Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Gardening
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Holidays
  • Rooms
  • Shopping
  • News

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      Don't let these pesky plants crash your garden party! The first step is to know your enemy. Then you'll know the best way to deal with your weed problem. Read More
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening
    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas
    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    With so many types of house styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be overwhelming. We'll show you the top 10 most popular house styles, including Cape Cod, country French, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, cottage, Mediterranean, ranch, and contemporary. Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing
    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking
    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    If you're a beginner baker who's just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. We'll help you set up a baking essentials kit for beginners with 21 pastry tools. For those who already own these handy tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to toss that never-been-used soufflé dish. Building your essential baking tools and equipment inventory starts here.
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating
    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    What began as a small movement, has grown into a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the strong women in our communities.
    • Valentine's Day
    • Mother's Day
    • Easter
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July/Memorial Day
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Juneteenth
    • Hanukkah
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms
    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • Shopping
  • News

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Holidays
  3. Valentine's Day
  4. Valentine's Day Cards & Gifts
  5. 28 Easy DIY Valentines Anyone (Yes, Anyone!) Can Make

28 Easy DIY Valentines Anyone (Yes, Anyone!) Can Make

Sarah Martens headshot
By Sarah Martens Updated December 10, 2021
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
colorful rectangular valentines day cards with heart shaped suckers
Credit: Marty Baldwin
These gorgeous Valentine's Day cards are so easy to make, anyone can impress loved ones with a homemade valentine. Just a few paper punches, embellishments, patterned papers, and our free printables turn these easy Valentine's Day cards into a beautiful way to say "I love you."
Start Slideshow

1 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Surprise-Inside Cards

heart shaped valentines day cards on polkadot background
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Learn How to Make the Cards

These adorable candy-filled cards start out as corrugated paper and a set of paper straws ($3, Target) and quickly become adorable cupid hearts with a sweet treat inside. We used a cookie cutter as a stencil for this heart-shape craft, and added store-bought candy for an easy and budget-friendly DIY Valentine's Day gift idea.

1 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cute Candy Holders

colorful rectangular valentines day cards with heart shaped suckers
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Get the FREE template

Make an adorable easy Valentine card with a few simple supplies. Pair patterned paper with a coordinating solid and use our easy template to get the folds just right! Pop in a lollipop and write a sweet greeting on the inside flap before giving them to your galentines. To add a homemade twist, make small Valentine's Day desserts to add to the cards instead of store-bought candy.

Related: The History of Galentine's Day

2 of 28

3 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

You've Got Mail

red and white valentine cards
Credit: Darcy Miller Designs
Get the free valentines

Our free printable from Darcy Miller makes it so easy to re-create these gorgeous cards yourself. Grab a package of foil-covered chocolate hearts or chocolate lips ($7, Oriental Trading Co.) and use double-sided tape to attach them to your cut-out cards. Add a red envelope and your sweet sentiments will be ready to pop in the mail!

Related: Why We Send Paper Valentines on February 14

3 of 28

Advertisement

4 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grease Pencil Valentine

red and pink painted valentines day cards with paint supplies brushes tubes
Credit: Kathryn Gamble Lozier

Homemade Valentine's Day cards are a cinch with this simple wax-resist technique. Write or draw on blank white watercolor cards using a white grease pencil or crayon ($2, Staples); the wax-drawn areas will resist watercolor. Coat a paintbrush with a thin layer of watercolor paint, and lightly brush over the design. Brush the whole card in stripes of color, or paint specific shapes over wax designs. Let dry completely.

4 of 28

5 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Stitched XO Card

sw-390877.jpg
Credit: Rachel Froud
Learn how to make this card

Make a pretty homemade Valentine's Day card with a few simple cutouts and a pattern of hand-stitched knots. Cut out a rectangle of patterned paper slightly smaller than the front of your blank card. Glue and stitch your embellishments to the patterned paper, then glue the finished piece to the front of the card to hide the backside of the stitching.

5 of 28

6 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Soda Think You’re Cute Card

soda theme valentine card
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Get the Free Printable

Short on time? Look to our punny printable to create this year's Valentine's Day cards. Send them as is or tape them to a paper straw and pair them with a bottle of their favorite soda pop. See more of our favorite free printable Valentines to find one that's perfect for a classroom gift exchange.

Related: How to Send Valentines to St. Jude Patients

6 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cookie Cutter Cards

cookie cutter valentine cards
Credit: Marty Baldwin

Think outside the box with this year's DIY Valentine's Day card ideas! Turn paper, paint, and heart-shape cookie cutters ($3, Michaels) into easy valentines; this method is perfect for making several cards at once. Start with blank cards in various colors, and paint a large rectangle on the front with acrylic paint. Dip a heart-shape cookie cutter in contrasting colors of paint and use it as a stamp to add designs to each card.

7 of 28

8 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Color My World Valentines

colored valentines with crayons
Credit: Carson Downing
Get the FREE printables

Little love bugs will love this card and crayon pairing. Just print off the tags, add a little color, and staple to a filled 4x6-inch cellophane bag ($5, Etsy). See more of our favorite free printable Valentines to get even more inspiration.

8 of 28

9 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Decked-Out Valentines

valentine craft supplies
Credit: Tina Rupp

Let your kids' imaginations run wild while decorating their valentines with a full spread of creative embellishments. Set up a station on your kitchen table with buttons, ribbons, stickers, washi tape, and more! The kids will love getting free reign to decorate their valentines as desired.

9 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Love Notes Cards

cut out valentine cards
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Get the free pattern

Send a simple heartfelt message with one of these sweet and so-easy handmade Valentine's Day cards.

Make the I Heart You Valentine's Day card:

Print the template onto plain paper, then cut out along the solid lines. Trace the cutout onto 12x12-inch cardstock, cut out, then fold as indicated by the dotted lines.

Make the Heart Accordion Valentine's Day card:

Print the template onto plain paper and cut out. On a piece of cardstock, draw and cut out a 5 1/2x12-inch rectangle. Fold accordion-style along the short side (as indicated by the dotted lines). You should have six sections. Place the template on the folded paper with the open side of the heart over the top fold. Trace heart and cut out. On contrasting paper, trace a heart that's slightly larger all around. Glue to the back of the center heart on your accordion.

10 of 28

11 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Stitched Cactus Card

sw-390872.jpg
Credit: Rachel Froud
Learn how to make this card

This funny Valentine's Day card looks intricate, but it's so easy! Cut a cactus shape from green paper and use a push pin to add holes that form lines on the cactus; use green thread to stitch through each hole to create the cactus texture. Glue the stitched cactus to a patterned greeting card and add a printed greeting.

11 of 28

12 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Punched-Heart Cards

valentine card with hearts and "be mine" note
Credit: Adam Albright

A tiny stamped phrase and cute-as-can-be punched paper hearts make quick work of this year's homemade cards that double as a fun Valentine's Day craft. Make a matching envelope with a simple stitched heart and some decorative trim.

12 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fox Heart Card

fox heart card
Credit: Peter Ardito

We love the idea of making this adorable heart-shape fox as a school valentine for kids! Use different-size paper hearts to form the face, and let the kids pick different patterns for the ears and tail. Older kids can add beads for eyes and nose; younger kids will love giving each fox a hand-drawn face!

13 of 28

14 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Hanging Hearts

valentines card with 5 hearts clipped to string
Credit: Kim Cornelison

Use string, cutout hearts, and mini clothespins ($2, Michaels) to re-create the look of this adorable paper craft card. Start with two blank greeting cards of the same size; we love the red and pink combo used here! Trim the edges of the inner card so that approximately 1/4 inch of the outer card is visible on each side; use glue or tape to attach the ends of the string to the backside of the inner card. Attach the inner card to the inside of the outer card using glue or double-stick tape. Finish with mini clothespins and a bunch of patterned paper hearts.

14 of 28

15 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Scratch-Off Hearts Card

are you lucky in love scratch-off hearts card
Credit: Cameron Sadeghpour
Get the free pattern

This homemade scratch-off card gets creative with scratch-off date ideas for Valentine's Day. Get the card template, and type in your date-night choices. Find out how to make your own scratch-off material in a few simple steps, too.

15 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tweet-Hearts Valentine's Day Card

tweet-hearts valentine's day card with two birds
Credit: Adam Albright

Show your very own "tweet-heart" just how much you love them this Valentine's Day. To create a round card, fold a piece of cardstock in half and partially cut a circle. Emboss a large heart to add texture, then layer two cute birds on top. For the banner, simply stamp letters onto a scrap of white cardstock. The grass is trimmed patterned paper.

16 of 28

17 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pretty Paper Poppies

valentine cards made with paper flowers
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Free Template and How-To

Bright and cheery flowers last way past February 14. Download our free pattern and easy instructions to make these easy DIY Valentines. You'll need crepe paper, sheets of tissue, florists wire, and florists tape to create each blooming beauty.

17 of 28

18 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Valentine's Day Lollipops

valentine card with lollipops
Credit: Adam Albright

Give your loved ones a sweet card and a sweet treat with these easy lollipop valentines. Simply fold a piece of cardstock in half, insert a lollipop, and embellish with store-bought stickers or printed messages. See the rest of our Valentine's Day cards with candy to get even more ideas!

18 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bicycle Valentine Card

bicycle valentine card
Credit: Adam Albright

A stamped bike and cleverly worded message make this easy card perfect for the cyclist in your life! We love the idea of using materials you already have on hand. Add any stamps and stickers, plus a creative phrase, to turn an adorable card into a Valentine's Day greeting for your sweetie. Finish the card with a bow made of string.

19 of 28

20 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Valentine's Day Glasses

child wearing valentine's day glasses
Credit: Johnny Miller

Your kids will love wearing these Valentine's Day glasses, and you'll love snapping a pic of your little one wearing them! Simply trace two connecting same-size hearts on a sheet of red or pink construction paper. Tape the paper to a red pencil and decorate with ribbon, baker's twine, and stickers.

20 of 28

21 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fold-Out Photo Card

fold-out photo card
Credit: Adam Albright

Make a personalized sentimental Valentine's Day paper craft in minutes! Cut a 3-inch strip from a piece of 12x12 paper and fold accordion-style to form a small booklet. Cut squares of black-and-white photos to fit on each flap; secure with glue. This is the perfect valentine for Mom!

21 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Paper Tassel Card

paper tassel card
Credit: Carson Downing

Embellish this year’s Valentine’s Day card with a DIY paper tassel. To make, cut long strips of tissue paper, folding each in the middle and tying off with a ribbon. Hole punch one of the top corners of the card and loop the ribbon through. Simple and cute!

22 of 28

23 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Aquatic Valentine's Day Card

whale valentine card
Credit: Mark S Peterson
Get the free pattern

This aquatic-theme Valentine's Day card is a perfect holiday sentiment for your loved one. Cut out our whale pattern from two different colors of cardstock, using a crafts knife to partially cut the flipper. Wood-grain patterned paper provides a pretty ocean feel, or you can draw white circles onto teal paper with a white marking pen. At the top of your card, add a piece of white paper cut to resemble waves. Embellish the card with punched hearts, fish, and a typed or printed message.

23 of 28

24 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cute Owl Valentine's Day Card

cute owl valentine's day card
Credit: Jason Donnelly

Sweet plays on words make creative sentiments for Valentine's Day cards. Here, an owl crafted from punched shapes (we used an oval punch, an oval scallop punch, and a corner rounder) delivers a simple message. Center a plain piece of cardstock with rounded corners on a patterned-paper card and attach. Add your paper owl and a message.

24 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Simple Signs

sign language "i love you" valentine card
Credit: Alexandra Grablewski

This card is cute, clever, and simple: perfect for creating multiple valentines! Kids will love tracing their own hands and cutting out the shapes on different colors of paper. Glue the palm of the paper hand to the card, then glue down the thumb, pinkie, and pointer finger. Fold over the remaining fingers and secure with glue to form the American Sign Language "I love you" gesture on your card.

25 of 28

26 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Robot Candy Bar Card

robot valentine card
Credit: Adam Albright

Who wouldn't love a sweet robot-inspired valentine to celebrate the holiday? To make, use patterned paper to wrap a fun-size candy bar. Finish your robot by adding a head, arms, and legs cut from cardstock. Use buttons, punches, and googly eyes to make the robot yours.

26 of 28

27 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Valentine Notes

valentine note pads
Credit: Lucy Schaeffer

This year, consider giving out a small decorated Valentine's Day gift instead of a traditional card. We love the idea of decorating the front cover of a mini notebook ($1, Office Depot) and adding a sweet handwritten note to the first page.

27 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 28

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sack Lunch Surprise

chocolate hearts on lunch bags
Credit: Cameron Sadeghpour

Use these Valentines as a sweet surprise and clip one onto your child's lunch bag the day-of. Use pinking shears to cut a scalloped border around red cardstock. Layer on a contrasting piece of paper and attach foil-wrapped chocolates with double-sided tape. You can also give these as chocolate bookmarks.

28 of 28

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Sarah Martens

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 28 Surprise-Inside Cards
    2 of 28 Cute Candy Holders
    3 of 28 You've Got Mail
    4 of 28 Grease Pencil Valentine
    5 of 28 Stitched XO Card
    6 of 28 Soda Think You’re Cute Card
    7 of 28 Cookie Cutter Cards
    8 of 28 Color My World Valentines
    9 of 28 Decked-Out Valentines
    10 of 28 Love Notes Cards
    11 of 28 Stitched Cactus Card
    12 of 28 Punched-Heart Cards
    13 of 28 Fox Heart Card
    14 of 28 Hanging Hearts
    15 of 28 Scratch-Off Hearts Card
    16 of 28 Tweet-Hearts Valentine's Day Card
    17 of 28 Pretty Paper Poppies
    18 of 28 Valentine's Day Lollipops
    19 of 28 Bicycle Valentine Card
    20 of 28 Valentine's Day Glasses
    21 of 28 Fold-Out Photo Card
    22 of 28 Paper Tassel Card
    23 of 28 Aquatic Valentine's Day Card
    24 of 28 Cute Owl Valentine's Day Card
    25 of 28 Simple Signs
    26 of 28 Robot Candy Bar Card
    27 of 28 Valentine Notes
    28 of 28 Sack Lunch Surprise

    Share & More

    Tweet Email Send Text Message
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
    Better Homes & Gardens

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithBH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Better Homes & Gardens. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

    Sign in

    View image

    28 Easy DIY Valentines Anyone (Yes, Anyone!) Can Make
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.