Hallmark is great, drugstore cheapies have a certain allure, but there’s no beating the heart of a hand-crafted Valentine. Here are a few fun ideas to try with the kids, young and old.
Free-Form Striped Heart
Making this heart-shaped image is self-explanatory, but kids will love adding personal flair to their heart design…and they just LOVE tape.
You will need
- 5 strips decorative tape in different patterns but within the same color family, each 3½”
- 1 white folded note card, 4¼” x 5½”
- 1 piece wax paper at least 4¼” x 5½”
- bone folder
- scissors
- rubber stamp of heart (optional)
- permanent black ink pad (optional)
Instructions
- Lay one strip of decorative tape approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the top of the wax paper. Continue with each of the different patterns of tape, making sure each strip slightly overlaps the strip before. Use a bone folder to add pressure to secure the tape where it overlaps the next layer.
- Cut out the shape of a heart.
- Carefully peel the layers of tape starting from the top down. The heart shape should come off as one piece— so efficient!
- Apply the heart to the folded card.
Tip: Wax Paper Is Transparent
If you are unsure about cutting out a heart shape, you can trace a heart by laying the wax paper over a printed or rubber-stamped heart. You can also rubber stamp a heart directly onto the wax paper if you use a permanent (solvent-based) ink.
Knotted Hearts
A couple of loops tied together creates a heart, a unique embellishment to add to the card for someone you love.
You will need
- 3 strands mizuhiki cords in red, blue, and sparkling black
- double-sided tape
- 1 sheet decorative card stock, 4½ x 4½ inches or similarly sized piece of child’s art
- 1 navy blue folded note card, 5½ x 5½ inches
- adhesive
- scissors
Instructions
- Cut the red mizuhiki paper cord into two 10-inch (25.4 cm) segments. Cut the blue cord into two 8-inch (20 cm) segments and cut the sparkling black cord into two 6-inch (15.2 cm) segments. Tie each end in a single knot.
- Gather the two ends of one cord and create a loop. Repeat with the second cord in the same color and adhere with a thin piece of double-sided tape, forming a heart shape. It looks best if the ends of the cord are not the same length.
- Repeat for the next two colors of cord.
- Layer the three hearts in graduating sizes, with the largest heart at the bottom. Wrap the base of the three hearts together with a thin strip of double-sided adhesive tape.
- Cover the tape by wrapping with the sparkling black cord five or six times.
- Tuck in the ends and trim with scissors.
- Adhere the decorative card stock or your child’s art to the folded notecard and glue the knotted hearts to the card.
Judi Watanabe’s love for cardmaking started as soon as she was tall enough to reach the mailbox. Together with her husband, Rob, she grew JudiKins Rubber Stamps from a small business in their garage in 1989 to one of the most innovative craft product manufacturers in the industry today. www.quartous.com
Around Town DIY Opps
If when it comes to being crafty, your heart is in the right place…but your place isn’t the right spot to help little ones create their expressions of affection (for lack of supplies or guidance), here are a few opportunities around OC to bring the kids to get their glue-gun, lace doily and colored-paper fix.
Valentine HeARTS and Crafts
Thursday February 11
Valentine’s Day is just days away. Does your child want to make you something special for V-Day? Bring them to this afternoon “HeARTS” session where they can create a sweet, heart-felt creation to share now or on Valentine’s Day. No registration is required for this craft-time, which is for children in kindergarten through 3rd grade. Youngsters must be accompanied by an adult.
Newport Beach Central Library Children’s Room | 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach
949-717-3800 | newportbeachlibrary.org
Valentine’s Day Stories And Crafts
Saturday February 13
Valentine’s Day is just hours away and if you are still looking for a special holiday gift, you might want to stop by the Placentia Library. They will be having a Valentine’s craft time where you can create a unique, handmade present. While you are at the library, you can also enjoy a story-time inspired by this holiday that celebrates love.
Placentia Library | 411 E. Chapman Ave., Placentia
714-528-1906 | www.placentialibrary.org
Valentine’s Day Storytime and Party
Sunday February 14
Spend a lovely afternoon at this bookstore celebrating the holiday of love. Come listen to stories about being a great friend. You can also do some Valentine-themed crafts as well as enjoy some tasty snacks. This holiday party is aimed for 4-year-olds and up. RSVPs are requested.
Once Upon A Storybook | 17300 E 17th Street #C, Tustin | 714-669-4377
www.OnceUponaStorybook.us
By Judi Watanabe
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