Make a Handwritten Antiqued Valentine
Make a Handwritten Antiqued Valentine. February 1, 2024.
Like many others I was schooled early in the art of letter writing and cursive. Correspondence was an art as well as a form of refinement and good manners. And in our home growing up it was an unwritten, iron clad rule that every single gift received got a handwritten letter of appreciation in our neatest grade-school cursive handwriting. However, by the time my kids were born the letter writing tradition was quickly becoming a thing of the past. Sadly, my own letter writing fell off with email and texting. In a busy and time-consumed world it is understandable that certain niceties would fall by the wayside, but writing a thoughtful letter is an enriching experience. And how I loved brand new stationary with pretty flowers on it! Writing a letter became more fun just with beautiful paper and envelopes.
But I have a thought or a prediction really: I think letter writing is going to make a bit of a comeback. The counterculture movement of bringing back traditional ways is alive and growing. Furthermore, there is a growing industry of stationary products with old fashioned calligraphy pens and vibrant handmade inks, stunningly detailed wax seal stamps with an array of stamp wax colors to choose from, beautiful papers and more. And people must do something with all these beautiful writing products.
Make a Handwritten Antiqued Valentine
All of which brings me to this project today: handwritten antiqued Valentines. These Valentines use tea-dyed paper which gives them an aged look after which they are embellished with wax seals. And on the inside of the valentine a fountain a calligraphy pen is used to inscribe a personal Valentine message whether a poem, or a Bible verse. I decided to use parts of I Corinthians 13. But whatever you choose to write it all makes a lovely presentation that is extra special because you wrote it. These are a joy to give. Additionally, you can choose other old fashioned embellishments as well.
Make a Handwritten Antiqued Valentine
Materials
Antique your Paper
- Cardstock trimmed to 7 x 10
- 1 quart water
- 4 black tea bags
Embellish your Valentine
- wax seal stamp
- sealing wax
- calligraphy pen
Instructions
Antique your Paper
- Take your pieces of 7 x 10 cardstock and carefully rip off edges as shown in photo. This will help make your paper look "old".
- Bring 1 quart of water and 4 tea bags to a boil in a wide pot or pan and turn off heat. Let cool a few minutes.
- Take one piece of cardstock and submerge it in tea water and let sit about 5 minutes, turning once or twice as needed.
- Carefully remove paper letting excess water drain off. Paper can rip easily at this point, so work gently.
- Lay paper flat to dry turning once. This should take about an hour to fully dry.
- Your "aged" cardstock is now ready for creating!
Embellish your Valentine
- Using a calligraphy pen write a message like a Bible verse or poem in your Valentine.
- Using materials of your choice decorate your valentine.
- When done seal your Valentine with a wax seal.
- Give to someone you care about!
Notes
Have a beautiful day!
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