If you haven’t, don’t fret.  My blog post today is all about making adorable little Valentines in little time.

Check out these adorable mini cards (all part of our Valentine Card Showcase going on in stores now!):

There are SO MANY possibilities for mini cards – and once you get started, sometimes it’s hard to stop!

Mini cards are also a great way to use up those odds and ends you have lying around, especially those scraps of cardstock and patterned paper you just can’t throw away.

Be sure to check out our great selection of Valentine ideas on our website!

We are just loving mini cards right now!  Have you seen how cute the new Make It Mini workshop is!

I just thought I’d share a couple mini cards with you today…maybe just for some weekend inspiration.

For this card, I used some Bazzill cardstock (the teal and white), some kraft cardstock (Canvas Home Basics), Tumbled Glass and Worn Lipstick Distress inks, the Typeset alphabet die from Time Holtz, the Notebook embossing folder from Tim Holtz, the Binding Edge punch from EK Success, an ink applicator with foam pads, my handy-dandy Paper Distresser, the Xyron (best thing ever!), and some adhesive.  Oh and a paper trimmer in there too.  Super easy mini card.

Here’s another one:

Looks busy, but it’s not!  Promise!  I used some navy and kraft cardstock, Sepia and Jet Black Archival inks, tissue tape from Tim Holtz, string, light blue gems, Pop Dots, my Paper Distresser, ink applicator with foam pads, and two Tim Holtz stamp sets.

Making regular sized cards is really difficult for me.  I have so many great ideas, but never know how to put them on a standard sized card.  Minis definitely take the pressure off.  I don’t have to put a lot of things on a mini card, which makes it so easy to make a bunch of them in one sitting.  Kind of like ATCs (Artist Trading Cards) for those of you that love making those.

Try making some minis today…and be sure to check out Make it Mini at your local Archiver’s!

If you’ve ever had trouble peeling self-adhesive gems from the package and placing them on your project, the QuickStik is here to help! Each QuickStik has two ends. One end is a plastic scraper-like tool that is perfect for gems. Just slide the scraper under the gems and lift up to release them from their packaging and transfer them to precisely where you want them on your project. It works great whether you want to place one gem, or a whole row of them! The other end features a putty-like substance that can help you pick up small pieces of paper, die-cuts, etc. easily. It’s so handy–everyone needs a QuickStik!

Check out this adorable mini card, complete with a gem for a little “bling” (and yes, a QuickStik was used to place that gem):

Click here for full instructions and product list.

In search of the perfect gift for my best friend, I came across these colorful Romanoff mini storage boxes that come in cheery colors like strawberry, grape and lime. They have the automatic cute factor going for them, and while they’re ultra affordable at $1.99, they also make the PERFECT home for a set of mini cards! In no time at all, I was able to personalize the box top and create a set of coordinating mini cards. She’ll now have custom greetings to share with her friends and family and can continue to use the box for safe keeping. The combination is a gift any crafter can appreciate!  

Like mini cards as much as I do? Be sure to grab a seat in the Marvelous Minis Card Workshop that starts this weekend! There’s even an entire front table display of items dedicated to making mini cards – get creative today in a “mini” way!