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Thursday, February 20, 2020

DIY Art History Valentines + Free Printable



Hello, everyone! I'm sorry this post is coming to you later than usual and that I couldn't finish it before Valentine's Day. However, these puns could come in handy for any day, and maybe will provide inspiration for more art history gifts/cards, in addition to being a resource for you next year. I made these puns and came up with the art history theme while doing a huge art history project for my art education classes (called "the mammoth project" for a reason!), and most of the puns came to me while I was in bed around midight (isn't that when all the best ideas come?). These are super easy to make, at least for the most part. If you have a laminator I imagine the process is way easier, but I cut, peeled and stuck together my laminate paper by hand. These cost probably around $0.75 each if the ink, paint tubes, paper and laminate are all included, but not counting the extra paper and supplies left over. To clarify: I am not calculating and adding the cost of paper, ink, and the roll of laminate, but estimating based on the amount used of those items. I normally would do cheaper valentines, but I only needed around ten this year, plus I didn't realize how much they would add up to. You could modify this to be more cost-efficient.

Here is what you will need:
-Tubes of Paint (or some artistic material)
-Laminate Paper
-White Cardstock
-A Printer and Colored Ink
-The Free Printable Below
-String or Tape (or some material you have on hand to hold the paint/alternative to the card)
-A Pen 
-Playing Cards (optional)
-A Glue Stick
-Scissors

Step 1. 
Printout the printables below onto white cardstock and cut them out.

Step 2. 
If you use playing cards, glue the picture onto one side of each card with a glue stick and cut an equal-sized peice of white cardstock to glue to the other side (so the card is sandwiched in between). The card just reinforces sturdiness. Whether or not you use playing cards, the back is white. Write a message on the back with your pen (preferrably black gel ink, a simple message like "Happy Valentine's Day!") and sign your name. 

Step 3. 
Laminate the cards. 

Step 4. 
Tie, tape or somehow adhere the paint tubes (or alternative media) to the cards, preferrably with an adhesive that will not mess up the cards when removed. You are done! 




















Here are the free printables:



If you have difficulty downloading them, just right-click, select 'Open image in new tab' and you can print it from the new tab from the right-hand corner options.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial!

-Lauryn