By Steph Hung

A valentine is my favourite way to tell someone I’m thinking of them:  a sweet gesture in a little note.  This year my cards were inspired by tea parties – of the Indian variety.

Stamped with a traditional wood block and packaged with the ingredients to make a unique brew, this valentine celebrates the moments shared with a loved one.

Materials you will need:  notecards, envelopes, wood block stamp (I bought mine here), printing ink, brayer, and scissors.

Step 1:  Spread ink with the brayer and roll onto the wood block.

Step 2:  Place an envelope onto scrap paper, with a cloth or dishtowel laid underneath as padding.

Step 3:  Stamp the wood block onto the envelope with firm and even pressure.

Step 4:  Cut notecards into elephant shapes.  Poke holes for the eyes and cut around the ears.

Materials you will need to fill the valentines:  individual black tea bags, cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom pods, peppercorns, and allspice berries.

Step 5:  In each envelope include a notecard, tea bag, cinnamon stick, and a few pieces of each spice.

Step 6:  Seal the valentines and hand out to your sweethearts.

To drink:  steep the tea ingredients in boiling water for 3-5 minutes.  Remove all the bits, add milk (if you like), and enjoy.  Nothing warms the heart and conjures fond memories like a cup of tea with hints of spice.