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The practice of sending a Valentine's Day card
According to the story, Emperor Claudius II made a law forbidding soldiers to be wed because it would decrease their unbridled willingness to charge into battle. In spite of this new rule, a Roman bishop named St. Valentine took it upon himself to begin wedding lovers in secret. Upon discovery that he was committing these crimes, he was immediately imprisoned and sentenced to death. During his stay in the jail, the keeper's daughter would frequent Valentine's prison cell until a relationship began to form. Finally, before being sent to the gallows the jailer's daughter received a farewell note signed, "From your Valentine." This tradition of being someone's Valentine has continued ever since, or so the story goes.
Now the question is, what type of card will you send this year?
There are a variety of cards to send for Valentine's Day. You can buy a single card in the drugstore, a pack of several from an online retailer, or you can even make your own. Don't forget that there are eCards as well--a fun, fast, and often free way to say how much you care. Below you'll find some basic advice for choosing cards, lots of useful links, and plenty of options for shopping!
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Paper cards are conventional, easy to obtain, and fairly inexpensive. You can buy them online in packs or purchase an individual card at a local retailer. If this is the only time you plan to a send a Valentine, it's probably best just to hit the store and take your pick of the stock. However, should you choose to send basic cards out to all your friends, buying them online might be more efficient. It is an especially good choice for teachers or day care facilities who want to make an activity out of exchanging valentines for the kids. The top manufacturers that are seen in stores are Hallmark |
Making cards, especially on a holiday such as Valentine's Day, is the most thoughtful and personalized type of card to give. Making cards can be quite easy too. Create a mini craft project out of the occasion or encourage a group activity for the whole family to do. Some of the the things you might need include heavy construction paper,,.,,,,
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Prismacolor Premier Fine Line Markers If you want decorate your card in your own stylistic manner, get yourself a good set of markers to start out with. Art and craft stores can provide a wide selection, but try to stick with the pinks, reds, whites, and most suitable for Valentine's Day. |
Ribbons that have floral patterns and hearts are a fantastic start. Red ribbon is passionate, pink ribbon is cutesy, and purple ribbon shows loyalty. When applying be sure you use invisible glue. |
If you want to make your card more unique you should consider using craft scissors. They can create special edges for the card. Wavy lines and curls are a good kind of flashy. Show that you put some effort into making this card, not that you made it out of computer paper because you forgot to pick a card up at the store. |
If you're making a card for a friend or family member you can aim for a sillier look. Glitter and gel pens |
Once you're done making you're amazing Valentine's Day card you are going to need an envelope to put it in. The envelope is the final touch. The envelope will also add suspense for the big reveal to your sweetheart. |
For more creative ideas on how to make your own Valentines, check out the following sites:
The only trick with homemade cards is to make sure that you write something great inside. After all, it's more than the look of the card that matters. Here are some useful Web sites with advice on how to write a proper Valentine:
There are hundreds of Web sites that are dedicated to sending eCards--an eco-friendly, perfect way to say Happy Valentine's Day when you have hundreds of friends on your list or when you want to send virtual hugs and kisses to friends or family overseas. Here are some of the top notch eCard sites on the Web and a brief description of each. Remember, it often pays to send free eCards versus signing up for a paid site unless you're interested in using the program throughout the year.
