I love a homemade card! And for years, I designed and crafted sweet snail mail for our close friends and family. Appropriately, my kids now have complete creative control over their love notes and have some crafts in the works for this year’s holiday. For some inspiration, I gathered examples from years’ past and wanted to share them with you, along with some links and tips, however you’re celebrating and sharing messages of love this year.

Love Is In The Air

These are my all-time favorites, from a time before my first-born could write her own name. We sent these out and delivered to neighbors, attaching the cards with baker’s twine to 12-inch red heart-shaped latex balloons (like these). I also loved that these were candy-free cards, which is often a school requirement.

You’re a Star

We made two versions of Starburst valentine’s over the years. I was inspired from a blog tutorial and free download (here!), which made our first round so easy and colorful. Cardstock, sponge and paints made this a fun DIY with kids.

The next year, we did a repeat, but very simplified.

You’ve Got the Write Stuff

The last couple of valentine’s projects were inspired by Target’s Dollar Spot, when I found pencils for a bargain. We have done versions with and without room for personalization, using the same template more than a few times for both of my kids.

I saved templates for the simplified ‘star’ and ‘write stuff’ cards pictured above. If you’re interested in getting a copy to customize, drop me a line and I’d be happy to share the PDFs.

Also, if you’re mailing most of your cards like we are this year (vs. the in-school exchange), there is a PDF available for a ‘sending love’-themed postcard already here for you! See the post and free download here.

About Simplified Seasons: in this series, less is more, and I’ll be sharing simple traditions and my favorite projects that honor the changes that come with the flip of the calendar, preserve my sanity and bring the joy!