DIY Valentine Art: Transform a 3D Card into a Beautiful Keepsake

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to get creative and make something meaningful. This Valentine art project uses a 3D card and paper napkins to create a unique, framed keepsake.

Combining layers of texture, vibrant colors, and heart shapes, this craft idea transforms everyday materials into charming wall art or a thoughtful homemade gift.

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Remember how much fun it was to make paper valentines for friends in school?

Cutting out heart shapes, layering red and pink construction paper, and adding a sprinkle of glitter felt so special. Those simple yet heartfelt crafts captured the joy of creating with classic Valentine colors!

Pinterest Challenge Inspiration

When my sweet friend Cindy from County Road 407 invited me to join a monthly Pinterest Challenge group, I was absolutely thrilled!

This group is a fabulous way to flex some creative muscles, as each month we are given an inspiring Pinterest image to recreate in our own unique way.

This month’s challenge features a gorgeous Valentine’s Day mixed media design by Dorenes Crafts and Design. It’s layered, 3D, and bursting with vintage charm. So beautiful!

If you have come over from WM Design House, you will agree with me that Wendy’s Valentine’s Day Tiered Tray ideas are fabulous!

Let me walk you through how I created my version of this lovely Valentine art.

Grab a cup of tea, and let’s chat like old friends, because this craft project is such a delight and the perfect time to make something special for Valentine’s Day.

Supplies You’ll Need

• Picture frame
• Colorful 3D Valentine’s pop-up card
• Paper napkins with a Valentine theme. If it has hearts in the design, even better!
• Mod Podge (or your favorite decoupage glue)
• Foam brush or paintbrush
• Scissors
• Glue gun and glue sticks
• Optional: additional embellishments like ribbon, buttons, or stickers in the shape of a heart

Step-by-Step 3-D Valentine Art

Creating the Frame Backdrop

I found the cutest black scalloped picture frame on a clearance table. Talk about a lucky find!

To start, I dismantled the frame and carefully removed the glass. No need for the glass here—this is all about creating dimensional wall art.

These adorable heart-themed paper napkins are just the backdrop I wanted to showcase the card. For this craft project, paper napkins with bold Valentine’s Day designs are absolutely perfect!

First, I separated the layers of the napkin, keeping only the printed top layer. Then, I cut the napkin in half to better manage the placement.

Using a foam brush, I applied a layer of Mod Podge to the frame’s easel board (the sturdy backing that holds the photo). I carefully laid the napkin piece onto the glue-covered surface, smoothing it out with my fingers.

Don’t worry if there are wrinkles—the texture actually adds a lovely 3D effect, which gives the background so much character.

Once the napkin was in place, I brushed another layer of Mod Podge over the top and around the edges of the board to seal it. Then, I set it aside to dry.

While the glue dried, I gave the clearance frame a once-over with a black Sharpie marker.

The dried decoupage board slides easily into the photo frame and is a fun little art piece just as it is!

Pro tip: Whether frames, painted furniture, or chipped home decor, a black Sharpie marker works wonders to conceal imperfections. It’s like a little magic wand for touch-ups!

Feature a 3-D Valentine Card

Next, I turned my attention to the main feature—a beautiful 3D Valentine’s Day pop-up card.

This card had such vibrant colors and charming flowers, and I knew it would be the star of my art project. I glued the card directly onto the bottom center of the decoupaged napkin board…as if this envelope of flowers is sitting on a shelf!

I love a little “extra”! Dont you?

Using the same paper napkins, I cut out several heart shapes.

Talk about nostalgia! This took me right back to my 3rd grade decorated Valentine’s Day shoebox!

I even cut out white hearts from the envelope that came with the Valentine card.

To create a 3D effect, I folded the paper hearts in half and added a thin line of glue along the back fold line. Then, I pressed them onto the frame and background, layering them in a cluster in the upper corner and scattering a few randomly for a whimsical look.

The layering gives the whole piece a dynamic, dimensional feel, and it’s such a creative way to bring your homemade card to life.

The result? A handmade Valentine card turned into a stunning framed art piece that’s perfect for displaying in your home. The best part? It’s so easy to personalize with different elements from your collection of Valentine craft supplies.

Of course, the ultimate use for this kind of fun Valentine art is to gift it to someone you love. Whether it’s a partner, family member, or close friend, this is one of those heartwarming homemade Valentines that’s sure to bring a smile.

Valentine Art Display Ideas

This handmade creation will add a touch of love to any space!

 If you’re wondering where to show off your new Valentine’s Day wall art, here are a few ideas:

• Of course! Hang it on a wall!
• Entryway table or foyer shelf
• Kitchen counter or windowsill
• Bedroom nightstand or dresser
• Office desk for a pop of holiday cheer
• Bookshelf or fireplace mantel
• On a piano…I couldn’t resist!

Why I Love This Craft Idea

This project combines so many things I adore about Valentine’s Day—a mix of heartfelt sentiments, pretty designs, and a dash of creativity. It’s a fun Valentine craft idea that allows you to repurpose materials like wrapping paper, paper napkins, and pop-up cards into something truly special.  

The beauty of Valentine’s Day arts and crafts is that they’re all about spreading love, whether through handmade cards, paper hearts, or unique wall art. 

Now, it’s time to move on to my friend Laura’s beautiful Valentine shadowbox at Decor to Adore. You won’t want to miss her creative take on this project. And don’t forget to check out the links below to see my other friends’ inspiring Valentine creations.

Sometimes, the simplest art projects bring the most joy! Wishing you a heartfelt Valentine’s Day full of joy!

Cheers!

Don’t Forget to Pin It!

Pin the image below to your boards on Pinterest (just click the Pin button in the top left corner). You can also follow along with me on Pinterest!

More Valentine DIY Decor

Tulip Valentine Heart

Disco Ball Cherries

Paper Cone Heart

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