I don’t know about you, but I find Valentine’s Day to be a fairly expensive holiday. A card for your hubby or significant other, a package of Valentine’s for your child’s classmates, Valentine’s Day gifts and cards for your children, friends and family and you could end up spending more than you ever wanted to. So, lets make Valentine’s Day affordable, fun and show a lot more love to those special people in your life by making our own Watercolor Valentines!

I know what your thinking! “I could never paint a watercolor Valentine! It won’t turn out and I will just end up throwing it away!” Not true! Anyone can do this project, even your children! You don’t have to have any fancy supplies. All you need is a set of children’s watercolor paints and paper you have around your house! So, lets dive in and give this a try. Will you join me? Our first step is to hunt around the house or at the Dollar Tree (I love the Dollar Tree especially is you are making these with your children or Elementary School class) and find the supplies listed below, then we will get into the heart of making these fun, original Valentines.

Step 1: Supplies

Watercolors (Children’s or Tubes)
Paper (Watercolor, Cardstock, Construction or Text)
Brushes (The ones that come with the paints or the ones seen here)
Heart Shaped Cookie Cutter
Scissors
Sharpie/Ink Pen
Jar (for water)
Plastic plate (for pallet)

Optional Supplies:

Glitter
Valentines Day Stickers
Glue
Ribbon/Twine
A second heart shaped cookie cutter in a different size

Step 2: Tracing

Trace your heart shaped cookie cutter onto the card stock.

Step 3: Painting

Mix the color you want to paint and some water together on your pallet. Adding more water to your color will make it lighter and more of the paper will show through. Continue adding layers of color until you like what you have. You can try a pattern like polka-a-dots or stripes.

Step 4: Drying

Let your paint dry thoroughly.

Step 5: Cutting

Cut out your heart shapes

Step 6: Embellish

Embellish your Valentine by adding glitter, stickers, and your message with a permanent pen. Mount it on another piece of card stock or a folded piece of card stock. Find envelopes to fit and your ready to go!

And there you have it! A very simple and affordable way to make a special Valentine for someone important in your life! Thanks for joining me! I would love to see your handmade valentines!

For more tutorials and inspirational encouragement visit www.bethericksondesigns.com.