Mini XOXO Classroom Valentines

The Hero Arts XOXO Cover Plate is a full-sized card die that can be used to create simple and beautiful cards with hugs and kisses for family and friends. However, today I’m using this die to make a pair of mini classroom Valentine shaker cards.

For my first mini card, I started by blending an ink background onto a piece of Dove White cardstock with Taffy, Berry Smoothie, Grape Slush, and Purple Galaxy Reactive inks. I used one of the Nesting Rectangle Infinity Dies to trim the panel to my desired mini size. This piece will become the back of the shaker card. I also cut a similar sized piece of acetate.

Next, I cut six identical frames from Lavender cardstock using two rectangle dies. To ensure that the frames are the same size, I temporarily secured the frames together with tape before die-cutting. Using Precision Glue, I glued five of the frames together, then the acetate sheet, and finished with the sixth frame onto the acetate.

To further embellish the back of the shaker, I used the XOXO Cover Plate to cut cute X’s and O’s from Lavender and Azalea cardstock. Leaving room along the edges for the frame, I glued a dozen letters to the center of the inked panel.

For a change, I thought it might be fun to use an animal as the shaker element, causing him to bump and tumble when the card is shaken. I stamped an adorable Color Layering Chipmunk with Soft Brown, Cup O’ Joe, and Intens-ified Black inks and then easily cut around him with the coordinating Frame Cuts. I laid him on the back panel and then glued the frame over the chipmunk, onto the background. From the same set, I also stamped an acorn and embossed a punny sentiment with white embossing powder onto a scrap of Azalea cardstock that I die-cut with a Hexagon Infinity Die. After securing them to the card, I finished the card with three Purple Enamel Dots.

Using many of the same supplies, I made a second mini shaker card. This time though, to create the blended background, I used the four blue and green inks in the Sea Palette Reactive Cubes set. I also cut frame pieces from Arctic cardstock.

I used the XOXO Cover Plate to cut X’s and O’s from Arctic and Paradise cardstock but instead of gluing them to the the inked panel, I placed a few of them, and an acorn, loose behind the frame to create hugs and kisses confetti that can be shaken. I positioned the card horizontally and then glued the chipmunk and sentiment to the top of the card. I finished with a trio of Aqua Enamel Dots.

I had so much fun making these mini shaker Valentines with a full-size cover die. Although the cards are small, I’m hoping that they bring full-size smiles. Thanks so much for stopping by today. Wishing you a wonderful, crafty day!

Click on products to shop: