Handmade Victorian valentine cards | puzzle purse DIY

Valentine puzzle purses were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries as a way to send love notes.
Unfolding such a puzzle purse should reveal a poem or a romantic message. In general, it's a square piece of decorated paper that is folded origami-style into an envelope-like little purse.

Traditional handmade Victorian valentine cards usually had a heart in the center. Use parchment paper for a more authentic finish. Scrapbooking paper or a piece of vintage wallpaper will work as well for this puzzle purse DIY.

The decoration is up to you, the only limit is your imagination. You can add watercolor pictures, doodles, paper crafting, etc. Open the flaps to decorate and add your messages, poem, or quote to the center square. However, mind the opening order of the arms to place the lines or letters appropriately.

In Victorian times, they could also contain a small trinket e.g. a lock of sweetheart’s hair. Sure, adding hair might seem a bit too extreme nowadays, but you can fill the card with heart-shaped confetti or sparkles if you want to.

Your loved ones will definitely appreciate such original handmade cards not only on Valentine’s day but on any occasion.

00:00 Introduction
00:10 How to make a puzzle purse
02:37 Hand-drawn decoration of the valentine's card
05:40 Streamlining decoration with modern stickers