) in the picture!

While shopping in Wilkinsons I came across blank jigsaw puzzles, in their children's craft section. I thought the jigsaws would make great personalised greeting cards especially for valentine's day. I suggested this to Ashley who thought it was a good Idea and set about designing and drawing his work of art. I'm sure his girlfriend will appreciate the personalised sentiment! I might make a birthday card for my mother-in-law as she loves jigsaws and at just 99p for two puzzles I think they are a bargain.

All you need for this project is

1. An empty, washed, aluminium drinks can
2. A pair of scissors
3. Fine grade sandpaper
4. A ballpoint pen, that doesn't work
5. Cardboard, for a template  
6. Nail varnish.
7. Newspaper or kitchen towel to work on

In January I knitted a 'tattoo' heart. The free pattern is from Jujube and Lolo. From the photograph, I took, I wanted to turn it into a Valentine's Day card. Besides printing the image on photographic paper I also printed it onto a sheet of inkjet iron-on transfer paper, for fabric. I followed the instructions on the packet and ironed the 'heart' onto plain white cotton material. I might make it into a bag or something! I could have printed it onto a plain white T too.

This was going to be a tutorial just for a Valentine's Day votive using a glass, mulberry paper and PVA glue (the instructions for making a votive/lantern are here ). But then I thought what other type of paper could I use, besides mulberry, that was accessible. I had bought some pretty napkins from Paperchase and thought they would be ideal. I deconstructed one so it was only one ply thick. Cut it to the size of the glass. Painted the glass with watered down PVA (50/50). Placed the napkin on to the glass.

I came across a pattern for a knitted tattoo heart and thought it was perfect for a Valentine's day token/card. The free pattern is from Jujube and Lolo. The original version of the pattern is for a winged heart but It works just as well without the wings. I also embroidered "LOVE" on the ribbon, the original pattern proclaims "MOM". As a keepsake the heart looks good in a box frame.