Bee a Little Punny, Valentine’s Day Card

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and thoughts of chocolate, roses, and heart-shaped cards are in the air. Joanne Groff is doing a guest post today, and she is teaching us how to create this, “Bee a Little Punny,” Valentine’s Day card. Clear the table, pull out your pens, and set up your watercolors for a dive into your creative side. Trust me, it will BEE fun! 🐝

Meet Joanne

Joanne is a friend of mine and an amazing artist. I am always inspired by her creativity. You can find many of her fun, easy-to-follow tutorials on her website joannegroff.com. You can also check out her Instagram at PaintedPen. To purchase some of her products, visit her website or her Etsy shop. Joanne sells fantastic thank you cards, beautifully designed blank cards, stickers, and even has a font available for purchase.

So without further ado here is Joanne…

Joanne Groff’s Guest Post:

Let’s have a little pun with this valentine. We’ll draw a bee hive, add a pop of color or two and finish it with a little valentine pun.

A New Perspective

For many years, I didn’t really celebrate Valentine’s Day. When I was younger, it was an excuse to make a special box, get cards, and hopefully score a few treats. 

But as I got older, it felt a little forced. I’d rather be surprised on any random day than have another day when people feel obligated to give something to me or worse … a day where I expect something only to be disappointed. Ouch!

Then, I had children, and the joy of celebrating family, love, and togetherness took on a whole new meaning. Traditions became something to anticipate. And my kids helped me see that it can be silly and fun rather than serious and sappy. 

Plus … another reason to spoil my kids? Sure! Let’s do it! 

Now we give each other valentines every year. Sometimes there are treats, sometimes they’re punny but they’re always meaningful and fun. 

Tutorial

In honor of this new perspective on Valentine’s Day, our tutorial will leave room to be a little punny. My husband is an amateur beekeeper, so we’ll pull that flavor in too. 

Ready to get started? 

Suppilies:

Gather a few supplies.

• Basic calligraphy supplies with Ziller Soot Black Ink
• Basic Watercolor supplies 
• Winsor & Newton Cotman Sketcher’s Pocket Box

Paint Blue Sky

Using a large brush, paint some wispy, blue sky. Play with the edges until it’s the way you want it. 

Hint: As long as the edges are wet, you can add to them or change them and it will all blend together. 

Let it dry completely.

Next, add a little bee pun to the valentine. I used, “You’re sweet.” 

Bee Pun Ideas

Here are some other bee pun possibilities for valentines. Use one of mine or come up with your own. 

Sketch a Beehive

Now you can sketch a beehive with the top of the hive in your blue sky. 

I like to sketch lightly with a pencil first, so I can erase if I need to. 

Here is a breakdown of a beehive for your drawing.

When you have it sketched to your satisfaction, trace over the lines with a calligraphy pen. 

Hint: You can use a waterproof marker like a micron pen. I like drawing with a calligraphy pen because it allows me to naturally vary thick and thin strokes, giving the drawing a little more dimension. 

When the ink is completely dry, erase the pencil lines. 

Hint: Some inks take a long time to dry. Ziller ink dries really quickly. 

Adding some Bees

Finally, dip a small brush in a honey-colored paint (a light brown or ochre color). Then, lightly tap the brush on your finger to create a little splatter. Doesn’t it look like extra bees buzzing around?

And you’re finished! 

Now, you can try it with another bee pun. 

Video Tutorial

Creating small pieces of art like this can give you a mental refresh. I hope you found one today. 

Enjoy the process,

If you would like some more Valentine’s inspiration from Joanne, check out her latest post, 5 Heart Drawings to Mix and Match for Valentine’s Day Cards.

The Benefits of Creativity

I (Holly) love exploring my creative side; even if my finished product is far from excellent, I find I benefit from the process. If you wonder why you should bother tapping into your inner artist, check out this post by, The Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago, IL., Seven Ways We Benefit From Creativity. Now that we have learned how to create this unBEElievable card 😆 , you too can begin to explore your creative side.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day

Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? Like Joanne mentioned, the sentiment of Valentine’s day changes as we grow older. As adults Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be just about significant others. It can be about showing those around us we love and care about them. A card to your child, parent, or shut-in neighbor is an act of kindness. With Covid still looming, I guarantee a friend or family member would love a handmade valentine from you this year!

And don’t forget a little self-love 🥰. Check out these other posts and be inspired to do something nice for yourself this Valentine’s Day. May I suggest spending some time creating your 100 Dreams list or making yourself a delicious Oatmilk Vanilla Latte? Whatever you choose, don’t forget to take a moment to be kind to yourself this Valentine’s Day.

There are so many ways to break average today! Go be amazing and live the life you dream about!

Leave a comment

I would love to know how your Valentine’s Day cards turned out or if you have an inspiring Valentine’s Day tradition? Share in the comment box below!