Make: Valentine's Day Snail Mail

 Want to send a socially distant hug to a loved one during the pandemic? Check out our Valentine’s Snail Mail Card Making Bundle at shopacr.org or use your own crafty supplies to create some snail mail Love to send & support our USPS! Our newest Shift Lead, Diana creating the directions below to show your friends and family some love this Valentine’s Day. 

What You’ll Need:

• Scissors
• Gluestick
• Paper (we used double-sided scrapbook paper, 12”x12”)
• Envelopes (any size will work, we used an 5.25” x 7.25” envelope)
• Folded card for your note
• Sticker or tape

Optional materials:

• Stamps
• Stamp Pad
• Glitter or Embossing material
• Paper punches
• Postage stamps (vintage or regular)
• Washi tape
• Baker’s twine or ribbon

Directions:

Step 1: Gather supplies that inspire you -- we are using scrapbook paper and any size envelope.Step 2: Using the flap of the envelope as a template, let the envelope overhang the corner of the paper by half an inch on 2 sides - trace along the flap of the envelope & cut the paper along this line. Place the liner inside the envelope and adjust as needed, then glue to the inside of the envelope.Step 3: Cut out a traditional heart shape from the same paper or any you choose.Step 4: Fold the sides of the heart in towards the center - the trick here is to keep the folds parallel, creating as straight a fold as possible. It’s okay if the sides of the heart are not symmetrical - it adds to the charm!Step 5: Fold the top of the heart down so that the folds you just made are divided/folded in half and the top and bottom edges of the fold meet.Step 6: Fold the point of the heart shape up to create an envelope shape and secure with a sticker or wax seal (once you’ve written your note, of course!).Step 7: Let your creativity run wild! Add any elements you like such as a handmade card with embossing, matching tags, paper confetti, and some baker’s twine to gather your goodies together in a pretty package.Step 8: Decorate the front of your envelope and add your favorite postage stamps. If the envelope is super thick you may need extra postage.Here are some other examples of cards created using materials found at Austin Creative Reuse!