The Tamesis
I remember how amazing it felt when I was learning how to make the perfect heart shape and discovered that scissors and symmetry could transform construction paper into a symbol of love.
Classic handmade valentines conjure up images of kindergarten and elementary school: fun little messages and cubbies stuffed with heart-shaped candies. Of course, the history of Valentine’s Day cards goes back much further. The tradition of exchanging Valentine’s Day gifts is thought to have begun in the 18th century in the United States and Europe, possibly originating from Saint Valentine himself in the Roman Empire in the third century.
According to Encyclopedia Britannica, some historians say that modern Valentine’s Day originated from a traditional German friendship card called the “Friendship Card.” friendship. Anyway, in the mid-19th century the custom became popular, especially in England, where people bought Valentine’s Day gifts designed by illustrators or decorated with collages or engravings. In 1910, Hallmark began selling Valentine’s Day postcards, setting the stage for today’s store-bought love letter landscape. More than a century later, some people have begun to embrace the practice of hand-making Valentine’s Day gifts, using a DIY approach to create them, turning them into a veritable labor of love.
In celebration of Valentine’s Day and the spirit of craftsmanship, Fashion Six of our favorite artists and creatives are invited to share their take on a classic Valentine’s Day. Below, see what they came up with.
Nina Grüninger, artist and designer
Photo: Courtesy of Nina Grüninger
Artist Nina Grüninger started making vintage ribbon cards in 2024, and since then they have become a favorite among fashion and creative people in London, where Grüninger lives.
“I think Valentine’s Day is the beginning of spring and you send a message to someone you love, which could be friends, family, or a partner,” she told me Fashion. “A card brings a surprise, unlike a gift. It’s something very personal and I think a lot of people are again feeling the need for something tangible that’s relevant to them. Clearly, I’m seeing a growing desire to go back to the original way of sending messages – letters and cards.”
