Hand-crafting cards for Valentine’s Day is one of our favorite traditions. A handmade card always means more, especially from someone you care about. Creating a Valentine with the art of embroidery combines two fun traditions while adding texture and enriching the meaning of your card. It is a perfect way to give your Valentine a card and a handmade gift.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Start by cutting out your template to 4×6 inches to fit the front of your card. Flip the template over and color the entire back of it with pencil. You just made transfer paper! Flip the template back over so that the pattern is facing you. Transfer your pattern by using masking tape to adhere the template to the card. Trace the letters onto your card. Lift template to reveal your pattern.
2. Using your awl, poke small holes along your pattern on the front of your card, about a quarter of an inch apart.
3. Once you have poked holes throughout the whole pattern you can start to sew. Thread your needle and make a small sewing knot at the end of your embroidery floss.
4. Stitch your floss in and out of the holes following along the pattern.
5. When finished sewing, you can close up the last stitch by running your needle through the last loop a few times then pulling tightly. This will give you a nice, flat finish.
Kristen Solecki is an artist in Charleston who creates illustrations, paintings, and customized pieces. To see her work, go to kristensolecki.com.
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