Homemade Valentine's Day Cards from Recycled Material

Handmade Valentines Day cards are fun, personal, and a creative way to show someone you love them. Why buy expensive greeting cards, when you can make your own for less, and it will mean more to the person receiving it. There are several ways to make your own Valentines Day cards. These idea's are all created from recycled materials, and simple to make.

Handmade Paper Card

Supplies you need:
Blender
Old paper (any type)
Hole Puncher
Ribbon
Elmer's glue
Water
Old window screen
Duck tape
Pot
Sharpie Marker
Food Coloring
Picture

Step One:
Tear old paper up in small strips. Note that the color of paper you use, will effect the end result. Once the paper is torn into small pieces, place them into an electric blender. You will want the amount of paper equivalent to 6 sheets of notebook paper. Your blender can be washed, so there is no need to panic. Next add 1/2 cup of water. Once you place the top on the blender start pureeing the mixture. It the mixture is to thick to blend, add more water. If your not happy with the color, you can add food coloring to the mixture. Once the mixture is blended, and you happy with the color, add 3 tablespoons of Elmer's glue to the mix, and blend for one minute.

Step Two:
Next, outside, or over a sink. Stretch your old window screen out. Now pour your paper mixture over the screen slowly. Using your hand press the paper mixture out evenly. Once your happy with the evenness of your paper, carefully place the screen over a large pot. Use duck tape to secure the screen to the pot. The next step is boring, but necessary. You will need to let your paper dry, which will take between 24 hours, and several days depending on the weather. Once the paper is dry, carefully peel it from the screen.

Step Three:
Using an old greeting card or a 3 X 5 photo for a pattern, lye it on your paper, trace, and cut out the shape of your card. You might have enough paper for two cards, or you might have a little strip left for a book mark. If you want your card to have rough edges, wet your fingers a run along the edge.

Step Four:
At the top of your card in the middle pouch 2 holes side by side, leaving only a few centimeters between them. Now take a small piece of ribbon, run it between the 2 holes, and tie a bow.

Step Five:
Once you have your bow tied, it's time to decorate the front of your card. You can do so by gluing a picture of yourself on the front. Another idea is to use left over Christmas paper. Perhaps you have some with angels, or other keepsake beauties. If so, just cut out a piece in the shape you like, and glue on. A heart shaped angel or kids playing in the snow is perfect. If you just don't have any photo's or left over paper, search though old calenders, Valentines Day cards, and even magazines.

Step Six:
Once the photo on the front of the card has dried, turn the card over. On the back side, using a Sharpie marker, or dark ink pen write you own personal message. Now your card is complete and ready to give.

Paper Plate Surprise Card

Supplies you need:
2 paper plates
Felt or other scrap fabric
Elmer's glue
Hole puncher
Ribbon
Construction Paper
Trinkets

Step One:
Using your felt, or other scrap materials such as fabric, or even foil cut out several hearts of different sizes.

Step Two:
Next cut a piece of construction paper to a size of 8 X 4 inches. Once your card is cut out, fold it to a shape of 4 X 4 inches. Next glue one side of the card to the back of one of the paper plates. Making sure your card opens the right way, write your personal message inside once the glue is dried.

Step Three:
On the back of the other paper plate, use the hearts that you cut out to decorate it.

Step Four:
Once the glue is dried on both places face the plates together front to front. This will create a pocket, and your card will be on the front, and your hearts on the back. When you have your plates lined up right, punch holes through both plates ever inch, all the way around.

Step Five:
Now using your ribbon, lace the two plates together, by starting at the bottom. At the bottom, use half of your ribbon to lace up one side, and the other half for the other side, so you can tie a bow at the top. Leave about 5 inches open for now.

Step Six:
Now you can place your trinkets inside. Little gifts such as candy kisses, gift cards, packets of flower seeds if she gardens will fit perfect. You can even use construction paper to make little coupons good for things such as one free back rub, or a free Queen for a day pass.

Step Seven:
After you have your trinkets inside, finish lacing, and tie a bow.

Feel free to add your own personal touch to your card. You can add many little extra touches, such as buttons, lace, shells, and more. The sky is the limit to your imagination! Happy Valentines Day.