A Simple Vintage Valentine Craft Using Printed Cards

There is something very sweet about vintage Valentine cards, from a time when romance felt more thoughtful, and life felt simpler. I did some searching for old Valentines to use for this stand up Valentine craft and found these adorable animal ones. They reminded me of the Valentines I had as a child. If the deer one isn’t identical to the one I received, it’s very close. You could use these little cutouts as a sweet addition to a gift, but I plan to display mine on a shelf for a small touch of whimsy and fun this Valentine’s season.

Supplies You Will Need

• Vintage style Valentine cards. Foldable cards work especially well for this project. Inexpensive options can often be found at dollar stores, Walmart, or online. Scissors.
• The printed stand pattern.
• Cardboard or cardstock. I used the back of the Valentine cards themselves, but either option works well
• Ruler
• Bone folder or folding tool.
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks.

How to Make Vintage Cutout Valentine Stands

This entire craft takes about 20 minutes; it’s simple to do, nostalgic, and fun. While making these, I could remember the little paper plate holders we put on our desks to hold classroom Valentine cards.

Cutting Out the Vintage Valentines

Start by choosing vintage style Valentine cards with a design you can cut out with flat bottoms, since they will need to stand upright once finished. Foldable cards work especially well for this project because you can use the back of the card for the stand.

Carefully cut around each character, taking your time with the details. I selected three different animal Valentines, but you can make more or less depending on what you want to display. Once cut out, set the Valentines aside while you prepare the stands.

Making the Simple Cardboard Stand

Print the free stand pattern and place it over a piece of cardboard or cardstock. I used the back of the Valentine cards themselves, but either option works well. Cut out one stand for each Valentine.

Using a ruler, line it up with the dashed lines on the pattern and press along those lines with a bone folder or folding tool to create two clean indentations. Fold along the scored lines, making sure to keep the bottom edge straight and square so the stand holds the card securely when placed on a flat surface. Once folded, the stand should hold its shape and sit flat on a surface.

Attaching the Stand So the Cards Sit Upright

Center the folded stand on the back of each Valentine cutout. Position it about one-quarter inch up from the bottom edge so the card can balance properly once standing. Using hot glue, attach the stand to the back of the Valentine, holding it in place for a few seconds until secure.

Once the glue has set, place the Valentine on a flat surface and adjust slightly if needed. The card should now stand on its own, ready to display on a shelf, a windowsill, quietly tucked onto a coworker’s desk, or on a tabletop.

I know this project is almost too simple to call a tutorial, but I thought it was a sweet and easy idea for decorating. The little Valentines only take about 20 minutes to make, but they feel thoughtful, vintage, and reminiscent of simpler times and childhood memories.

Other Easy Valentine Craft Ideas

I enjoy crafting with paper for Valentine’s Day because it’s fun, casual, and inexpensive. Here are two easy paper Valentine craft ideas you may enjoy making.