Deck of cards Valentine

I made this "card" for my husband, for our 45th Anniversary.  But the idea would work equally well for a Valentine Day gift.

I started with a soul searching session to pinpoint 52 reason why "I Love You".  After knowing each other for 50 years, I looked for fresh ways to express that love.

As I thought of each idea, I wrote it down.

This contemplation is a good exercise, because it really helps you focus on the positive bits of your loved one and your relationship.

52 reasons requires a lot of zooming in on the minutiae.

I punched 2 holes in the side of each card, at the same location on each, so they could be put onto large
(2 3/4") binder rings, when I finished.

Next, I cut 53 pieces of card stock 2" x 3 1/2"...one for each card in the deck, plus one for one of the jokers, which would be used on the back of the cover card.

I glued one piece of this card stock onto each card face so that the card "name" or value still showed at the top left hand corner.

I stamped a large "b" onto each piece of blank card stock. This would be the first letter in the word "because" for each of the 52 reasons, and would give the deck a common thread.

Then came the fun part.  I wrote one reason "I Love You" on each of the 52 cards and then embellished each one according to the thought.

Here's some samples from the deck I made:

 I used stickers.

 Small shells.

 Decorative papers and metal charms.

 More stickers.

 Photographs.

 Advertisements.

Ribbon and sealing wax.

There are also feathers, game pieces, paper clips, pieces of maps, and brads in the deck.

I used my rubber and clear stamps on many of the cards as well.  Because the cards are on binder rings, it doesn't matter how thick the cards become with the festooning.

I decorated the cover card with the number 52 and the words why, I love you, and reasons.

On the flip side of the cover card, I added that last piece of 2" x 3 1/2" card stock and used that space to "sign" my card.

If 52 cards seems overwhelming because of time constraints, or because your relationship is too new for 

52 reasons why you love the recipient of your card,

how about just using the Hearts suit?

You could change the "title" to something appropriate to the 13 cards in the suit.

(A total of 14 cards with the title card, if you are feeling superstitious.)

You have captured my heart... because.....

King of Hearts you stole my heart... because....

One of the cards I made says "because you make me fajitas", and that is just what my husband is doing as I write this.  I am one lucky girl.

t.t.f.n. ~ Carol