2026 Valentine Challenge
Submissions are now closed!
This year, professional stationers, longtime fans, and creative newcomers explored what's possible when custom printing, laser cutting, and hand-crafted details come together.
We received incredible entries featuring pop-up cards, laser-cut lace, hand-illustrated artwork, vintage touches, custom-shaped envelopes, and layers upon layers of creative details. Thank you to everyone who submitted their most beautifully crafted valentines!
Stay tuned... winners will be announced on February 14.
The Prizes
Featured in our 2026 Valentine Showcase
8 designs will be selected, printed professionally by us, photographed beautifully, and featured across our social media, website, and marketing materials.
Valentine Box Sets
Each winner receives:
• 10 copies of their own winning valentine design (professionally printed by us) in a personalized box set
• A keepsake collection featuring one of each 2026 winning entry
$500 Cash Bonus Prize
Among entries featuring 100% hand-illustrated original artwork and lettering, we’ll select the best design to receive $500 cash. This prize celebrates the art of hand-crafted lettering and illustration.
How It Works:
1. Submit your design files and mockup
2. If selected, our team will work with you on production details
3. We will produce it using C&P materials and photograph it for the showcase
What We’re Looking For
Show us valentines that make hearts skip a beat. We love intricate laser-cut details, custom-shaped and printed envelopes, envelope liners, layers, vintage elements, pop-up features, and original artwork. Use any combination of our products in your design concept.
How to enter: Submit your design files (for cards, envelopes, laser-cut elements, etc.) along with a mockup image or assembly instructions showing how the pieces work together. If your design wins, we'll handle the printing and production!
Design specifications:
✅ Valentine card size: 3.5” x 3.5” minimum, 4.5” x 6.25” maximum
✅ Envelope size: 3.5” x 3.5” minimum, 4.75” x 6.5” (A6) maximum
✅ Custom shapes, laser-cut elements, and printed envelopes all welcome
What we won’t accept:
⛔️ AI-generated designs or elements, including AI inspiration or drafting
⛔️ Premade templates or complete designs purchased from third-party websites (except vintage Public Domain valentines that you’ve enhanced in an original way)
⛔️ Designs without proper licensing for fonts, graphics, or artwork used
We want original ideas and artwork only!
Questions? Need guidance on file preparation or cut files? Have questions about the contest? Email us at info@cardsandpockets.com or send us a message from our Contact Page. We’re here to help!
Important Dates
Submissions open
January 15, 2026
Submissions deadline
January 28, 2026 at 11:59pm EST
Winners Announced
February 14, 2026
Want to see who won last year?
Check out last year’s winning designs from our 2025 Valentine Challenge to see the incredible creativity from our community.