How to Make a Victorian Valentine's Day Card

The Victorians loved to celebrate Valentine's Day. There is something about the Victorian lifestyle that is very intriguing. From their romantic lifestyles and lavish decorating, the Victorian Era itself instills a sense of romance that many have try to follow and replicate.

One thing that many Victorian women were known for was their skill to create elaborate notes and cards for their sweethearts. This theme is also carried out in their Christmas decorating.

Christmas was not the time of the year that Victorians took the most pride in decorating in -- it was Valentine's Day.

They did not skimp on the embellishments for their cards. They spent many hours perfecting the cards so they would be perfect for their sweethearts.

I've provided a few popular variations of classic Victorian Valentine cards so you can try them all and see what one you would like to give to the love of your life. These cards are good for anytime of the year and can be implemented into an everyday card, a Christmas card and even invitations.

The following is a list of supplies you will need to create your authentic vintage style Victorian Valentine's Day card.

Antique-style papers in a variety of colors and designs. (preferably pre-embossed) or antiqued-colored card stock.

Embossing tool.

Calligraphy pen set or fine-point pen set.

Scrapbooking paper sheets in a variety of Victorian or small printed designs.

Victorian stickers.

Lace.

Dried flowers.

Feathers.

Beads.

Fabric scraps.

Ribbon.

Small scraps of old used cards or photos- some common varieties would be cherub faces, angels or hearts.

Gold leaf.

Gold acrylic paint or markers.

Glue.

Scrapbooking picture peeling tool (found at most craft stores in the scrap booking isle)

If you really want to be creative, then you can search your local craft store for fine embossed paper and then cut the paper into your desired card shape.

Victorians were famous for making 3-D effect cards, which can be challenging but become easier to create over time.

If you have an embossing tool, feel free to emboss the paper to a desired effect.

Start with placing the scraps or pictures as your focal point and then work around the focal point. Adorn the focal point with gold leaf or gold markers.

Create heart-shaped raised designs that read small Victorian quotes such as; "accept this tribute of my love" or "in love I hope to conquer!"

Begin to add all of the pretty embellishments that will make this card unique such as coordinating dried flowers and small feathers. Be creative with your card and add the embellishments to create a one-of-a-kind look. By adding different pictures, and stickers from different designs, you will end up with a specialized collage look. This is something that the Victorians loved to achieve. Every card was unique and individualized -- that is how you want yours to look. Pick your favorite color and theme and work around it with your embellishments.

As you open up the card, the saying could include something Victorian such as-

For the cover- "With fondest love."

For the inset- "The flowers of spring,

I passed them by,

For whom they grew,

I asked not why,

I loved and learnt

With insight true,

That all things beauteous

Bloom for you."

Whatever you choose, be sure to remind yourself to try to keep the theme as close to Victorian as possible. The Victorians had limited resources and used nature and natural resources to create cards with beauty and grace.

By using even a few of these tips and ideas in your Valentine Day card, you are sure to make your sweetheart fall head over heals for you and your personalized creation.