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  • Cut-and-Assemble Swallow Valentines

    by

    Lindsey Bugbee

    , ,

    Print, cut, and assemble these charming swallow valentines in minutes! Whether tucked into a classroom valentine box or mailed to a dear friend, they’re a unique and heartfelt way to spread joy.

    Printable Valentines with a swallow theme

    I designed these printable valentines with three key ideas in mind: they should be simple to make, beautifully unique, and fun to give. They deliver on all counts! With their hand-drawn details and interactive twist, they stand out from the usual store-bought options. My kindergartner loves them, and I do too! Whether you’re making them for a classroom exchange or sending them to a friend, I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

    Include simple “from” information—or a fun secret message!—under the swallow’s wing.

    These valentines were created for both kids and adults. While I love the elegance of flourished calligraphy, I chose block letters for “Happy Valentine’s Day” to keep these kid-friendly. (My own kindergartener will be passing them out at school.) Under the wing, there’s a space to write a message, whether that’s simply “from” information or something surprising.

    Illustration of a swallow
    Today’s valentines were created from an original hand-drawn illustration.

    How to Make a Flock of Swallow-Themed Valentines

    1. Print

    First, select a lightweight cardstock. I opted for Paper Bag 80# stock from Paper Source for its warm, elegant look, but feel free to experiment! Just be sure to keep the paper weight at 80# or less so your home printer can handle it.

    "Paper Bag" Paper Source paper

    Then, print the Cut-and-Assemble Swallow Valentines PDF, which you can download here.

    Swallow valentines printable PDF
    DOWNLOAD THE SWALLOW VALENTINES PDF

    2. Personalize

    Next, go ahead and write “from” information in the blank area under the wing. Try to position your writing on the left; the right side will be obscured by a brass fastener.

    Names written on valentines
    You can include whatever hidden message you like under the wing. “To” information can either be written under the wing or on the opposite (blank) side of the swallow.

    3. Cut

    Now, roughly trim around each swallow—this makes precise cutting easier later. Then, carefully cut along the final outline, leaving a small 1-2 mm border.

    Cut-out swallow valentines

    Next, cut just around the outline of each swallow and its wing.

    Printable cut-out swallow-themed valentine
    Notice that there’s 1-2 mm of space between the swallow/wing outlines and the actual cut.

    4. Assemble

    Once you’ve cut out your swallows and their wings, position the wing over the swallow’s breast. Then, use a small hole punch to make a hole in both the wing and the breast.

    Assembling a swallow-themed valentine
    Assembling a valentine

    Next, grab a brass fastener (affiliate link), and stick it through the hole in the wing and the chest.

    Brass fastener on a swallow-themed valentine

    And voilà! A creative, unique, and interactive valentine.

    Printable Valentines with a swallow theme

    I loved every moment of making these valentines, but the real reward was my kindergartner’s reaction when he got home from school. He lit up the moment he saw them and can’t wait to bring a whole flock to his classmates! We’re planning to attach them to small candy bars with double-sided tape, but even on their own, they make a delightful statement. As for me? I plan to send them to a couple of friends, too, via snail mail. Even when they’re not paired with candy, these delightful little birds make a big impact.

    Thanks so much for reading, and happy creating!

    Warmly,