So here it is: card embroidery is my new obsession. It just looks so cool, and gives off this great handmade vibe, but it’s simple to make (really, it’s just lacing cards for grown-ups).  So. Christmas cards. Valentine cards. Do people send Easter cards? Because if they’re a thing, I’m embroidering them. The best part of making them might be that you don’t even have to bother with tying knots — you can just tape your thread to the back of the card and go.

These cards are all red, because it showed up better in photographs, but I’d definitely make some pink ones as well.

Supplies:

• cardstock
• embroidery thread
• scissors
• needle
• pencil with eraser
• markers or other things to decorate with

Instructions:

1. Fold your card the way you want it. I’ve discovered that if you fold it into fours like I did in the video (rather than just folding in half), you can hide the back of your embroidery where no one can see it.
2. Draw your design on the front, lightly in pencil.
3. Poke holes along the design with your needle or a pushpin. These are going to be the holes where you sew.
4. Sew along the holes you punched.
5. Finish, trim your thread, and tape to the back of the card. Add any sayings with marker or other decorations that you wish, then deliver to someone you love!

You could definitely have the kids try these — as soon as their little fingers can grasp a needle, they should be able to handle it. And if not, you could have them draw on the front and you could embroider their drawings for them. A collaborative card! The best kind.

If you’re looking for more fun ideas for Valentine’s Day, try one of these:

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