DIY: Old Valentine — Inspiration Bright Star

Inspired by the movie Bright Star

& lovers Fanny Brawne and John Keats

Looking at Jane Campion's dreamy pictures at Anthropologist I was fascinated by the very origami like old Valentine. The one from poet John Keats to Fanny Brawne where he debates giving her kisses or whippings.

After a few attempts, using the unfolded letter image as a guide, it formed the little box that opens in a petal like fashion. Things of course would have been a lot easier had I known these little treats are actually called puzzle purses and were popular during the envelope-less 18th century (the Keats / Fanny love affair was 1818 to his death in 1821). Now that I do, this will help me show you how to create one (or many) of your own. See the folding directions here and here and be sure to use light weight paper in the shape of a square. Everything else it totally up to you!

Video Showing How The Puzzle Purse is Folded:


A copy of an actual John Keats love letter to Fanny & the old valentine I created

"I love you the more in that I believe you had liked me for my own sake and for nothing else." —John Keats

Wouldn't these be perfect as invitations and unique place cards as well?

Image: MAM for GaveThat | Copy of John Keats letter from An Anthology of Passion | Movie Still © Apparition