DIY Finger Painted Envelope Valentines

Are you getting into the Valentine’s spirit yet? That’s a thing- it’s when everything that’s normally too sweet or sappy becomes totally acceptable because Valentine’s Day is almost here. I’m getting there… and all these Valentine’s projects are helping. Today I’m sharing a Valentine’s card that’s perfect if you have little-bitty kiddos- like me! I try to send mail for every occasion. I’m a bit of a snail mail junkie. Since I have kiddos now, it’s totally acceptable to address mail from them. What better way to brighten someone’s day that with some finger painted sweetness? Nothing, I tell you. Nothing.

Package one of these sweet Valentine’s with a photo of your little up to his or her elbows in finger paints and you’ll have one happy Grandma/Aunt/Cousin. Over the weekend, Shane and I sat Emmitt and Aubrey down with some of my Baby Safe Finger Paints (you can get the recipe and instructions here)- it was so much fun to get messy (and then have a bath full of splashes) as a family. It was a treat for Shane to get to see the creative side of our kiddos (I usually do painting and such when he’s at work). Excuse me while I give you a few too many photos of the cuteness that happened.

To make your own you’ll need:

• Baby Safe Finger Paint
• Cardstock
• Cutting Mat
• Metal Ruler
• Craft Knife,
• Double Sided Tape

When your works of art have dried, and you’ve ironed them (read this post, it explains why I’m crazy and am telling you to use an iron on paintings), you can chop them into smaller cards. I cut mine into four. Lay one of your small pieces on cardstock and use your ruler to mark out the envelope shape, slightly larger than your painting. Score (by gently dragging the knife along) the edges of the square where you’ll be folding. Then, Cut out the rest of the envelope (see photo above) leaving a small flap at the bottom to fold under the edges. Alternately, you could leave this little flap out and make a sleeve with both ends open for your paintings.

Before you close up your envelope, cut one or two little hearts out of the front of the envelope. The painting will show through. I found I was way better at cutting one side of the heart- so I would turn it over after cutting the one side and cut the other one (the same way)- much better! Next, you can fold it up and use double sided tape to affix the flaps to each other.

Then slip your painting into the envelope… that’s it! Now you can write a little note to the recipient on the back before you pop them in the mail. Again… a photo of your little creating the masterpiece is a sweet addition! These would really work for any occasion too… use green paint and cut out shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day… use red and green paint and cut out trees or ornaments for Christmas… they’re pretty versatile. What do you think?

Do you send mail on Valentine’s? If not… do it! I know I love getting surprises in the mail and any excuse is a good one- especially such a cute holiday. Let your family or friends know that you’re thinking of them. Because we’re on a roll… look forward to some more Valentine’s! Friday (I’m so excited), my newest contributor, Brie (like-the-cheese) will be here sharing some sweet retro printable Valentine’s and I’ll be back next week with a hand lettered printable Valentine for the kiddos in your life. Have you picked out Valentine’s already this year? I’d love to hear!