pink and white Doily envelope card craft
Kids Rec

Easy DIY Valentine Cards and Doily Envelopes Kids Can Make in 10 Minutes

words by Jennifer Carroll
Simple Valentine's Day Crafts for Families and Classroom Parties

DIY Valentine and Doily Envelope

Looking for a quick and beautiful Valentine’s Day craft that doesn’t require a ton of supplies or complicated steps? This DIY doily envelope and handmade Valentine card is perfect for busy parents, classroom volunteers, and kids who want to create something special without spending hours at the craft table. In less than 10 minutes, you can make gorgeous homemade Valentines that look like they took all afternoon!

AT A GLANCE:

Time needed: Under 10 minutes per card

Perfect for: Kids ages 6+, classroom Valentine exchanges, grandparent gifts

Skill level: Beginner-friendly

Cost: Under $10 for supplies to make 20+ cards

Where to find supplies in Charlottesville: Michael’s (Barracks Road), Target, Dollar Tree

Whether you’re preparing for your child’s classroom Valentine exchange, creating special cards for grandparents, or just looking for a fun rainy day activity, this Valentine craft delivers maximum impact with minimal effort

Why We Love This Easy Valentine Craft

As a mom and publisher, I’m always searching for crafts that look impressive but don’t eat up precious time. This doily envelope project checks all the boxes: it’s genuinely easy, uses materials you probably already have (or can grab quickly at any craft store), and creates something pretty enough to save as a keepsake.

The best part? Kids can actually make these themselves! Unlike complicated Valentine crafts that require adult help for every step, school-age children can follow these simple instructions independently, building confidence and creativity.

Supplies You’ll Need for DIY Valentine Envelopes

Here’s your complete shopping list for making these adorable Valentine cards and doily envelopes:

For the Doily Envelope:

  • 10-inch round paper doilies (white or colored)
  • 3½” x 5″ scrapbook paper (Valentine patterns work great!)
  • Double-sided tape or glue dots
  • Decorative embellishments (felt flowers, ribbon, stickers)

For the Valentine Card:

  • 3½” x 5″ piece of patterned scrapbook paper
  • 3″ x 4½” piece of solid cardstock (pink, red, or white)
  • 5-inch piece of ribbon
  • Letter stickers or chipboard letters (X, O, LOVE, etc.)
  • Deckled-edge scissors (optional, for decorative borders)
  • Permanent double-stick tape
  • Craft glue

Where to Shop in Charlottesville:

  • Michael’s on Barracks Road – Full selection of doilies, scrapbook paper, and embellishments
  • Target – Valentine craft kits, basic supplies
  • Dollar Tree – Budget-friendly doilies, stickers, and cardstock
  • Scrappy Elephant – Unique scrapbooking supplies from a local small business

Budget tip: You can make 20+ Valentine sets for under $15 if you shop sales!

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Doily Valentine Envelope

This truly is the easiest envelope you’ll ever make. No folding patterns, no complicated measuring—just simple steps that create something beautiful.

For the envelope, simply center the card on the doily, then fold sides of doily in over card. Next, fold bottom of doily up over the card, and, finally, fold top flap down. Note: A bit of double-stick tape between the bottom flap and the sides will help the envelope to hold it’s shape.

I added a felt flower sticker to the outside because I wanted an extra embellishment, but you could also use a piece of ribbon or leave it with just the pretty detail of the doily.

How to Make Your Handmade Valentine Card

For the card, I trimmed a piece of scrapbook paper using a deckled-edge cutter. Next, I trimmed the solid pink paper to 3″ x 4 1/2″. I wrapped the ribbon around the card and attached it on the back with double stick tape. I then attached the pink card to the patterned card with a bit more double stick tape. The “X” & “O” were the final additions, and I attached them with a bit of glue since they are a bit too heavy for tape alone.

Once you’ve mastered the envelope, the card itself is equally simple!

Materials Needed:

  • 3½” x 5″ patterned scrapbook paper
  • 3″ x 4½” solid cardstock
  • 5″ piece of ribbon
  • Letter embellishments (stickers, chipboard, or stamps)
  • Deckled-edge scissors (optional)
  • Double-stick tape
  • Craft glue

Instructions:

Step 1: If you have deckled-edge scissors, use them to cut your patterned paper to 3½” x 5″. The decorative edge adds a charming, handmade touch. (Regular scissors work perfectly fine too!)

Step 2: Cut your solid cardstock to 3″ x 4½”.

Step 3: Wrap the ribbon around the layered papers horizontally, securing it on the back with double-stick tape. This creates a pretty band across the middle of your card.

Step 4: Attach the smaller solid paper on top of the patterned paper using double-stick tape. The layered look adds dimension and visual interest.

Step 5: Add your message! We used simple “X” and “O” chipboard letters attached with craft glue (they’re a bit heavy for tape alone). You could also spell out “LOVE,” add a child’s name, or use Valentine stickers.

Creative Variations on This DIY Valentine Craft

Once you’ve got the basic technique down, try these fun variations:

For Younger Kids (Ages 4-6):

  • Pre-cut all paper pieces so they just need to fold and decorate
  • Use sticker letters instead of chipboard (easier to apply)
  • Skip the ribbon and use washi tape instead

For Older Kids and Tweens:

  • Create custom watercolor backgrounds on the cardstock
  • Add calligraphy or hand-lettering
  • Use multiple layers of paper for more dimension
  • Try different embellishments like buttons, sequins, or fabric

Classroom Valentine Exchange:

  • Make assembly-line style: Set up stations for each step
  • Pre-write names on envelopes
  • Add small treats (stickers, erasers) inside before sealing

For Grandparents:

  • Include a recent photo of the child
  • Write a special note about what they love about grandma/grandpa
  • Use more elegant, less childish embellishments

Tips for Making Valentine Crafts with Kids

Set up a crafting station: Lay out all supplies in an organized way so kids can work independently.

Embrace imperfection: Crooked ribbons and slightly off-center decorations add homemade charm!

Make it a party: Invite a few friends over for a Valentine card-making playdate. Kids can make cards for each other while they’re at it.

Protect your surfaces: Use an old tablecloth or craft mat—glue and glitter have a way of spreading!

Plan for extras: Kids might want to make cards for teachers, coaches, neighbors, or mail carriers too.

Where to Display or Use Your Handmade Valentines

These pretty cards are too nice to just hand out and forget! Here are some special ways to use them:

  • Create a Valentine garland by hanging cards on string
  • Frame your child’s handmade Valentine as artwork
  • Mail them to far-away relatives (they’ll love the personal touch!)
  • Save them in a memory box—years from now, you’ll treasure these handmade keepsakes
  • Display on the mantel or refrigerator throughout February

More Valentine Fun in Charlottesville

Looking for other ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your family?

Valentine Events and Activities:

More DIY Ideas:

Why Handmade Valentines Matter

In our digital age, there’s something wonderfully special about creating something by hand. These DIY Valentine cards teach children that the best gifts come from the heart, not the store. They learn that taking time to create something beautiful for someone else is a meaningful way to show love.

Plus, the process itself is valuable! Kids practice fine motor skills, following instructions, patience, and creativity—all while having fun and feeling proud of what they’ve made.

Make Valentine’s Day Memorable

This easy doily envelope craft proves that homemade doesn’t have to mean complicated. In just 10 minutes, you and your kids can create Valentines that recipients will actually want to keep. Whether you’re making one special card for a grandparent or 25 for your child’s entire class, this project delivers beautiful results without the stress.

So grab some doilies, break out the craft supplies, and spend a happy afternoon creating Valentines that truly come from the heart. Your kids will be so proud when they hand out these beautiful cards, and you’ll be proud knowing you created a special memory together.

Ready for more creative family fun? Subscribe to the CharlottesvilleFamily e-Mag for weekly activity ideas, local event guides, and parenting tips delivered right to your inbox!

JENNIFER CARROLL is a Southern gal with an unquenchable thirst for all things creative. She wears many hats—photographer, blogger or designer—but always, an extremely enthusiastic home entertainer. No matter what she is doing, she is committed to celebrating everyday life.