Valentine’s Day Cards
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Let me start off by saying that there is zero obligation to make or even give Valentine’s Day or Love Day Cards. This year I found myself looking an activity to occupy Poppy and I was craving an activity that would give me some quick satisfaction. If you have read other posts of mine, you know that I find joy from activities that have an end result that make me feel accomplished and proud – a “yes, we made that” type of activity. Contrary to the pleasure I get from finishing the tasks however can be stress for perfection while doing it… For me, this craft was overall freeform and minimal stress. But, as I said, if this stresses you out simplify it, do your own style of cards or don’t do any at all! I also did this craft over multiple days (which provided multiple sessions of toddler entertainment!).
I was inspired by an art Instagram account @andrea.nelson.art (she is one of my favorites) with the initial step and concept for my cards. I adapted her idea which was meant for canvas to be easily applied to a card. The cards are easily created with materials most big people with toddlers have around the house (and if not, that’s okay too – use what you have):
Construction or Printer Paper
Washable paints (I like to use Crayola Washable or Tempera Paints)
Paper plate (or another paint surface)
Paper Towel Roll or 2 Toilet Paper Rolls
Stapler
Scissors (a Paper cutter can also be helpful but not necessary)
Glue (stick or liquid)
Cut the paper towel/toilet paper rolls into approximately 1 inch round sections. Reshape the roll to look like a heart shape by pinching the bottom of one side and tucking the opposite side down. I placed one staple to secure the tucked end at the top of heart. This helped to maintain the shape so regardless of how Poppy held the “stamp” it maintained shape. Next, place newspaper down to protect the work surface. I decided to select white, pink, purple and red construction paper and Poppy selected many colors of paint. I’d recommend 1 heart “stamp” per paint color.
Place a small amount paint on paper plates with ample space between them. Place a “stamp” in each color. The next step was all Poppy – and I think this is really great for kiddos of all age! Stamp hearts on the paper. Let dry completely.
Here come some options! If you’ve had enough of this craft, stop here. Kiddos can draw a message on the back and “Happy Valentine’s Day” or any other message can be written as well. Keep the paper whole or cut it into smaller sections for more cards.
If folding cards are desired, cut 8.5″ x 11″ cardstock in half “hamburger style” – aka into 8.5″ by 5.5″ pieces. Fold these in half once, again “hamburger style”. Cut 4″ x 5″ rectangles out of the stamped heart paper. Glue this onto the front of the already folded cards.
Time for more creativity! Provide crayons, markers or even use more paint to decorate the inside of the cards. Poppy really enjoyed this part too and even “wrote messages” to everyone. Depending on ability, they can even sign their own names.
Once completely dry, I placed them in envelopes. (I keep all the extra envelopes from prior mailings like holiday cards or invitations for this purpose). Deliver by hand or in the mail for all to enjoy!
We ultimately made 12 cards because the stamped paper turned out great. 4 sheets of stamped construction paper worked well for 12 cards (each made from 1/2 sheet of 8.5″ x 11″ cardstock paper). Poppy made a list of those people she’d like to share her cards with which luckily for me coincided with the number we made.
Did you make Valentine’s Day or Love Day cards this year?
Let’s talk soon!
Al