DIY: Calligraphy Valentines Day Cards

Below is a full instruction guide on how to make these cute hand lettered valenties card, but if you would rather watch a video you can watch it below:

What you'll need

• A plastic wallet or any smooth plastic sheet

• Tombow ABT Dual Tip Pens (or any water-based brush pens)

• A spray bottle filled with water

• Blank greeting cards (I used 4x4" size)

• A pencil and eraser

• Pentel Touch Sign Brush Pen

Step 1: Create Your Watercolor Background

First, grab your clean plastic wallet and color on it with your Tombow brush pens. You can blend different colours together for a beautiful, dreamy ombre effect. Next, lightly mist the coloured area with your spray bottle. You want the ink wet enough so the colours run together and it can print onto your card, but not soaking to the point it'll ruin your cardstock. 

Take your blank greeting card, press the front of it firmly onto the wet ink, and lift it up. Hopefully you’ve just created a gorgeous, watercolor-style background without the need for any paint.

Tip: Let the background dry completely before moving on (a hairdryer can speed things up if you're impatient like me!)

Step 2: Sketch Your Message (Optional)

If you're not confident enough to go straight in with your brush pens, you can plan out your design by lightly sketching out your greeting in pencil - this also helps with ensuring you get your design central and exactly how you want it.

Step 3: Add Hand-Lettered Calligraphy

Once you’re happy with your pencil layout, grab your chosen Pentel Touch Sign Brush Pen and letter over the top. Make sure it is completely dry first otherwise your ink will run.

Erase any visible pencil lines carefully once the ink is fully dry, and your card is ready.

This technique is super fun, quick, and totally customisable - try experimenting with lots of different colours and soon you'll have an entire batch of different cards that you can personalise for any occasion - not just valentines day!

Happy Lettering 💕