Do you have anyone special you would like to give a Valentine card to? I make one every year and today I would like to invite you to make one with me. First of all, get comfy, put some nice music on, make a cup of your favorite tea... and lets begin!

I teach watercolor on my YouTube channel and this post is a follow up to the video tutorial:

You will need:

- 2 sheets of watercolor paper at least 7.5" x 7.5" ( I prefer Arches paper 156 lb).

- watercolor paint (in my case it's Rose Madder Genuine (Winsor & Newton))

- soft bristle wide brush

- pointy bristle brush, smaller

- paper glue

- foil

- X-Acto knife

- small piece of ribbon

- water

- paper towel

Step 1: Step 1: Paint a Fading Circle

Using watercolor paint on the watercolor paper, paint a fading circle in the center of the paper. Tip: it is easier if you would pre-wet your paper. I used pink color, but you could pick a different color you prefer better.

Let it fully dry.

Step 2: Step 2: Cut Out

Use this pattern, (image is attached and you could print it out) to cut out the heart shape and "Love You!" note.

Attach the printed pattern on top of your painted paper, secure it with masking tape. Follow the lines:

this line ( – ) means you should cut all the way through

this line (- - - ) is a fold line, I recommend to slice it lightly on the back so it is easier to fold.

Step 3: Step 3: Adding a Background

6. You could use any color you like for the background, but I stayed with foil.

Step 4: Step 4: Attaching Foil

Take foil and tape it on the back leaving enough area all around it for the glue.

Step 5: Step 5: Second Heart

Out of the 2nd paper sheet cut the heart shape that is slightly larger.

Paint pink on the perimeter.

Let it dry fully.

Step 6: Step 6: Glue Both Hearts

Cut a 6" long ribbon. Apply the paper glue (make sure you spread it all the way to the edges, do not put too much glue so it stays in place) and carefully glue on top of the larger heart, while attaching the ribbon on the top.

Step 7: Step 7: Fully Dry

Apply pressure on the top of the heart till it is fully dry (put a book or two on top).

Step 8: Step 8: Write a Message

Write your note on the back! I used the same color pink and wrote "Be my Valentine" with a pointy bristle brush. (You may want to practice on another paper before).

Step 9: Step 9: Finally! Pick a Person to Give It Too

The card is ready! Now find that someone special to give this Valentine card to!

If you like my tutorial and you would like to study how to paint with watercolor please check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/EkaterinaSmirnova/vi...

http://ekaterina-smirnova.com