DIY: Ink Wash Heart Valentine

Today's post is another DIY valentine, and also pretty man-friendly.  I hope you enjoy!

Check out the how-to steps after the jump.

Step 1: Cut and fold your card - make sure it will fit in an envelope if you plan on using one.  You can always buy nice blank cards like these that come with envelopes.  Watercolor paper is the best for this project, but a card stock will work as well.

Step 2: Trace a large heart on the middle of the card.  You can use the heart template below as a guide.

Step 3: Use a clean wet brush and fill the entire heart in with water.  You can always refine the edges later but you want the surface of the heart to be wet enough that the ink can flow around.

Step 4: Daub ink inside the heart.  Start around the edges and let the ink bleed and fill in the middle.

Step 5: Wait patiently while the ink dries.  You can use a smaller brush at this point and smooth out the edges if you'd like a more refined look.  Once the heart is dry erase the pencil outline from around the edge.

Step 6:  You're finished!  Every heart will come out differently depending on the kind of paper, how much water you use, and how much ink you use- have fun and experiment!