DIY! Vintage-Inspired Valentine Coin Card

Sit down...I actually have a Valentine's Craft!

 You may have read about my relationship with this holiday in my Valentines Schmalentines post, but I do like to do a little something for the kids.

I was feeling a little "out of ideas" when I remembered this:

One of my favorite types of cards to receive as a kid were these cards that had slots for dimes all over them. I just did a search and found a few on ebay even!

I so wish I had one of my old cards...surprisingly I do not! I can hardly believe it!

My parents would give us these cards and I thought they were the best. I have actually had these on my mind for quite some time. I just think they are the perfect little "present." Of course I am prepared for my son to just look at me and ask "What I am supposed to do with it?" My daughter will be thrilled - she thinks coins are better than paper money!

So here's the thing...you can make these cards with just about anything...crayons, markers, paint, scrap book paper! I am going to list the specific supplies under each card, but here are the

BASIC SUPPLIES

(I have includes some more specific supplies under

the photo for each type of card  below)

*Cards (I used watercolor cards, about $8 for 10). You can get card stock cards for much less, about $6 for 25 or $8 for 50. You can also simply fold some paper in half (the good old-fashioned way!)

*Rubber cement or glue stick (I used rubber cement)

*Exacto/Craft Utility Knife

*Cutting mat

*Ruler

*Coins (dimes and quarters)
See Below for specific supplies

BASIC DIY

(I have includes some more specific DIY under each type of card)

1. Determine design (Lay it out - you may want to sketch some ideas out)

2. Transfer to card - cut out design or paint it on.

3. Determine placement of coins: use light pencil marks to mark each side of the coin.

Can you see my pencil points on the heart?

4. Use the Exacto/Craft knife to cut a slit from point to point.

5. Cut a piece of scrap book paper or cardstock that is the same size/slightly smaller than the front of your card (this is the backing). Just lay the card on a piece of paper and trace around it and cut.

6. Flip card over/open card and use rubber cement or glue stick. Apply glue to edges of the front of the card and throughout the middle. I made "U" shaped swipes around the slits on the back (see photo - I drew in the area to where I did not apply glue).

7. Take your scrap book paper/cardstock from step #5 and apply it to the back of the front cover (this is to cover the slits and money when you open the card. Press to adhere it.

While you are at it you can decorate the inside of the card - or not! I used my Cricut to cut a few heart shapes and just glued them down. With the scrapbook paper you may be able to see the outline of the coins when you open the card...card stock would make this less noticeable.

 (I just realized this is the inside of the pocket heart card, so there is no backing on the front, as the hearts were applied to the front of the card to act as a pocket.)

8. Let dry.

9. Place coins into the slits - you may need to use a knife or skewer to loosen up the slit. I did not - they all slid in fine...but I also used rubber cement which has a little give to it.

SPECIFIC SUPPLIES AND DIY

Supplies for Birdies in a Tree

Water colors and a brush

(and water)

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Supplies for Heart Tree

Water colors and a brush

(and water)

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Supplies for Painted Heart Pockets

DecoArt Glamour Dust in Celebration Pink

DecoArt Thickening Medium

Paint brush

(Mix Glamour Dust and Thickening Medium together at a 1:1 ratio and paint on to card. You do not need to use the thickening medium, but I choose to because it gave some heft and depth to the Glamour Dust)

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Supplies for Scrapped Heart Pockets

Scrap book or decorative paper, adhesive.

Use a punch, cut by hand or use your Cricut to cut heart shapes. Be sure to make sure whatever type of coin you use fits the pocket.

Glue the bottom of each heart and up the sides (you want the top portion to remain open like a pocket.

Let dry and insert coins!
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Supplies for Lightning Bolt

 This one is for my son - much more manly, eh? I actually made this a post card by just gluing the back or the card to the front!
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I wish I know how to make a printable!
Here is the tree outline if anyone wants to cut it out or print it out and trace it off.
I'd be happy to email it to you too.

Anyway, I think they are pretty cute and am looking forward to making more..for birthdays and other holidays! I will also I am sure have the title of cheapest mom on the block.
(of course you can make more slits to hold more money!) 

What do you remember from your childhood holidays and celebrations?