I remember when I learned how to make the perfect heart shape—how magical it felt, discovering that scissors and symmetry could turn construction paper into a symbol of love.
Classic handmade valentines conjure images of kindergarten and elementary school: funny little messages and cubbies stuffed with candy hearts. Of course, the history of Valentine’s Day cards goes back much further. The tradition of exchanging valentines is thought to have started in the United States and Europe in the 18th century, possibly originating with Saint Valentine himself in the third-century Roman Empire.
According to Britannica, some historians say that modern valentines arose from the German tradition of friendship cards, known as freundschaftskarten. Either way, in the mid-19th century, the custom gained popularity, especially in England, with people buying valentines designed by illustrators, or embellished with collages or engravings. In 1910, Hallmark began selling Valentine’s Day postcards, setting the stage for today’s store-bought love note landscape. And more than a century later, some people are embracing the practice of making valentines by hand, taking a DIY approach to creations that become a literal labor of love.
In celebration of Valentine’s Day and the crafting spirit, Vogue asked six of our favorite artists and creatives to share their interpretations of a classic valentine. Below, see what they came up with.
Nina Grüninger, artist and designer
Photo: Courtesy of Nina Grüninger
The artist Nina Grüninger started making vintage ribbon cards in 2024—and they’ve since become a cult favorite among fashion and creative types in London, where Grüninger lives.
“I see valentines as the start of spring where you send a message to your loved ones, and this can be friends, family, as well as a partner,” she tells Vogue. “A card comes with a surprise and is different from a gift. It is something very personal, and I think that many people are once again feeling the need for something tangible that they can relate to. Evidently, I see there is a growing shift in wanting to return to the most original way of sending messages—letters and cards.”