Love-themed stamps are often associated with Valentine’s Day, but they can be used far more often than just once a year. Today, I’m sharing card projects that focus on using these designs more timelessly, creating cards that express appreciation, affection, and connection for any occasion.
This was a relaxed, low-pressure project built around simple techniques, minimal layering, and soft coloring. The result is a set of cards that feel thoughtful and personal, yet are easy to make and mail.
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VIDEO TUTORIAL
Watch the video below or on my YouTube channel.
CHOOSING THE IMAGES AND SENTIMENTS
For these cards, I worked with the Love Is In The Air stamp set. This set includes outline images that are perfect for quick coloring and scenes that naturally tell a story. I paired it with the Groovy Wishes stamp set, which has playful sentiments that work well as subtle background elements rather than focal points.
Most of these cards are essentially one-layer designs, with only a small sentiment strip added on top. This keeps the cards lightweight and practical while still allowing for visual interest.
A RELAXED APPROACH TO COLORING
The coloring for this project was intentionally loose. I stamped my images in a black ink suitable for alcohol markers and then added color without worrying about filling every space perfectly. Instead of coloring directly up to the stamped outlines, I stayed slightly inside the shapes and left small areas of white showing through.
This technique creates a soft, artistic look that feels almost watercolor-like, even though alcohol markers are used. It is a great approach if you enjoy coloring but want something quick and forgiving.
I kept the color palette simple; all marker colors are listed in the supply list below. Greens were used for the grass, soft pinks for the balloons and heart details, light browns for the bench and small accents, warm grays for background buildings, and pale blue for the sky. Because the image does not have a defined border, the scene can be expanded or kept minimal depending on how much background color you choose to add.
ADDING TEXTURE WITHOUT LAYERS
Once the main image was colored, I added subtle background interest using a light gray ink and a simple sentiment stamped repeatedly around the scene. This extra stamping adds texture and helps frame the focal image without overpowering it.
This is one of my favorite ways to finish a card when I want more depth but do not want to add extra layers or embellishments.
FINISHING THE CARDS
To complete the designs, I added pre-printed sentiment strips trimmed with rounded rectangle dies. The black sentiments provide a strong contrast and help ground the softer colors in the background. A larger sentiment anchors the bottom of the card, while a smaller one balances the composition in a corner.
Instead of traditional white card bases, I mounted the finished panels onto soft-colored cardstock. Using colors like pink or mint adds interest to the inside and back of the card and makes the finished piece feel more intentional.
I also created a second version of this card using a different image from the same stamp set. For that design, I used a dotted coloring technique under the tree to suggest grass and small flowers, adding texture without additional stamping.
This project is a good reminder that many stamps in our collections can be used far beyond their intended season. With simple techniques and thoughtful color choices, love-themed stamps can become everyday tools for sending meaningful, handmade cards.
Thank you so much for spending some creative time with me today.
SUPPLIES
I’m listing the products I used below. Click on the link to go directly to the product. Where available, I use compensated affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!
 Simon Says Clear Stamps Love Is in the Air Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Clear Stamps Groovy Wishes Shop at: SSS |
 CZ Design EZ Reverse Strips Love Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp EZ Strips Rounded Rectangles Wafer Dies Shop at: SSS |
 Hammermill White 100 Lb Smooth Premium Color Copy Pack 25 Sheets Shop at: SSS |
 Memento Tuxedo Black Ink Pad Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Ink Pad Flannel Shop at: SSS |
 MISTI Stamping Tool Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Sketch Marker RV00 Water Lily Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Sketch Marker RV13 Tender Pink Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Sketch Marker RV14 Begonia Pink Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Sketch Marker YG01 Green Bice Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Sketch Marker YG03 Yellow Green Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Sketch Marker B000 Pale Porcelain Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Sketch Marker W1 Warm Gray Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Sketch Marker W3 Warm Gray Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Sketch Marker E31 Brick Beige Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Sketch Marker E33 Sand Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Sketch Marker E37 Sepia Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp 2 Dot Runner Refills Adhesive Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Dot Runner and 2 Refills Shop at: SSS |
 Spellbinders Best Ever Craft Tape Shop at: SSS |
