Tools and Materials

• Scratch-off Valentine clip art (blank or preprinted)
• White card stock
• Fine-tip pen or marker
• Clear packing tape
• Freezer paper
• Metallic acrylic paint
• Liquid dishwashing soap
• Foam brush
• Craft knife
• 1-inch heart-shaped punch

Optional

• Decorative paper
• Double-sided tape
• Coin
• A2 or 4-bar envelopes

Scratch-Off Valentine How-To

1. Print clip art of choice -- cards with a preprinted message or blank cards -- onto white card stock. If cards are blank, write a message within the heart shapes with a fine-tip pen or marker.
2. Stick strips of clear packing tape to the shiny side of freezer paper. 
3. Mix two parts metallic paint with one part liquid dishwashing soap. 
4. Apply three or more light coats of paint mixture to the packing tape with a foam brush, letting dry between coats, until the color is opaque. Let dry completely, overnight if necessary. 
5. Trim freezer paper around strips of packing tape with a craft knife. Place a piece of scrap card stock or paper over tape to keep punch clean; punch several hearts from tape.
6. Gently score freezer paper backing on hearts with a craft knife, being careful not to cut through tape. Peel backing from hearts and affix to template over each scratch-off message.

(Optional: Cut a decorative paper backing that is 1/4-inch larger all around than the scratch-off card. Cut a slit in the backing for a coin and place a piece of double-sided tape above and below the slit. Adhere to the back of the card with more double-sided tape and place coin in slit.)

Note: A card backed with decorative paper will fit in a size A2 envelope. Cards without backing fit in a size "4-bar" envelope.