While artists create 365 days out of the year, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to get creative outside of the studio with a friend, loved one, or family member. No need to worry about marketing or selling what you create, you can simply enjoy the activity while keeping that special someone in mind.
Complete with tutorials, check out ten of our favorite Valentine’s Day art projects that will help refresh your creativity and get you in the holiday spirit.
1. Paper Flowers
You can’t have Valentine’s Day without flowers! So, why not make some that will last forever? To create these faux beauties, follow alongwith the tutorials from Craftberry Bush or Lia Griffith. Some paper, glue, and scissors are all you need to create these gorgeous blossoms.
Left: Chalk pastel crepe paper rose tutorial from Craftberry Bush. Right: Metallic paper camellia tutorial from Lia Griffith.
Or, check out twenty more DIY paper flower tutorials from It’s Always Autumn.
2. Heart Map Art
Celebrate the best moments your relationship with this sweet and simple art project. Just think of the places near and dear to your heart — the city where you met, your first date, a favorite vacation, your wedding venue, first home, where your children were born, or anything special to you — then, follow these directions from blogger Michele Venlee.
3. Decorated Photo Backdrop
Whether you’re hosting a party or want some cute pictures before date night, a DIY photo backdrop can give your Valentines Day a little extra pizazz. And, there are a ton of options to choose from, like these hanging heart garlands, an X and O background, or this simple color blocking technique. Don’t have much time? Cut out construction paper hearts to quickly stick on the wall.
4. Floral Letters
Use your artistic ability to style a stunning flower arrangement in an unexpected way. With metal marquee letters, spell out “LOVE” or “XO” to make your Valentine’s Day extra special. To learn howto make these floral letters, check out Honestly Yum’s step-by-step tutorial.
5. Painted Wood Signs
If you love rustic décor and want to flex your painting skills, a DIY wooden sign might be the Valentine’s Day art project for you. Follow these directions to prep your piece of wood, then create to your heart’s content. Your favorite love quote, initials inside a heart, flowers — the possibilities are endless.
Check out these fun sign ideas from This Girl’s Life.
6. Heart Origami
For an art project that’s unique, try tackling these 3D origami hearts. This video will take you through the process step by step, and when you’re done, you can use them for table decorations, your photo backdrop, or even incorporate them into other art projects!
7. String Art
If you’re a Pinterest fan, then you’ve probably come across this popular art project. All you need is some wood, nails, and string, plus a printout of the shape you want to create. Take the easy route with an understated heart or go big with your initials or a short love quote. Get directions here from the Diva of DIY.
8. Color Mugs
Add a pop of color to your Valentine’s Day by making some red, pink, and purple marble dipped mugs with this tutorial from the always creative House of Hipsters. The watercolor effect is surprisingly created with nail polish!
9. Marble Dye Paper
Have you ever seen marbleized paper? The gorgeous swirling effect it creates adds an extra wow factor to DIY Valentine’s Day cards and envelopes. Or, just keep the final products as decorative prints.
It can be atricky process, however. The blog A Beautiful Mess tried four different methods and detailed the pros and cons of each here. The original crafter, Martha Stewart, has narrowed down her favorite process in this tutorial. Or, keep it simple with this step-by-step video from Nifty that just uses shaving cream!
Try this marbleizing technique from A Beautiful Mess.
10. Photo Transfer Onto Wood
Finally, turn your favorite photo into a keepsake this Valentine’s Day with a cool photo transferring process. Grab some wood and some Mod Podge, and follow these directions by The View From Here blog. Want to make it even more special? Opt for wooden initials or include your anniversary date.
Now start creating!
There are so many ways to get creative for Valentine’s Day, and these projects can give you a fun break from the studio. Share your creations with us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, and let us know what other amazing ideas you come up with!
