The legends of Valentines

The year was 269 AD. and just over a year ago the Emperor, Claudius the Cruel had passed a decree, his war campaigns desperately needed more soldiers, battles raged on many fronts, Claudius had decided in his infinite wisdom that married or engaged men had no stomach for war and so he simply outlawed all marriage and engagements.

Some months earlier Juliet, her betrothed and the priest had met in secret, the priest performed the now outlawed marriage ceremony as he had done for so many other couples, although Juliet's new husband would still have to go to war, it was the happiest day of her life.

However, the secret ceremonies would not stay a secret for long, word soon reached the Emperors ears and he order that the priest be executed.

Now the priest sat alone contemplating his fate, Juliet would visit him each night in an attempt to raise his spirits, on his final night they said their good-byes, the priest slipped Juliet a note, the note thanked her for her kindness and was signed 'from your Valentine'

The priest Valentine was put to death the next day February 14th.

Historians can't actually decide on the origins of Valentines day, there are many conflicting stories such as a way to outlaw pagan festivals. Or in medieval times the names of English maidens and bachelors were drawn in pairs. The girl became the man's valentine for that year.

As for Saint Valentine, the Catholic Church recognises at least three different saints of the same name, all of whom were martyred.

Modern Valentines customs probably stem from the middle ages, the popular belief being that on 14th February, the birds began to pair, the day was looked upon as special for lovers and as an occasion for writing love letters and sending gifts.

Inspiration

	Draw a wavy line using Tulip paint from top to bottom, add confetti hearts (stick using fast tack glue) The two roses have been mounted over Old script printed paper. The paper being stuck with uhu stic, the roses with fast tack.
	Gold Champagne vellum has been fixed using four peel off sticker hearts, these have been coloured red using an Identi pen. The large felt heart in the middle is a self adhesive Jolee sticker.
	The kite was made from printed Mulberry paper, the large heart was from Jolee stickers Felt hearts pack. The tail was made using Tulip paint and confetti hearts stuck using fast tack glue.
	Silver star mirror board has been fixed using Uhu stic. The three hearts are peel off stickers coloured using Identi pen. Red Tulip paint was used to add the boarder which was then sprinkled with red glitter.
	Three heart shapes were punched from the bottom of the card. Frayed printed mulberry paper was then stuck using Uhu stick.

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