Fun crafts allow your kids to make their own valentines

Come Tuesday, elementary students up and down the Wasatch Front will be passing out valentines to all their classmates and getting some in return. The valentine card selections at the stores have been greatly improved as of lately with some even offering small pieces of candy attached. While these cards are certainly fun and well-meaning, sometimes your kids want to think outside of the box and bring something extra special to the party. If this sounds like them (or like you) here are a few great ideas from Family Fun magazine that will bring out the craft-lovin’ side of your family and produce a unique valentine that they won’t soon forget.

Girls

Let Friendship “Ring”

What you will need:

• Pipe cleaners (any color)
• Hershey’s kisses
• Paper
• Scissors
• Pen
• Tape

Directions: (see slideshow for tutorial)

1. Place two pipe cleaners on top of each other in the shape of an ‘x’ and lay kiss on top of center, tip facing up.
2. Wrap all 4 ends up side of kiss tightly and twist together at top of kiss (to hold in place).
3. Using 2 ends at a time, wrap pipe cleaners into a circle to fit around a child’s finger.
4. Twist any leftover ends around base of ring and snip of ends with scissors.
5. Write small note on piece of paper and wrap end around ring hole and tape together. Use whimsical phrases like: “You’re a GEM of a friend” or “You’re a DIAMOND in the rough” or anything else you would like.

Boys

Caped “Cute”-sader

What you will need:

• Round suckers like tootsie pops or Charms Blow Pops
• Different colored construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue or tape
• Markers

Directions: (see end of slideshow for tutorial)

1. Using either the template provided (click here) or drawing your own, cut out the cape and mask from construction paper.
2. Write a note on the cape such as: “You’re a SUPER friend” or “Have a SUPER Valentine’s Day” on the cape and decorate with stickers or glitter. Underneath the cape they can write their name.
3. Using scissors (or hole punch if you have one) cut a small “X” at the top of the cape, careful not to cut the edges.
4. Wriggle sucker stick through the hole and bring to the bottom of the sucker.
5. Take the masks and draw dark slits on them for the eyes. Carefully glue or tape the masks onto the suckers.

Optional: You can take an old cereal box and poke holes in the front of the box with a knife and set the suckers inside the holes. This will keep them from falling over, allowing them to dry.