It’s Boho Valentine card time again!

I live in a place where winter hits us hard in January and February. Let’s just say we put up with lots of gray, cold, snowy days. So I especially enjoy wandering into my warm art studio and bringing out bright colorful supplies to craft with.

Each year I spend a day designing boho Valentine card ideas to share with you. Sometimes I pick a theme or run with an idea. This year, I decided to play with untraditional Valentine colors. So no traditional red or pink heart cards. And I love to use all sorts of embellishments in my cards. So here is what I came up with:

Boho Valentine Card #1: An American in Paris Card

One of my favorite classic movies is An American in Paris, a 1951 musical starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron, that follows several artists trying to find their way in Paris after World War II. In the movie, there is a famous (and rowdy) artist’s party where everyone is dressed in black and white. Some guests are in black tie, while others, like Gene Kelly’s character, are dressed much more like a Pierrot clown or mime. I took inspiration from that party scene to create this boho valentine card.

This card starts with white card stock. I cut a strip of black cardstock for the right side. Once attached to the cardstock, I punched 7 evenly spaced holes down the right side. Then I also punched 7 staggered holes on the left side of the card. These can be done with a long-reach hole punch or with a hammer and punch tool from an eyelet setting kit. Next I took black and white twine, taped the end to the inside of the card and laced it back and forth through the holes several times. When I was happy with the pattern, I opened the card and secured the second end on the inside with tape.

Next up, I cut a strip of red paper and wove that through some of the twine. In my stash, I found red metallic circles (2 1/2″) and chose that to be the background of the centerpiece of the card. You can also cut this circle with your Sizzix or Cricut or a large circle punch out of metallic cardstock. Using my Sizzix, I also cut the heart shaped dreamcatcher in black cardstock. Before gluing it to the red circle, I added more embellishments from my stash: a piece of white feather and part of a metal and crystal branch I found on clearance in the bridal aisle of a craft store.

On the left side of the card, I added a strip of harlequin black and white ribbon. Then to finish off the card, I glued 3 felt hearts to the top left side of the card, followed by 3 gem hearts to the bottom right side of the card.

My trick to keeping all of these layers in place? A touch of papercrafting glue, like monoadhesive, plus I use lots of 3-dimensional tape. I like this card, because even though it has a lot going on, it is complex and interesting. It is also attention grabbing just like the over the top party in An American in Paris.

Rookie Advice: If you design as you go like I do, curate your card. Figure out where you want the focal point to be, then fuss with your layers and embellishments until the card feels right…It should have visual appeal and some sort of balance.

Boho Valentine Card #2: Gold is Great!

The next boho Valentine card is themed in gold. There is something very romantic and subtle about using gold in artwork.

I started with cream parchment cardstock for the background. I had a stash of pre-made gold patterned tags and decided to arrange them in a group of 3. The background needed a little more so I used one of my absolute favorite craft supplies: Sheer cream organza ribbon to help direct the eye to the middle of the card. Then on top of the 3 gold tags, I found faux wax seal stickers that add a lot of dimension to the card. I put one seal on each tag. To finish off the card, I used 2 strips of gold organza ribbon to frame the card.

Rookie Advice: When designing your cards, it often needs a little more or a little less. DON’T glue or tape anything down until you are satisfied with how you want the card to look.

Boho Valentine Card #3: Bright Feather Time!

It’s time for some color for Boho Valentine card #3! For this card, I started with the embellishments. I knew I wanted to build a card around the wood colorful wood feather buttons I had hanging out in my craft stash. From there, I chose the turquoise card stock. I then found a fantastic feather embossing folder, so I sent the front part of the card through my Sizzix machine to give the background of the card some texture.

Rookie Advice: Before using an embossing folder or intricate cutting die, gently mist your cardstock with water. This will keep the layers in the paper from cracking in the machine.

Next up, I cut a 1 1/4″ strip of aqua cardstock and placed that horizontally across the center of the card. I then took two scraps of red paper, 1/4″ wide each and set them vertically down each edge of the card. Across the middle, I used 6 multi-colored wood feather buttons and arranged them so they alternate direction across the center of the card. To finish things off, I used a cutting die and my Sizzix machine to cut the love arrow in red cardstock.

This card is fairly simple but I love the dimension and the way colors pop.

Boho Valentine Card #4: Frilly Victorian Simplicity

As you know from other posts in my blog, I love me some steampunk vibes and Victorian history in general. Being from the Northeast, we are still surrounded by the remnants of an era of influential wealth and architecture. The late 1800s was a time of innovation but also a time of extremely proper ettiquette. Yet many people thrived in that atmosphere. Some were caught up in the wealthy keep up with the Joneses mentality. Some spoke out on human conditions to change the lives of the poor and working class immigrants. And some people just found a way, as always, to make life unique despite the cultural norms of the time. How very bohemian!

For Boho Valentine Card #4, I went with a very traditional Victorian card. I started with cream colored cardstock. Using a Stampin’ Up stamp set I’ve had for next to forever, Love Always, I stamped the large heart on extra cream cardstock in clear pigment ink (or you can use a Versamark pad) and then used bright gold embossing powder and a heat gun to set the heart. I then cut the heart out. On the actual card front, I used smaller flower stamps and stamped them on the top and bottom of the card in clear pigment ink. I then also embossed them these 6 flowers in the same bright gold embossing powder. Next, I cut two strips of cream colored classic double sided satin picot ribbon. I secured the ribbon to the card and then arranged the heart on top.

This card is simple, but elegant and perfect for Valentine’s Day or even a wedding.

Boho Valentine Card #4: Textured, Tender Hearts

And for the last boho valentine card, I decided to play with groups of 3 again. Somewhere along the way, I purchased some really pretty wood cut hearts and flower tags that remind me of Victorian wallpaper.

I started with white cardstock this time. I loved the pretty tags, so I overlapped 3 of them onto the card front. If you don’t have precut tags, you can use a cutting die and your Sizzix or Cricut to create your own. Next, I added the wood hearts. Using three different hearts gives the card some extra interest. I cut two lengths of cream double-sided satin picot ribbon and arranged them above and below the wood hearts above the tags. Then I cut three shorter lengths to knot onto the top of the tags and trimmed the ends of the tag ribbons at an angle.

This card was easy to assemble. I like that the tag ribbons hang off the top of the card and the wood hearts add dimension to the front of the card.

I hope you’re enjoying these boho valentine card ideas! I also hope they inspire you to go visit your craft stash and create your own.

For more boho card inspiration, click here and here.

To shop Sizzix machines, cutting dies and more, click here.

Shop Cricut machines and supplies here.

And click here to shop a wide range of heart cutting dies.

February is the perfect time to express your love by making your own boho Valentine cards. There’s something extra special about receiving a handmade card from someone you love. The following are 6 bohemian-themed cards I made to inspire you to get your own boho crafting spirit in gear for Valentine’s Day.

Love Forever Boho Valentine Card

For this first boho Valentine, I found some great bohemian themed scrapbooking papers from Colorbok that easily mixed and matched. Colorbok makes a lot of coordinating double-sided papers. I used one printed paper for the background of the card, then added two vertical strips of paper in coordinating prints. I then rubber stamped the “Love” and “Forever” designs in black on white cardstock. I framed these with additional printed paper from the scrapbooking pack. After assembling the card, I topped it off with two gold printed on wood leaf embellishments. I really like how the muted papers look together combined with the boldness of the stamped images.

Love Grows Boho Valentine Card

One of my husband’s favorite bohemian hobbies is to take a nap under a tree, especially if that tree happens to be in a famous location such as a historical site. There’s something very romantic about hanging out under big trees. Even more so if there is a swing or two to sit on.

For this card, I used a pink polka dot scrapbook paper for the backing of the card. I stamped the tree in pigment ink on pale yellow cardstock and then embossed the image with dark blue embossing powder. I framed the image with matching blue cardstock behind the image, then attached it to the polka dots. I added a row of pre-cut floral and dotted paper pennants by Me and My Big Ideas, attaching them to the card with 3-dimensional tape. I also added jute twine knotted at each end to connect the pennants together. To complete the card, I added two tiny hearts to the swing.

This is one of my favorite boho Valentine cards. It makes me smile whenever I look at it.

You Are So Lovely Boho Valentine Card

I picked up a scrapbook pack of paisley papers recently. Paisleys make me so happy. I wanted this card to be boldly bohemian. First, I split a piece of mostly black and white paisley paper in half, leaving the middle of the white cardstock showing. I found this great wood dream catcher to use as the centerpiece of the card. Next, I layered several red and hot pink silk flowers together with a silver brad and added the embellishment to the card. Finally, I added a sticker that says “You Are So Lovely” to the bottom left side.

I like the way this card came together. The bright flowers give the card almost a Mexican flare (maybe I was channeling Frida Kahlo since I saw a big exhibit of hers in Florida last year?) and I love all of the dimension in the card.

Very Boho Elephants Valentine Card

Speaking of working in dimensions, this is my “go big or go home” bohemian valentine. I have a massive wall of ribbons and trims hanging in my art studio. I consider it my wall of possibilities because there are so many choices to use in my artwork. I have caught myself staring at recently acquired pompom trims sitting on the wall just waiting for the right opportunity to come along to use them.

I started the card by die cutting the elephants, flowers, and hearts. I found the elephant and flower scrapbooking dies at AliExpress.com and had them shipped in from China. It takes about a month for the scrapbook dies to arrive, so remember to place your orders well in advance of holiday crafting. I then cut all of the trims- 2 hot pink pom poms, 2 yellow pom poms, 2 turquoise pom poms, 2 bright green lace, and one hot pink grosgrain ribbon. Remember to cut your ribbons slightly longer than your card length. Arrange and adhere to the white cardstock, trimming the ribbons to fit. Lastly, I attached the die cuts. I used 3-dimensional tape on the elephants and hearts to give the card a little extra pizzazz.

The Very Boho Elephant valentine card is really bright and a bit crazy for my personality, but there’s also something fun and 1970s about it. It kind of reminds me of our childhood, when my sister decided to decorate her room in purple shag with pompom trim. It sounds hideous, but it was a pretty cool place to hang at the time.

Southwestern Hearts Boho Valentine Card

I love this Southwestern-themed boho valentine card. Sizzix has come out with a leather jewelry cutting system called the Big Shot Jewelry Studio which I can’t wait to play with. I ordered the Sizzix Southwestern pattern Thinlets Die (#661510) to start.

I used the Sizzix die to cut two out in dark red paper and adhered those to white cardstock. I decorated the center area of the card with Southwestern- themed ribbon. I then found 2 chipboard hearts and embossed them with several layers of bright gold embossing powder. I saved the red punches that fell out when I ran the Southwestern die through my Sizzix Big Shot and added them to the fronts of the gold hearts. I then die cut the love arrow (another scrapbooking die I found at AliExpress.com) and attached it to a black arrow. I then assembled the pieces to the card.

My Heart Soars Boho Valentine Card

I am a sucker for picking up vintage-themed rubber stamps and love using them in boho valentine cards. Maybe it’s the steampunk gal in me? Hot air ballooning goes back as far as the 1700s and has always been a bohemian pastime- romantic and dangerous at the same time. So I had fun making this card, though I have yet to get the hubby up in a balloon. Maybe this year?

This card uses 2 different patterned scrapbook papers cut corner to corner. I used a blue polka dot combined with a red and white patterned paper. After attaching the papers to the cardstock, I then ran gold and black arrow ribbon down the angle of the card. Remember to cut your ribbons slightly longer than the card so you have room to adjust the ribbon, then trim it after adhering to the card. I then used Tim Holtz Fired Brick Red ink to stamp the balloon and cut it out. I found brick red paper to attach the balloon to and then cut out the background frame about ¼ inch larger than the balloon image.

Next, I designed the text, “My heart soars when I am with you” on Canva.com, saved as a .pdf and printed it out in black. (Oops! The first time, my printer fit the image to the page, so I ended up with my quote being sign-sized. Check your printer settings to make sure it prints out 2 x 2 ½ “ or whatever size you prefer.) I trimmed the quote and then mounted it on brick red paper. I attached everything to the card, making sure to give the hot air balloon a nice lilting look as though the wind is taking it on an adventure.

I hope these boho valentine cards inspire you to craft your own cards for the people you love. For further inspiration, click here to see the boho valentine cards I made last year.

Happy boho crafting!

Making Valentine’s Day cards always brings cheer to cold Northern winters. It reminds me of getting ready for Valentine’s Day parties at school when I was a kid. This year, I based my cards on Boho décor that seems to be in every store. Hearts, arrows, feathers, natural materials, banners and thoughtful script sayings all inspired these cards. Take a look and enjoy:

Follow Your Heart Valentine’s Day Card

I found some great wood plank background paper that I used in 2 colors to form that background of the card. I brushed pastel inks onto white cardstock and then stamped “Follow Your” in black script over the top and cut into a rectangle. On white paper, I stamped the rustic heart and post in hot pink and cut out. I mounted that on a piece of lavender rice paper and mounted to the card. Lastly, I stamped the horizontal row of heart arrows in hot pink to finish off the card.

Let’s Ride in Tandem Love Card

I think I got this tandem bike stamp at Michael’s last year. I just love it! I stamped the image in navy blue on white cardstock, cut it into a rectangle and then framed the bike with mulberry purple paper. I then mounted this onto navy paper that runs the horizontal length of the main card. Next, I stamped the bottom length of the card in a mulberry fleur de lis pattern. At the top, I stamped the LOVE banner letters in 4 different shades- mulberry, aqua, magenta, and navy. These stamps also came from Michael’s Recollections collection. The letters were cut out, then mounted onto aqua ribbon with dimensional tape and attached to the white card. To finish off the card, I attached the metal heart next to the bicycle.

Arrows and Feathers Valentine’s Day Card

I like to think out of the box when creating holiday cards. Valentine’s Day cards don’t have to be red, white, and pink! I recently found this funky boho paper collection. I like the mottled purple background, which is mounted onto white cardstock. I cut a matching band of paper in gold and added wooden arrows to give the card extra dimension. Next, I cut the heart and feathers using paper punches and attached them to the card. I really like the bohemian look of the striped feathers and the horizontal movement of the card. The colors and style make this a perfect card for a man.

Brave Heart Valentine’s Day Card

In this card, I used additional papers from the boho collection I used in the Arrow and Feathers Card above. I used the red and orange tribal paper for the background of the card, mounted onto white cardstock. Next, I stamped the “Brave Heart” script onto white cardstock, cut it into a rectangle and then framed it with blue floral paper. The 3 blue and white circles were cut out using a round paper punch. The navy arrows and heart were cut out using my Sizzix Big Shot machine. This card is one of my favorites. I like the masculine card colors and design.

LOVE Burlap Valentine’s Day Card

I love using texture and dimension in my artwork, so this card uses bright pink burlap mounted on white cardstock. The heart, arrows, LOVE and white swirl design were all cut on my Sizzix machine and then gently mounted onto the burlap to give it a collage look. I finished off the look by adding a dimensional red felt puffy heart and silver metal heart.

I hope my out-of-the-box bohemian Valentine’s Day cards inspire you to design your own unique papercraft looks! For more ideas, take a look at these additional boho Valentine’s Day cards.

Happy Boho Crafting!