A clean, graphic Valentine card inspired by modern art
Short process video: https://youtu.be/WYXJXQg3lwM
The sculpture and original art are by Robert Indiana. This piece started its public life as a Christmas card sold by the NYC Museum of Modern Art beginning in 1965. The first sculptural version dates to 1970, was made in aluminum, and is on display at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. If it looks familiar to you even though you don’t go to art museums much, it was also a US stamp. (8 cents – probably 1971-1974) There are versions all over the world and in multiple languages. “Amor” is on display in Washington DC, Milan Italy, and Philadelphia PA. “Ahava” is on display at the Israel Museum Art Garden in Jerusalem.
The typeface is “Didone” but any serif alpha will be close. A serif is the little thick bit attached to the end of a letter. The font that is used in this description box is a sans serif font. Most newspapers and magazines use serif fonts in the body of articles, since most people find it easier to read. (Recent research, however, suggests that dyslexic readers have better comprehension with sans serif fonts.)
Instructions: Cut the letters using two different dies, 10 of each letter per die. Stack those up, gluing the letters together, then use acrylic paint on the edges – first white, then metallic gold. Layer one more letter on the top after painting. Arrange letters on blue and green background (to mimic the most common color pattern used on the sculptures) then adhere to card front. Background can be made using ink direct-to-paper or acrylic paint swiping.
Dies:
Sizzix Nostalgic #664724
$54.99 https://amzn.to/425uJAe
Pinkfresh Julieta Alpha #218523
$24.99 https://www.scrapbook.com/store/pfs-218523.html
Fall 2023 free with order at Scrapbook .com, so check your stash
Embossing folder
Sizzix Tim Holtz Mosaic #666156
$13.56 https://amzn.to/48YIa7i
Love cards are still available from the Indianapolis museum, 20 cards for $22.50
Prices are current as of the day I typed this out (obvs.) Amazon links (if any) are affiliate, others are not. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Or I would, theoretically, if anyone ever followed a link and bought something, which I guess might happen someday.
Papercraft Crystal 