Love Me Tender Valentine Print Trio: Three 5×7 Prints to Make

Picture three 5×7 prints lined up on a mantel, each with a soft patterned background and a sweet “Love Me Tender” message in the middle. Together they make an easy Valentine display. You can keep all three in one color or mix a different colorway for each.

The idea is a trio inspired by the Elvis Presley classic of the same title. Each print has its own colorway, so the set suits whatever palette your home already has. You can build the set yourself in any design app, or even by hand.

The Design

The trio works because the three prints share a layout and differ only in color. Here is a simple plan to follow.

• Size: 5×7 inches, upright, so the prints fit standard frames.
• Background: a repeating pattern such as small hearts, dots, stripes or scallops, in a pale tint of your main color.
• Message: the words “Love Me Tender” in the center, set in a bold script or a rounded letter style. Add a short second line like “Valentine’s Day” in a plainer font if you like.
• Border: a thin line or a narrow band of pattern about 1/4 inch from the edge keeps the design neat after trimming.

For the three colorways, try one set of classic Valentine colors such as red and pink, one cooler option such as aqua and navy, and one softer choice such as coral and cream. If you want a matched set instead, use one palette for all three and change only the pattern.

How to Make Your Own

1. Open a design app or word processor and create a blank page at 5×7 inches.
2. Fill the page with your pattern. Use a repeating shape so there are no awkward gaps at the edges.
3. Place the words in the middle. Leave generous space around the text so it reads clearly from across a room.
4. Duplicate the page twice and change the colors on each copy. Keep the lettering the same so the three look like a family.
5. Print on heavy matte paper or cardstock. If your printer can’t take 5×7 stock, print on letter-size paper and trim with a paper cutter.
6. Trim along the border, using a ruler and a craft knife for crisp edges. Ask an adult to handle the blade if kids are helping.

If you prefer to work by hand, pencil in the text lightly first, then trace over it with a marker. Stamps or sponge-painted hearts make a good background.

Ways to Use the Trio

• Frame them: set the three in matching frames on a shelf, mantel or sideboard. White frames let the colors stand out.
• String them up: clip them to twine with mini clothespins for a banner across a window or doorway.
• Dress up a party table: prop them against flowers or a cake stand at a Valentine gathering.
• Give them as a gift: slip one into a frame for a friend, a teacher or a neighbor.
• Use them as a backdrop: mount them on a bulletin board or a gallery wall with other Valentine decor.

These prints suit a pillow, banner or card project too. You could cut shapes from the patterned backgrounds and use them for gift tags or garlands, and the leftover scraps are handy for card toppers.

For the best results, keep the prints out of direct sun so the colors don’t fade. Store them flat in a folder between holidays, and they will be ready to use again next February.