| Nothin’ says lovin’ like handmade cards! Show your sweetie (and the earth) adoration with these easy-to-make soy fiber and recycled paper valentines. Trust me, they’re 2good2be4gotten!
Materials
Conjoined Creations Soy Silk Fusion Kit* (soy fiber, craft medium and mesh)
Freezer paper
One cup of water, in bowl
 Paper towels
Iron and ironing board
Towel
Cardstock and envelopes
Craft glue
Scissors
Optional:
Embroidery floss and needle
Small paper punch
Glitter
Sewing machine and thread
Computer with a printer or felt tip pen
Decorative paper
Kung Fusion (create the Soy Silk Fusion decorative fiber)
1. Place a sheet of freezer paper (about 18" is good) shiny side up, on a flat surface. As if you were pulling apart a cotton ball, separate Soy Silk fibers. Lay separated pieces out on the paper, overlapping and crisscrossing each layer while taking care to leave at least a 1" border between the fibers and the edge of the paper. Make the final product about 1" thick. You can also add some glitter or yarn scraps to the top layer.
2. Once you’re happy with the look of your fiber masterpiece (the fluffier the better), lay mesh over the whole thing. Mix one part medium to three parts water and sprinkle lightly over fibers. Starting in the center and working outward, gently massage this mixture into the fibers, adding more water when necessary. Watch the fusion happen! Blot pieces to rid excess water.
3. Slowly remove mesh and set it aside. Keep the fiber backed by the freezer paper. Let dry (this will take several hours). Then, cover the fusion fiber with a towel and press it with a medium-heat iron for 15-30 seconds. Voilà, you’re ready to get your card making on!
Card Attack
Cut out Soy Silk textile in desired shapes for your card design. Print out lovey-dovey messages in your favorite font from your computer on plain paper (pssst!...recycle by printing on the back of used paper). From here, unleash your inner artiste—either do your own thing, or use my valentines as inspiration. Here are my quickie tips:
Cupid’s Arrow: Cut out a heart from fusion paper; attach it to a card front by machine, sewing an arrow shape through it in a contrasting color. Glue down edges, if necessary.
Recycle Love: Cut out a heart and arrows from the fusion. Use contrasting thread and needle to hand embroider a running stitch through the arrows.
Luv: Cut out rectangle of Soy Silk Fusion ¼" smaller around than the card front. Glue it onto cardstock. Punch holes evenly around edge of card. Use contrasting thread and needle to create a hand-embroidered border. Cut out an L, U and V from decorative paper. Glue in place. Decorate the letters with glitter.
Hugs & Kisses: Cut hearts out of decorative paper and the fusion. Glue into place.
*Note: Soy Silk Fusion is eco-friendly, nontoxic and acid free. Look for it on www.scrapbooks.com.
For more Valentine’s Day fun, try making an adorable Love Bug with your tike.
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