Heartwarming projects your child can share with friends and family.
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Wave a Wand
These magical munchies are actually cookie sandwiches dressed up with edible glitter and served on a stick. Package them in clear bags with tags that say, “You’re one cute cookie.” To make them, sandwich white frosting and a lollipop stick between two small cookies, such as Lorna Doones. Freeze them for 10 minutes. Heat candy melts with 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil. Dip the cookies in halfway, then sprinkle on edible glitter (find it, plus the sticks and candy melts, at craft stores). Let them set on waxed paper overnight.
Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
Photograph by Levi Brown
String Them Along
Make simple sequined cards — such as our striped version — in batches to hand out to classmates, or get fancy with shapes and layers to dazzle a loved one. Begin with blank cards (or make your own from folded card stock). Add paper shapes and layers as desired. For the sequin-strand trim, draw guidelines, in pencil, place the trim on them, and cut it to the required length. Go over the lines with a tacky glue pen, then lay the trim over the glue. After the glue dries, write a message inside, such as “Shine on, valentine!” or “You dazzle me.”
Crafter’s Tip: To draw precise glue lines, we like Aleene’s Tacky Glue Pen (available at craft stores). A squeeze of regular tacky glue works, too; use a toothpick to help draw the lines.
Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
Photograph by Levi Brown
Release Some Shiny Sharks
These creatures (backed by clothespins for a fully functional Jaws effect) are sure to inspire toothy grins. Start by drawing the shark’s top and bottom halves as shown or tracing our template below on glitter card stock. Cut out the halves, then apply tacky glue along one side of a clothespin and adhere them. Place the shark on waxed paper to dry. When the glue is dry, slightly bend one tail section forward so that when the mouth opens, the tail parts smoothly pass one another. Glue on a sequin eye. Cut a paper heart (we used pinking shears to trim a “bite”), write your message, and glue the heart to a treat.
Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
Photograph by Levi Brown
Win It By a Neck
Turn friends into flashy dressers with these ties. On the back, write a message, such as “Look sharp, valentine!”
To start, lay strips of duct tape, slightly overlapping, onto the back side of half a yard of sparkly fabric (this makes about ten ties).
For the necktie, draw a 14-inch-long tie shape on the tape, adding a 1-inch tab to fold over the elastic. Cut out the tie. Knot a 24-inch length of elastic cord into a loop. Fold the tie’s tab over the cord and secure it on the back with duct tape.
For the bow tie, draw a 6 1/2- by 3-inch rectangle and a 1 1/2- by 1/2-inch rectangle on the tape side. Cut them out. Gather the larger rectangle at its center to form a bow, then wrap the smaller one around it and secure it with duct tape. Thread the bow onto a 24-inch length of elastic cord, then knot the ends.
Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
Photograph by Levi Brown
Offer a Cup of Kindness
Treat a teacher to a warm sip, a sweet sentiment — and a reusable cup cozy.
For the cozy, open a cardboard cup cozy at its seam, trace it on glitter felt, and cut it out (for a zigzag edge, use pinking shears). With tacky glue, adhere other felt shapes as desired. To add sequin-strand trim (available at fabric stores), draw guidelines in pencil, put the trim on top, and cut it to the right length. Trace the lines with a tacky glue pen (we used Aleene’s brand) or tacky glue and a toothpick, then lay the trim over the glue and let dry. Wrap the cozy around a heat-safe paper cup and pin the overlap. Remove the cozy, glue it along the overlap, and clamp it with clothespins until dry.
For the dunker, knot one end of a 7-inch length of baker’s twine. Thread it through a marshmallow with a plastic yarn needle wiped with vegetable oil. Tape a tag to the twine. Package the dunker and a cocoa pack with the cup.
Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
Photograph by Levi Brown
Shoot for the Stars
Set hearts soaring with this playful card: when the recipient blows through the straw, the rocket goes whoosh. To make one, you’ll need a wide-diameter straw (the type used for thick smoothies) and a standard-diameter straw. Trim a 6-inch length from the bigger straw, flatten one end, and tape it shut, then set it aside. Draw rocket shapes as shown (or print and trace our templates below) on the back of glitter card stock and cut along the lines. Tape the fin shapes and the larger straw to the rocket’s back and a heart to the front. Insert the smaller straw into the larger one. Tape a paper strip into a loop, write a message, and slide it on. To launch, the recipient removes the message and blows through the smaller straw.
Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
Photograph by Levi Brown
Do It By the Book
Help pals mark their place in their current read with this gift-and-card combo. To make one, start with
a 3 1/2- by 7-inch piece of patterned card stock and two 3 1/4- by 6 3/4-inch pieces of printer paper. Fold the pieces in half, then unfold and stack them with the card stock at the bottom. Staple at the fold lines to form a booklet. Adhere a piece of colored tape along the spine. Next, make the bookmark by threading a colored paper clip through the center of a glitter pom-pom. Cut a paper heart and write a message as shown. Attach the heart and clip to the book.
Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
Photograph by Levi Brown
Share an Umbrella
Pretty up a paper parasol to top a sweet treat (or to slip into an envelope). To create one, brush a thin coat of white nontoxic glue onto an opened drink parasol (available at party stores), then roll it gently in fine edible glitter. Let it dry. Write a message on a folded strip of paper, then secure it around the pick, using a glue stick.
Crafter’s Tip: To minimize mess, spread the glitter in a baking pan lined with waxed paper. Afterward, use the paper to funnel the glitter back into its jar (do this over the pan).
Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
Photograph by Alexandra Grablewski
Have a Heart
Here’s a creative project where a little waiting has a big payoff: kids use colored glue to create glasslike suncatchers that really shine. To make one, soak a length of yarn in a solution of equal parts white glue and water. Shake off any excess, then shape the yarn into a heart on waxed paper. Repeat to make a smaller heart inside the first one, if you like. Let the yarn dry (1 to 2 days); do not remove it from the waxed paper. Tint mini bottles of white glue with a few drops of paint. Fill the heart with a thin layer of glue. Let the glue dry (1 to 2 days). After it has dried, peel the heart from the paper, then use a hole punch and string to hang it.
Take It Further: To create a marbled effect, swirl two colors together when filling the heart with glue.
Originally published in the February 2015 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
Photograph By Lucy Schaefer; Ideas by Melissa Jenkins and Kelly Ladd Sanchez
Valentine’s Garlands
Pick one of these gorgeous garlands (or all three!) to spruce up your space for the holiday.
1. Suit and Tie: Old playing cards and ribbon trimming give this strand homespun appeal. Using playing cards in the suit of hearts, punch two holes in the top of each and thread them onto ribbon. Embellish the garland by tying on short lengths of ribbon.
2. Hearts on a String: A single running stitch sews these lovely hearts together forever. Cut felt hearts (ours are 3 inches across), then use a needle to thread them on embroidery floss one after another, leaving space between.
3. Hugs and Kisses: Paper doilies get snipped and folded for this airy and delicate lace look. To make an X, accordion-fold two same-size doilies. Cinch them together and staple them at the center. For an O, cut out the center of a doily along the edge of its inner circle. Thread the letters onto a length of heavy string.
Originally published in the February 2014 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
Valentine’s Day Felt Hearts Garland Craft
Photograph By Lucy Schaefer; Idea by Heather Greenwood
Circle of Love
Pretty paper and glue dots are all you need to make a heartwarming wreath to hang anywhere that needs a little love. Cut a sheet of double-sided scrapbook paper (ours is a 12-inch square) into 1-inch-wide strips. Make five hearts as follows: Fold a paper strip in half, sandwiching two glue dots about an inch down from the fold to create the top of the heart. Bend the loose ends away from the center and use two more dots to join them at the point. Next, make the two hearts that anchor the hanging ribbon. Sandwich one end of a 12-inch-long ribbon in the center fold of one heart, then form the heart’s point. Secure the other end of the ribbon in a second heart. Use glue dots to adhere the sides of the seven hearts in a circle, as shown.
Originally published in the February 2014 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
Valentine’s Day Heart Wreath Craft
Photograph By Lucy Schaefer; Idea by Emilie Ahern of pluckymomo.blogspot.com
Little Sippers
Adding a decorative tag to a crazy straw turns a classic kid fave into a token of affection. Cut two concentric circle or heart shapes as shown (our smallest shapes were 2 3/4 inches across) from pieces of card stock, then use a glue stick to adhere them. with marker, add a message, such as “Crazy 4 U” or “Cheers to You, Valentine,” then punch two holes into the tag and slide it onto a crazy straw.
Originally published in the February 2014 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
Photograph By Lucy Schaefer
The Write Stuff
This cute pairing of pencil and pad makes a fitting gift for a school friend or teacher. For each set, use colored card stock and a glue stick to decorate the front of a small notepad. From a piece of card stock, cut an arrow tail with a 3/4-inch tab extending off the front, then add lines with marker. Using decorative or washi tape (found at craft or stationery stores), secure the feather to a mini pencil, wrapping the tape first around the tab, then covering the rest of the pencil. If you like, add a greeting to the first page of the notebook, such as “You’re all write, valentine” or “There are no words to de-scribe you!” Slide the pencil into the spiral binding of the notebook to keep the set together for giving.
Originally published in the February 2014 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
Photograph By Lucy Schaefer
The Eyes Have It
Look no further for a funny valentine! Oodles of chocolaty eyes make this card’s sentiment extra sweet. Use glue dots to attach 3/4-inch googly eyes to the base of chocolate kisses. Put them, along with a few plain kisses, in a 4-inch-wide clear treat bag (available at craft stores) and staple or tape the bag closed. Cut a 4- by 4 3/4-inch rectangle from card stock. Fold it in half widthwise and use a marker to write “I’ve got for you” on one side, leaving space for a pair of googly eyes as shown. Attach eyes to the label, sandwich the top of the bag inside, then secure it with tape or staples.
Originally published in the February 2014 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
Photograph By Lucy Schaefer
Friendly Ties
Your child can personalize each braided bracelet with a classmate’s favorite colors. Use embroidery floss to braid several bracelets, knotting the ends of each completed strand. Print our tags (find them at familyfunmag.com/printables) on a sheet of card stock and cut them out. Punch holes in the sides of each tag and thread a bracelet through as shown.
Originally published in the February 2014 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
Photograph By Lucy Schaefer
Open Your Heart
This pop-up card — perfect for a grandparent or best friend — features a moving center that expands in a fluttery motion as it’s opened. First make a paper heart by folding a 3 1/2-inch square of craft paper in half and cutting half a heart shape along the fold. Use this heart as a template to create a second. Fold a 5 1/2- by 8-inch paper rectangle in half widthwise. Trace the heart once more along the center of the fold. Cut out the shape, leaving a small portion on each side intact. Make a crease along the uncut portion by folding it. Open the card so that it’s flat, and push out the heart. Run a glue stick along the card’s edges and mount it to a larger piece of card stock. Trim the card stock to form a border as shown. Use more glue to attach one of your paper hearts to the pop-out heart. Add a message, such as “This heart beats for you” or “My heart’s set on you.” Fold the card closed and attach the remaining paper heart to the front.
Originally published in the February 2014 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
Valentine’s Day Heart Pop-up Card
Photograph By Lucy Schaefer
Game Lover’s Greeting
M&M’s serve as a sweet stand-in for X’s and O’s in this packaged card-and-game combo. (For a sugar-free version, use buttons instead of candy.) Trim card stock into a 4- by 6-inch rectangle. Use a marker to draw a tic-tac-toe board in the center and add a message at the top, such as “U R A winner” or “I’m game to be your friend!” Slide the card into a 4- by 9-inch clear treat bag (available at craft stores). Add several M&M’s, providing an equal number of two colors. Fold the top of the bag behind the card and seal it with tape.
Originally published in the February 2014 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
Photograph By Alexandra Grablewski
Special Deliveries
Start a new tradition with these chair-back envelopes. Set them out a week before Valentine’s Day, then let your family swap notes, drawings, and other tokens of affection.
1. Print and assemble our envelope template from familyfunmag.com/printables. Cut the shape from felt as directed on the template. Lay out the felt piece with the cropped point at the bottom.
2. Fold in both sides so that the points meet. Fold in the bottom and top flaps where shown on the photo to overlap the side flaps about 1/3 inch. With an iron set on cool, press the folds.
3. Unfold the top and bottom flaps. Run fabric glue along the two edges of the bottom flap, and fold it back in place. Let the glue dry.
4. On the back of the envelope, cut two slits along the top fold and two about four inches below. Insert two yard-long pieces of ribbon.
5. Add adhesive-backed felt letters (available at craft stores) and glue on a felt heart. Tie the envelope to the back of a chair.
Originally published in the February 2014 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
Photograph by Alexandra Grablewski
Your Biggest Fan
These fan-tastically clever valentines are ideal for extra-special recipients: parents, teachers, and best friends.
To make this craft, download the fan template below and see the next slide for instructions.
Photograph by Alexandra Grablewski
How to make it
Fold an 8 1/2 – by 11-inch sheet of paper in half lengthwise, trace the template shape onto it, and cut it out. Unfold the paper, then accordion-fold it lengthwise, with each fold about 1/2- to 3/4-inch wide. Staple through the center of the folded paper. Glue a craft stick to either side of the staple on the longer side of the folded fan.
When the glue is dry, open the fan by bringing the sticks together. Glue together the two flaps at the top of the heart. Write a message on a slip of paper, then glue it to the handle of the fan. Keep the fan closed with a tiny rubber band.
Suggested messages:
I’m your biggest fan!
You’re fan-tastic!
Valentine’s Day Heart Fan Craft
Photograph by Alexandra Grablewski
Sweet Mice
Made of two chocolate Hershey’s Kisses and a heart-shaped set of ears, these tiny critters are almost too cute to eat.
Download and print the ear and foot templates below. Cut the shapes from card stock. Remove the paper flags from two Hershey’s Kisses. Fold the feet where shown on the template, then use tacky glue to sandwich the feet and ears between the Kisses. Glue a 4-inch length of gray yarn to the underside of the back Kiss. Add googly eyes. Attach the mouse to a cheese-shaped piece of card stock with a glue dot, then write a note.
Suggested messages:
Mice to know you!
You’re really mice!
Sweet Mice
Photograph by Alexandra Grablewski
Make Time for Friends
This simple craft can be worn just like a real watch — until you get hungry, that is! Cut a strip
of card stock about 6 1/2 inches long and 3/4 inch wide. Cut one end into a point and punch three staples into the other end. Fold in the wrapper ends of a Life Savers mint behind the candy and tape them in place. Use a permanent marker to draw a clock face on the front of the wrapper. Attach the candy to the paper strip with a glue dot. Add a message. To wear the watch, slide the paper’s pointed end under a staple.
Suggested messages:
It’s time for candy!
Happy Valen-time’s Day.
Watch out: I like you!
Valen-timepiece
Photograph by Alexandra Grablewski
Catch of the Day
Kids can tell pals how they feel with the help of a school of Swedish Fish. Cut blue card stock into a trapezoid with a wavy top (download our template below). Write a message on the card stock and place it in a 5- by 11 1/2-inch cellophane candy bag with a few Swedish Fish. Seal the bag with a twist tie. Trim the top of the bag with scissors, if needed.
Suggested messages:
I’m glad you’re in my school.
It’s ofFISHial — you’re awesome!
I fish you were mine.
Photograph by Alexandra Grablewski
Have a Ball
This sugar-free card incorporates a bouncy ball for extra fun. Cut a large heart out of black or dark blue card stock. Use a craft knife (adults only) to cut a circle that’s slightly smaller than the ball. (Tip: Make holes in scrap paper until you get the right size for your ball, then use that hole as a template.) Add stars and planets and your message with a gel pen. Insert the ball; it should fit tightly and stay in place.
Suggested messages:
You’re out of this world, Valentine.
You’re a star!
I’ve searched the galaxy for a friend like you.
Have-a-Ball Valentine’s Day Heart Card
Photograph by Alexandra Grablewski
Sign of Affection
Give this card a hand: it says “I love you” in sign language. Trace a hand on card stock. Cut it out, then fold over the two middle fingers and secure them with tacky glue. Write “I love you” on the hand and glue it to a blank card.
Sign Language Valentine’s Day Card
Mark Mantegna
Valentines With A-Peel
From a reader:
“My daughter, Lydia, age 10, and I decided to make hand-printed cards for Valentine’s Day. For the stamp, I cut an apple in half and trimmed the edges so that it looked like a heart. We stamped the cards with red paint, then added seeds, a stem, and a sweet message.”
Pam Cox JutteCharleston, SC
From a reader:
“Every year, I make a special collection container for my daughter’s classroom valentines. One year, she asked if we could create a giant cupcake. For the liner, I folded card stock into accordion pleats and glued it to the outside of a flowerpot. For the cupcake itself, I hot-glued faux rose petals to the outside of a hat and glued on paper-heart sprinkles. Finally, I cut an opening in the top so that kids could insert their valentines. It was a hit at the party!”
Pam EarlsConway, MO
Originally published in the February 2013 issue of FamilyFun magazine.
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Adorable Valentine’s Day Crafts & Snacks
Your kiddos will love crafting and eating these love filled projects. more Begin Slideshow