Get acquainted with one of our lovely handmade artisans, Ashley Pahl! (You can find her work in our marketplace). Ashley designs beautiful handmade ruffle lace cards, note cards, favor bags and more. Check out a few of our favorites:

She also creates adorable handmade cards with bunting… even a garland gift set!

As a special treat for our readers, Ashley has constructed a fun garland idea for a quick + easy Valentine’s Day card! Enjoy! xo

-♥-

Handmade Surprise Love Note Tutorial

By Ashley Pahl

Need a quick, but pretty and creative Valentine card? Try this super-secret, surprise love letter! Unassuming on the outside, declaration of love on the inside. To get started, you will need:

● Card stock, any color, with an envelope that fits
● Small hole punch
● 10″ – 12″ of thin string
● 5 pieces of paper in various colors
● glue
● pen or marker
● scissors

Directions

Fold your paper in half. You could leave the outside blank, or write something secretive or alluring. Punch a small hole through both flaps, about one inch of the way down the card.

Using your favorite paper colors, cut five rectangles 1″ by 3/4″. Fold them in half so that when folded, they measure 1/2″ x 3/4″. About 2″ from the end of the string, attach the five paper flags by putting string in the paper folds, gluing the inside flaps together, and pressing on the flag to make sure they stick. Space flags equally on the string, about 1/2″ to 3/4″ apart.

Using a pen or marker, write “I ♥ You”, one letter per flag.

Open card, and write a message if you desire, or leave blank. Tie ends of garland through the holes, wrapping string around either side of the card. Place in an envelope for your love on Valentine’s Day, and watch them be surprised as your secret message unfolds on a paper garland banner!

Thanks, Ashley! Be sure to check out her blog, Indie Pretty Projects.

Be sure to check in all weekend long! We have tons of handmade loveliness coming your way + you won’t want to miss it! In fact, subscribe to our RSS feed and you’ll find brand new posts right in your inbox!

xo
-E.