Say it with Love

Valentine's Day is officially one month away.  I know there are a lot of mixed feelings out there when it comes to this particular holiday.  There's the single folks who generally feel like going in hiding on February 14th, then there are those think the holiday is too commercialized and others who don't feel like they need to use a holiday as an excuse for doing something special for their significant other.  I agree with that last group of people but I also think it is nice to have one day of the year set aside that is all about love.  Valentine's Day gives me that warm fuzzy feeling and I like to celebrate it.  For those who dislike the commercialness of the day, skip Hallmark and check out these indie card and stationary shops.  I pulled together a list of my favorite Valentine's, all available on Etsy.  

made by michelle brusegaard

The text on the card translates to "This is not a Valentine". Michelle describes this card as a reference to the surrealist, Rene Magritte? The card is meant to be a parody of Rene's famous painting in which he claims "ceci n'st pas une pipe," underneath a picture of a pipe, noting that it's not really a pipe, it's just a painting of a pipe.

clementine press

All items in the Clementine Press shop are letterpress printed from original designs.

modernemotive

This shop is brand new to etsy shop. All of the cards are printed on FSC certified paper made from recycled materials.

in a card

I love the sentiment on the inside of this card - "At the end of each day, the thought of you makes me stupid happy."

Art Mind

The hand sewn red felt heart gets tucked inside this semi-transparent card. There is room on the back for you to write a personal message.

little brown pen

I was first introduced to "ready-to-print" stationary when I discovered Little Brown Pen's esty shop. You purchase the pdf template and then print out as many cards or stationary that you need. I love this idea for several reasons. First of all because it's so affordable and second because of the immediate gratification you receive even though you are shopping online.

This "You Are Here" Set includes pdf templates for:

• folded notecards 

• flat notecards 

• gift tags 

• an envelope 

• 8.5 x 11 stationery

Paper Tiger Design Co.

Although ready to print stationary was new to me I did find other etsy shops offering a similar service.

This Lovebirds collection contains pdf templates for the following: 

• Folded Notecards (4.25x5.5 folded) 

• Flat Notecards (4.25x5.5) 

• Gift Tags (2x2 folded or 2x4 unfolded); These can double as mini-love-cards

ali design

And here is one more adorable printable stationary set.

The set includes pdf templates for: 

• Folded gift tags 

• Folded note card (4.25" x 5.5") 

• Flat note card (4.25" x 5.5") 

• Size A2 envelope for 4.25" x 5.5" note cards 

• Small flat note card (2.5" x 3.5") & corresponding envelope 

• Letterhead stationary (8.5" x 11") 

• Directions & suggestions!

Want to forgoe the card exchange all together?  How about picking up one of these great love inspired prints and hang it in a ausipicious place for your love one to discover?

madebygirl

16"x24" HAND SILK-SCREENED print on Recycled Paper.  Other cards and prints are available at madebygirl.com

samantha hahn

This giclee print is on heavy weight matte photo paper printed with archival inks. The original is hand drawn with fine tip pens and digitally colored.