A white mug saying BFF, a checkered journal with a pink heart, and a valentine card with stenciled "abigail + Jordan" painted on, all on a pink background
Tags
Valentine's Day Stencils Stencil Tools Stencil Decor Paint Sets Mug Martha Stewart Holidays Gifts Gift Giving For Him For Her Acrylic Paint

Make Valentine's Day personal with custom stenciled gifts. Create a monogrammed mug, hand-lettered cards, and a decorated journal using Martha Stewart stencils and paints. These handmade touches turn simple items into keepsakes they'll actually love!

Add items to cart
Add items to cart

Other Things You'll Need

  • Ceramic mug
  • Notebook or journal (kraft/brown cover)
  • Low tack stencil tape
  • Rubbing alcohol and paper towel (for mug prep)

Instructions:

Project 1: BFF Monogram Mug

  1. Prep the mug. Clean the mug surface with rubbing alcohol and a paper towel. Let dry completely.
  2. Position stencils. Use the Valentine Alphabet stencils to spell out "BFF" or initials. Secure each letter to the mug with low tack stencil tape. Refer to the photo for placement.
  3. Stencil the letters. Using a stencil brush, dab red paint through the stencil with a pouncing motion. Remove the stencil carefully and let dry.
  4. Cure the paint. Let dry for 24 hours, then bake according to paint instructions (typically 350°F for 30 minutes) to make it dishwasher-safe.

Project 2: Decorated Heart Journal

  1. Cut cardstock. Cut watercolor paper from the pad to your desired card size using scissors.
  2. Create background design. Using a small square stencil or painter's tape, create a checkered grid pattern with gold or metallic paint. Let dry. Refer to the photo for placement.
  3. Add heart. Stencil or hand-paint a large pink heart in the center of the card. Add a dotted outline around the heart using red paint and a small brush or dotting tool. Refer to the photo for placement.

Project 3: Personalized Valentine Card

  1. Position name stencils. Arrange alphabet stencils on the journal cover to spell out names like "ABIGAIL" and "JORDAN" with a plus sign or heart between them. Secure with low tack stencil tape. Refer to the photo for placement.
  2. Stencil the design. Dab red paint through the letter stencils using a pouncing motion. Add gold/metallic paint for accent elements like the plus sign or decorative shapes. Refer to the photo for placement.
  3. Remove and dry. Carefully peel away stencils and let the journal dry for 24-72 hours before using.

Pro Tip: When stenciling on curved surfaces like mugs, work slowly and hold the stencil firmly in place to prevent the paint from bleeding underneath.