Valentine's Day with the MCAD Printshop | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Valentine's Day with the MCAD Printshop

By Kevin Vigneur on February 12, 2023
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Valentine printed cards that say "Etched in Stone for You"

While the temperatures of Minnesota's winter slowly rise, we can warm ourselves up with Valentine’s Day! Chocolate and loved ones make truly the best combination. Cards and notes are a staple of the holiday as well, and for an extra special gift, the MCAD Printshop hosts their very own annual card making event. The event was split up into two different days: first, a papermaking workshop, and then screenprinting on the handmade paper a week later. Finally, make the finishing touches with the Printshop's vintage stamp collection.

People chatting in the printshop

Screens prepped for printing

People getting ready to print

Screenprinting beginners and experts alike are welcome to come to the Printshop and make their own cards based on chosen designs. For those who missed the papermaking workshop, they provided some extra pieces of normal and crafted paper. If you’re a screenprinting beginner, don’t worry—the Printshop provides instructors for each screen to personally teach you how to make your own handcrafted cards.

Screens prepped for printing

Person screenprinting

People screenprinting

While waiting for the screens to clear and prints to dry, I asked fellow students some quick questions.

What's something you like—or love—about Valentine’s Day?

Eli Purdy: “For me, it’s about reestablishing friendships. A lot of the time I would do Valentines for my friends, and we would do them for each other, it's a nice memory.

Natalie Vilter: “I'm just a huge chocolate junkie, so I just treat myself to a bunch of chocolate and that’s about it.”

Any favorite Valentine’s memories?

EP: “It’s a bit of a repetitive one, but back in high school I used to put flowers on my friends' lockers and that was fun. I enjoyed doing that.”

NV: “It’s nice to just take a day and relax and eat a bunch of chocolate.”

What's your favorite Valentine’s Day candy?

EP: “Hmm… even though they are a little controversial, I like the conversation hearts.”

NV: “I like really dark dark chocolate, like it has to be over 70%, preferably like 80 or something.”

Eli Purdy holding their cards
Eli Purdy presents their creation...

Natalie vitter with their cards
...and Natlie Vilter with theirs!

Once screenprints are dry, students can check out the Printshop to make their card, to truly customize them for those special people in our lives. Once you’re finished, take your handmade card and grab some candy on the way out. Stay warm MCAD, and let the love flow!

the printshop's vintage stamps