I have always always - …most of the time… - made my own cards and this is for two very good reasons:

• Cheaper, so you can spend more on the gift(s)… or just save the money!
• It is more Personal and Loving, Unique and Significant.

So, with the idea of saving some pennies, let’s get started!
Step 1 – The inevitable ‘New Document’Open a new document (size and dimension, that part is up to you).
For the purpose of this tutorial, I’ve gone with my personal favourite, 750 by 500 pixels. Remember though that you might want to print this so a larger size would be more appropriate.
Step 2 – BackgroundCreate a new layer and fill it (colour here is not important).
Go into the properties of that layer and apply the following radial gradient:-

Colours to use: #990000 & #660000
You should now have something like this:-

Step 3 – TextureCreate a new layer and fill it.
Pressing ‘D’ to revert back to black/white, apply fibers (Filter > Render > Fibers…)

Set the later style to Soft Light, opacity 3-5%.

Step 4 – OriginalityOkay, so a heart is perhaps not original but give it your own twist or go with a graphic of significance to the recipient-to-be:-

As you can see above, I drew my own path for a more unique heart but you could alternatively use Photoshops ‘Custom Shape Tool’ and the ‘heart card’ path or a nice fancy brush.
Once you have selected your chosen design, fill your path using #990000 apply the following ‘Bevil and Emboss’ settings:-

You should now have something to a similar the effect:-

Step 5 – “I LOVE YOU”Write something… and try to make it nice.
My first attempt was “Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet, I take two in my coffee thank you” …so, for the protection of your own future love lives, I’m not going to help you with this bit.

Font: I chose Delicious (italic & bold italic) for its elegance and light weight but font choice is up to you. Use a font that best suits your design.
Skulls, cross bones or nudie wingdings might not cut it here!
Step 6 – Final TouchesUsing the pen tool, create a shape. This can be something of significance to the other person, or something which ties nicely into the design.
I have chosen blossom petals as my otherhalf loves Cherry Blossoms and they remind her of her being back home in Japan.
Once you are done, fill your path and create a brush ( Edit > Define Brush Preset… )

If you are struggling or for ease of following this tutorial, you may download and use my brush here.
Next apply the following brush dynamics:-

Using a light shade of pink ( #FFCCFF ) create 3 different layers and set them to the following opacity levels:-
Layer 1: 5-10% Opacity
Layer 2: 10-25% Opacity
Layer 3: 25-35% Opacity
Start brushing over these layers until you have your own desired effect.
Step 7 – The Final Step
Save as a JPEG, quality 10 - 12 and mass mail that mother out to every girl/boy you have ever had a crush on!
Ain’t BCC technology great! ;)


There we have it. Happy valentines Day everyone!

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