Scratch-Off Valentine Cards

Ever since I was little, I've loved surprises and the promise of discovery. I used to read Agatha Christie novels, Choose-Your-Own-Adventures, and 5-Minute Mysteries by the handful. Even today, I love scavenger hunts, detective stories, and procedural dramas.  I guess I just can't help myself - one whiff of mystery and I'm hooked. So when I saw this fun Valentine idea in this month's Better Homes and Gardens, I just had to try it out.

Okay, so it's not exactly mystery, but it is discovery and, either way, it's a lot of fun! The cards in the magazine were printed (you can find the printables from BHG here, or visit Oopsey Daisy for Alison's fun twist on the idea), but I went the handmade route for a more personal touch (or maybe it was just because our printer is having issues...).

Whether you choose to print or pen, all you need is some card stock, a small paint brush, metallic acrylic paint, clear contact paper, and dishwashing liquid. That's right, dishwashing liquid. Now that's a surprise!

Print or write your card, using a stencil or cookie cutter to make the heart shapes if crafting by hand. To make the scratch-off solution, combine two parts metallic paint with one part dishwashing liquid.

Cut a small strip of contact paper, just large enough to make the number of hearts you've drawn (see pictures below for some different design ideas). Then, using a small, flat brush, paint the contact paper with a layer of scratch-off solution and allow to dry for at least one hour (if you're impatient like me, a hair dryer on low will speed the process). Repeat for two or three more coats, until the contact paper is well covered and not streaky.

Cut the hearts from the contact paper, using your stencil and a pair of sharp scissors. Affix painted hearts over the drawn hearts to cover completely.

Be sure to give your Valentine a shiny new penny so they can reveal your hidden message!

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