A few days ago I shared with you
several vintage Valentines that I was using as inspiration for this year's card making. After pondering the friendly messages, the colorful flowers and the array of timeless hearts, I began photocopying the designs onto a creamy paper stock.
Next, I carefully cut them out and admired them for a while. I was reminded of a Valentine's Day while I was in third grade. Each student was to transform a shoebox into a one-of-a-kind creation in which to receive his or her valentines. I cut out small squares of white tissue paper and glued each one for a fluffy puff-ball of a Valentine's Day mailbox.
Now back to my cards: I didn't want to over-embellish them since their original forms are quite charming, but I also didn't want to send my friends a photocopy of a card I found at a yard sale. So for the sweet design of the cupid, I added a few sparkles of glitter on her wings and the ribbons.
Then I remembered a treasure trove of doilies I found at a garage sale one year. Now what could I do with those?
Why not cut out individual shapes for a three-dimensional border on one of my designs? (That's what I did during Super Bowl! )
Here's the finished assortment. As you can see, they retain much the flavor of the originals, but with an individualized twist that I definitely put my own heart into.
Always Frugal, Always Fabulous,
The Elegant Thrifter