Valentine’s Day always calls for something sweet, playful, and filled with heart and what could be cuter than two bundled-up penguins sharing a moment in the snow? For today’s card, I created a cozy winter Valentine using some of my favorite Poppystamps dies, pairing them with cheerful patterned paper from my stash. The result is a whimsical, layered design that feels both festive and heartfelt.
Creating the Winter Background
I started by building a soft snowy scene to ground my penguins. A cool-toned watercolored sky sets the stage, with subtle snowflake details with the help of snowflake run one, adding texture and interest. I kept the background light and airy so the focal elements would stand out. The snowy torn edge at the bottom anchors the scene and gives the penguins a cozy place to stand.
Die-Cutting the Penguins
The stars of the show are the Jubilee Penguin and Birthday Penguin dies from Poppystamps. I die-cut them from classic black and white cardstock and added bright orange beaks and feet for contrast using COPIC markers. To give them that Valentine’s touch, I dressed them in soft pink and deep blue scarves. The scarves are from Nordic Penguin die set. The layered die cuts add dimension and bring so much personality to these little characters.
Adding the Igloo and Heart Details
Behind the penguins, I placed the die-cut Igloo to complete the winter setting. The simple white structure keeps the design clean while enhancing the snowy theme. Above them, I added a bold red heart created using the Scallop Pinpoint Hearts die set. The pierced detailing adds texture and ties in beautifully with the scattered mini red hearts throughout the scene.
Framing with Pattern Paper
To finish the design, I framed the entire panel with colorful heart-patterned paper from my stash. The tiny multicolored hearts add a playful Valentine’s vibe without overpowering the focal image. Mounting the finished panel onto card base and pairing it with a red envelope pulls everything together and enhances the festive feel.
This card perfectly captures the warmth of love — even in the coldest winter setting. I love how the layered dies, cheerful colors, and sweet details come together to tell a little Valentine’s story. If you’re looking for an adorable handmade Valentine idea, these penguins are sure to steal hearts.
Happy Valentine’s Day! 💕
Hugs,
Jyoti
Jubilee Penguin Shop at: PS | ”
“Birthday Penguin Shop at: PS | ”