Homemade Valentine's Day Cards

Metal Rose Valentine's Day Card Part 1

This video has detailed instructions for making some really fantastic Valentine's day cards. Anyone you give these to will love them!

Metal Rose Valentine's Day Card Part 2

Here is the second part of the Metal Rose instructions. This section shows you how to put together the final card.

Craft Project: Exploding Box Valentine Card

I made this pretty exploding box Valentine card using a square milk carton for the basic box and some gorgeous vintage style wrapping paper. Total cost 50 cents!

Approximate Time: 1-2 hours including drying time for the glue

Supplies:

• square milk or juice carton
• craft glue, or glue gun
• construction paper or thin card
• wrapping paper
• scissors

Instructions:

Wash and dry out a milk or juice carton carefully. It may be easier to cut the top couple of inches off to do this and to make the rest of the cutting less fiddly.

About 4 inches from the bottom of the carton use you ruler to mark a line all the way around the carton. Cut this off keeping carton all in one piece, this will be your box.

Then mark and cut another piece, 3/4 of an inch wide in the same way from what is left, this will be the frame for the lid of the box.

Now cut from the top to the base of the box in each corner and flatten it out. It will be a cross shape. Use this to cut a template from an old cereal packet or construction card and then use that to cut 2 pieces of wrapping paper in the cross shape of the box.

Use thinly spread craft glue to stick one of the pieces of paper to each side of the carton cross and put it aside to dry. Return to the template and use it as a guide to cut two crosses from the construction card, one of these should be smaller than the other as in the picture. These will form the layers inside to box, but as they will be hidden by paper they do not need to be precise.

Using the photos as a guide use designs cut from the wrapping paper to decorate the first card cross then stick it to the centre of the carton cross. Once this is completely dry, repeat the process with the smaller card cross.

To finish off the centre use designs cut from the paper glued to a small piece of card and fix this to the centre of the smallest card cross.

To make the lid for the box cut a square of wrapping paper about 1/2 inch larger all around than the piece cut from the carton. Fold up and stick down the paper as if you were wrapping a parcel. This will form the lid. Cut a strip of wrapping paper about 1/2 inch wide and then stick this all the way around the lid to make it look tidy. The decoration on the box lid is made using the same method as the centre of the inside of the box.

By Ayesha from Slovenis EU

Craft Project: Crocheted Edge Valentine Card

A special Valentine for someone special.

Approximate Time: 30 minutes max

Supplies:

• greeting card
• size 10 crochet thread
• size 7 (1.5 mm) steel crochet hook
• 1/16 inch hole punch

Instructions:

Notes: Read instructions all the way through before beginning. Depending upon how far apart your holes turn out, you may need to ch 2 between the sc.

Prep The Card:

With a pencil lightly draw a heart, circle, or oval around the picture on the card. Cut out the shape, cutting just inside the pencil marks. On the back side draw a line about 1/8 inch from the edge. Then punch holes every quarter inch using the line as your guide.

Crocheting The Edging:

Round 1: Attach thread with a sc in one the hole just to the left of the dip. *Ch 1, sc in next hole. Repeat from * around, except work 3 sc in hole at tip of heart. Join in the first sc with a slipstitch.

Round 2: *Skip ch, 3 dc in next sc, slipstitch in next sc. Repeat from * around. Join with a slipstitch in the beginning slipstitch.

Fasten off and weave in the ends.

By Suzetta from Bellingham, WA

3D Valentine Heart Flower Card

Use a cookie cutter to trace hearts onto different shades of sugar and tissue paper. Glue the hearts onto card stock to create a 3D flower effect for your sweet Valentine.

Approximate Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 1

Supplies:

• 8.2 x 5.6 in light pink marbled cardstock
• dark pink sugar paper
• light pink sugar paper
• light pink tissue paper
• pink and blue square grid Washi tape
• purple scrapbook letter stickers
• 14 small light purple-colored flat-sided rhinestone beads
• five small clear flat-sided rhinestone beads
• craft glue, pencil, ruler, and scissors
• 2 in heart-shaped cookie cutter.

Steps:

1. Score the 8.2 x 5.6 inch pink marbled card stock length-wise to create a card sized 5.6 x 4.1inches.
2. Use the heart-shaped cookie cutter. Trace four hearts onto the dark pink sugar paper, cut them out and with the fold at the left, glue them to the front of the card.
3. Use the heart-shaped cookie cutter again to trace four hearts onto the light pink sugar paper and cut them out.
4. Use a pencil to roll the rounded points of each heart petal inwards to create a curved flower petal. Add a small drop of glue to each petal and glue it to the front of the card, so that the light pink petals will overlap with the darker petals.
5. Repeat steps 3-4 with the tissue paper.
6. Use eleven of the purple rhinestone beads and the five clear rhinestone beads to add "pollen" to the flower.
7. Glue the Washi tape in place at the top and bottom of the card.
8. Use the scrapbook stickers to spell out "Be Mine" on the bottom piece of Washi tape, and add the finishing touches with the final three purple rhinestone beads.

By BessieBessie

Heart's Delight Valentine Card

Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter and a heart-shaped paper punch to create two stickmen hugging each other for this fun Valentine's card.

Approximate Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 1

Supplies:

• 8.2 x 8.2 in pink cardstock
• dark pink sugar paper
• light pink sugar paper
• white sugar paper
• pink and blue square grid Washi tape
• dark pink and light pink paper craft string
• 4 pearl heart pony beads
• leftover piece of grey felt
• 8 3D self-adhesive foam squares
• Artline 210 Fineliner Pen
• craft glue, pencil, ruler, and scissors
• red watercolour pencil
• heart-shaped paper punch
• 2 in heart-shaped cookie cutter

Steps:

1. Score the 8.2 x 8.2 inch pink card stock length-wise to create a card sized 8.2 x 4.1inches.
2. Use the heart-shaped cookie cutter. Trace one heart onto the dark pink sugar paper and one onto the white sugar paper, cut them out and with the fold at the top, glue them to the front of the card.
3. Use the Artline Fineline Pen to draw arms and legs for the stick men.
4. Use the paper punch and punch three hearts from the dark pink sugar paper and three from the white sugar paper. Glue two of each in place as the stick men's feet, and the third of each as the hands.
5. Glue the pony beads in place as eyes, and use the pen to add facial details. Also, use the pen to draw detail on the shoes.
6. Use the paper craft strings to tie a little bow, and glue this on top of the one heart.
7. Trace the template of the hat onto the felt, cut it out, and glue it on top of the other heart.
8. Glue two strips of Washi tape in place on both sides of the card.
9. Punch eight hearts from the light pink sugar paper and use the 3D self-adhesive foam squares to affix them to the card.
10. Use the red watercolor pencil to add some color to the stick mens cheeks

Photo 1: Pattern card for the felt hat.
Photo 2: Use the Artline Fineline Pen to draw arms and legs for the stick men.
Photo 3: The stick mens' facial features.
Photo 4: Glue two strips of Washi tape and punched hearts in place.
Photo 5: The complete

By BessieBessie

Craft Project: Kitty Valentine Card

With some fabric scraps, cardstock, and a few other supplies, kids can create these cute kitty Valentine cards in no time at all.

Approximate Time: About 30 minutes

Supplies:

• fabric scraps
• white cardstock
• black marker
• scissors
• craft glue
• black craft foam

Instructions:

Cut a piece of white cardstock that measures 4x9 inches, and fold in half.

Cut a 3 inch heart from fabric scrap for cat's face. Cut a smaller heart (about 1 inch) from coordinating fabric for cat's ears. Cut the smaller heart in half vertically.

Apply glue around back edge of large heart and place it upside-down on card. Apply glue to each half of small heart and glue underneath cat's face for ears (refer to photo).

Cut two small circles from craft foam for eyes and glue into place. Using black marker, draw cat's nose and whiskers. Write "I love you" or other personal message below cat's head.

By Rachel's Mom from Wilkesboro, NC

Heart-shaped Valentine Card

Make this sweet card to give this Valentine's Day.

Approximate Time: 30 mins.

Supplies:

• 1 patterned paper (Valentine theme)
• 1 8 1/2 x 11" white cardstock
• Fiskars paper edgers (Clouds)
• pencil, scissors, eraser, double-sided tape
• printer
• ribbon

Steps:

1. Print and cut out the templates.
2. Fold 8 1/2 x 11 inch white cardstock in half.
3. Place the big heart template on fold. Then trace around the shape. Cut out with paper edgers.
4. Place the small heart template on the patterned paper. Cut out with scissors.
5. Attach in the center of white heart card with double-sided tape or glue stick.
6. Embellish with a small bow.

Envelope size: 5 3/4 x 4 3/8 inches

By Maricel

Craft Project: Easy Owl Valentine

Kids will enjoy creating these quick and easy valentines for their friends. Best of all, they're inexpensive to make!

Approximate Time: About 30 minutes

Supplies:

• 2 colors of coordinating scrapbook paper
• pencil
• scissors
• craft glue
• black marker
• piece of plain white paper
• new pencil or lollipop

Instructions:

To create the owl, draw a simple owl shape onto plain white paper. Also, draw 2 round circles for the eyes, a triangle for the beak, and 2 hearts for the wings. (Refer to photo for a sample template.)

Cut out all pattern pieces. Next, trace around the body onto one of the scrapbooking papers. Trace around the eyes, nose, and wings onto the other scrapbooking paper.

Use a black marker to color in half of each circle for the eyes. Glue on eyes, nose and wings. Turn the owl over, and use the black marker to write a valentine message on the back such as: "You're a hoot!" or "To a real WISE guy."

Turn the owl back over, with front facing up. Cut vertical slits about an inch apart near the bottom of the owl's body and slip a pencil or lollipop through the slits. Now your valentine is ready to present to your friend!

By Rachel's Mom from Wilkesboro, NC

Craft Project: Heart Pocket Card

Make a heart-shaped pocket for your sweet little treat this Valentine's Day.

Approximate Time: 30 minutes

Supplies:

• pink cardstock
• heart patterned paper
• double-sided adhesive
• grosgrain dot ribbon
• scissors
• pencil
• hot glue

Instructions:

Search heart template from the internet. Trace template onto pink cardstock. Use scissors to cut out.

For the pocket, trace the bottom half of the heart onto patterned paper, cut out, then apply adhesive down the sides.

Put a spot of glue onto the pink bow and adhere in place.

Slip your cookie (with doily) or small chocolate bars into the pocket.

Source: Patterned paper: American Crafts

By Maricel from Fairfax, VA

Heart Card

Use some marbled pink cardboard, double-sided glitter scrapbook cardboard, and a few odds and ends to make a Valentine's card for your loved one.

Approximate Time: 20 minutes

Supplies:

• 8.2 inches x 5.7 inches pink marbled cardboard
• 1 sheet of double-sided glitter scrapbook cardboard
• one die-cut message tag
  I used a tag with the message "hugs and kisses".
• 12 inches of 0.3 inch pink satin ribbon
• 3d self-adhesive foam squares
• pencil
• ruler
• a pair of standard scissors
• a pair of pattern edged scissors
• Stanley knife (utility knife)
• quick-drying glue
• heart-shaped cookie cutter
• sheet of ordinary soft pink paper
• matching envelope

Instructions:

1. Fold the 8.2 inches x 5.7 inches marbled cardboard in half to create a card 5.7 inches x 4.1 inches ~ use the ruler to make the fold neat and smooth.

2. Cut two pieces sized 3.6 inches x 5.4 inches from the glitter scrapbook cardboard. Take one piece and glue it to the front of the card with the striped side facing up, carefully ensuring that it is an equal distance from the edges.

3. Take the second 3.6 inches x 5.4 inches piece of glitter cardboard and cut it slightly smaller with the pattern edged scissors. Then, position the cookie cutter in the middle of this piece of cardboard and trace around the edges. Use the Stanley knife to cut out the heart.

4. Glue it to the front of the card with the flowered side facing up, carefully ensuring that it is an equal distance from the edges.

5. Frame the card at the top and bottom with the satin ribbon and cut off any protruding pieces.

6. Create a 3D effect for the die-cut message tag. Use the self-adhesive foam squares to lift the tag off the background.

7. Use the cookie cutter to trace another heart from the glitter scrapbook cardboard, and cut this heart out with the pair of standard scissors.

8. Add self-adhesive foam squares to the back of the heart, and glue it in place on top of the first striped heart.

9. From the sheet of ordinary soft pink paper, cut a piece size 3.6 inches by 5.4 inches and glue it to the inside of the card to write a message.

By BessieBessie from Pretoria, Gauteng

Crossword Puzzle Valentine's Card

Make this card to show your sweetheart how much you love him.

Approximate Time: 20 minutes (if using the provided crossword)

Supplies:

• 8.1 inches x 11.6 inches red cardstock
• 7.4 inches x 4.9 inches black cardstock
• left over red cardstock
• pencil
• ruler
• scissors
• utility knife (Stanley knife)
• quick-drying glue
• heart-shaped craft punch
• 3D self-adhesive foam squares
• computer and color printer
• 3 sheets of ordinary white printer paper
• matching envelope ~ I used a white envelope that I decorated with hearts

Instructions:

1. Either use the crossword puzzle that has been provided, or create your own crossword puzzle on your computer.

2. If using your own crossword puzzle, print the puzzle on a sheet of ordinary white printer paper.
3. Fold the red cardboard in half to create a card 5.7 inches x 8.1 inches ~ use a ruler to make the fold neat and smooth.
4. Using the black cardboard, leaving a space of 0.6 inches from the outer edges of this piece, cut out the inside with the utility knife so that you will have a black "frame."
5. Cut the crossword puzzle to the size 7.4 inches x 4.9 inches.
6. Glue the crossword puzzle to the front of the card, carefully ensuring that it is an equal distance from the edges.
7. "Frame" the crossword puzzle with the frame cut from the black cardboard.
8. With the heart-shaped craft punch, punch out several hearts from the piece of red left-over cardboard.
9. Using the 3D self-adhesive squares, glue the hearts on the black frame around the card, ensuring that they are evenly spaced around the crossword puzzle.
10. If using your own crossword puzzle, print the clues to the crossword puzzle on a second sheet of ordinary printer paper. This must be handed to your loved one when giving him/her the card, as the idea is that your loved one must first solve the crossword puzzle before opening the card to read the message on the inside of the card.
11. On Microsoft Word, choose the option Insert Word Art. Choose a suitable letter type and type the solution to the scrambled letters of the crossword puzzle (in this case: FOREVER MINE), and then print it on the third sheet of ordinary white printer paper. Cut it to the correct size and paste it to the inside of the card.
12. Punch out a few more hearts with the heart-shaped craft punch and decorate the envelope. Remember to also add the clues for the crossword puzzle to the envelope when putting the card into the envelope!

Crossword Puzzle Clues:

Across:

1. This building in India is widely considered as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and stands as a symbol of eternal love.
2. Usually, a loved one is showered with flowers and _____ on Valentine's Day.
3. In the film adaptations of the Twilight novels, Robert Pattinson plays a vampire falling in live with a _____.

Down:

1. This ship sank in 1912. It later featured as a movie with Leonardo diCaprio and Kate Winslet.
2. Nat King Cole said, "When I fall in love, it will be _____."
3. Valentine's Day commemorates this emotion.
4. Shakespeare wrote about the love between _____ and Juliet.

Solutions:

Across:

1. Taj Mahal
2. chocolates
3. mortal

Down:

1. Titanic
2. forever
3. love
4. Romeo

Scrambled Letters Solution:

FOREVER MINE

By BessieBessie from Pretoria, Gauteng

Candy Tic-Tac-Toe Valentine

What kid doesn't like tic-tac-toe or candy? These Valentine's are so easy to make and are perfect for a school Valentine's day party!

Approximate Time: 5 minutes

Yield: 4

Supplies:

• M&Ms
• cellophane treat bags
• card stock
• template (4 cards)
• stickers

Click here to download the tic-tac-toe card template.

Steps:

1. Print the template on card stock (any color). Cut apart the cards along the lines.
2. Count out two sets of M&Ms, 9 pieces in two different colors.
3. Place the game card and the candy into the bag. Fold the top over and seal it with a sticker.

By lalala...

Cute Valentine Sayings

Hang a glow stick on his car mirror if you can. Have a tape ready in the player so when he starts his car, the song "You Light Up My Life" starts playing. Write "priceless" in the card. Use the for sale column in the newspaper in the card.

Write "Dad's an old smoothie, never rough on me." Use sandpaper and silk in card.

Write "Where have you bean all my life." Glue on a dried bean.

By coville123 from Brockville, Ontario

Craft Project: "Sole" Mate Valentine

Crochet around a insole for your funny Valentine.

Approximate Time: less than an hour

Supplies:

• small insole
• size 3 crochet thread
• size C (2.5 mm) crochet hook
• 1/8 inch hole punch

Instructions:

Prep the insole: The package I bought is from Kmart and included a template for different sizes. If your insole is like mine you will need to trim it to the smallest size. On the wrong side, with a pencil, lightly draw a line about 1/4 inch from the edge. Then punch holes every quarter inch just on the line.

Crocheting the edging:

Round 1: Attach thread with a sc in one of the holes. *Ch 1, sc in next hole. Repeat from * around. Join in the first sc with a slipstitch.

Round 2: Ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc in same stitch. *Skip one sc, 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc in next sc. Repeat from * around. On the curves of the toe and heel use your own judgment, I didn't skip a sc on those curves. Join with a slipstitch in the top of the beginning ch 3.

Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Write your message on the insole with a permanent marker.

U R MY SOUL MATE

YOU ARE MY SOUL MATE

YOU ARE MY SOLE MATE

I LOVE U HEART AND SOUL

I LOVE YOU HEART AND SOUL

I LOVE YOU HEART AND SOLE

• http://suzies-yarnie-stuff.blogspot.com

By Suzetta from Bellingham, WA

Craft Project: Recycled Window Valentine Card

Make a Valentine card from recycled packaging.

Approximate Time: 30 minutes

Supplies:

• Card stock
• Scrapbook paper
• Plastic packaging Circle or Bump
• Scissors
• Glue
• 1 inch circle punch
• Candy

Instructions:

This is so simple and so cute. Whenever you purchase an item with the plastic bump out type packaging, save it for a treat card.

• Cut an opening in the paper about the size of your plastic packaging.

• Pop in your plastic packaging (trimming may be needed).

• Glue the edges, and let it dry.

• Fill with small candies and then glue on a paper backing.

• To hide the cutting line, I used 1 inch circles (from scrapbook paper), folded them in half and glued them around the edges where the paper and plastic meet.

By NoRulesArt from FL

Editor's Note: It's always a good idea to hand wash with soap and warm water any plastic that will be touching something you eat.

Craft Project: Two Hearts Valentines Card

Make your own unique Valentine's card to show that special person in your life just how much you care for them. All you need are a few scraps of paper, some wax crayons, and a touch of imagination. Add some kisses for a final flourish and you'll have the perfect greeting for February 14.

Approximate Time: 30 minutes

Supplies:

• scraps of thin cartridge paper or tissue paper
• a blank card and envelope
• a piece of coloured paper
• a pair of scissors
• non-toxic glue
• wax crayons
• a textured surface
• a metallic pen

Instructions:

1. Find a textured surface such as a floor or wall panel from which to take a wax rubbing. Lay a piece of cartridge or tissue paper over the surface and rub a wax crayon over the paper until you get an impression. Rub a crayon in the opposite direction to build up the image.

Note: Use several different colours of crayons to add variety to your design.

2. Cut a square out of the textured paper from step 1 and glue it onto the front of a blank card. Leave to dry.

3. From a piece of coloured paper, cut out two heart shapes of slightly different sizes to fit within your textured background. Cut out a second heart from the centre of each shape to create a pair of heart silhouettes.

4. Arrange the heart silhouettes on to the textured background and glue into place. Let dry.

5. Use a metallic pen to draw a border around your finished design. Write a romantic greeting inside your card and then place it inside an envelope.

By Anne from United Kingdom

Craft Project: Lollipop Heart Card

Make a heart-shaped card and place your lollipop in front of the card to create a fun Valentine treat for kids.

Approximate Time: 30 minutes

Supplies:

• light pink and light purple cardstock
• hearts patterned paper
• pink and purple gingham ribbon
• glue stick
• foam dot adhesive
• hole punch
• decorative edge scissors
• scissors, pencil
• Sharpie marker

Instructions:

Transfer large heart template onto pink cardstock. Cut out with scissors.

Transfer small heart template onto heart patterned paper. Cut out. Then trace it onto light purple cardstock.

Use decorative edge scissors to cut out. Center and adhere heart paper onto scallop heart with a glue stick.

Use foam dots to adhere lollipop onto small heart. Tie with purple gingham ribbon.

Punch a hole in the upper left corner of the two hearts. Insert one end of pink gingham ribbon through the hole and tie ends into a knot. Trim ends evenly.

Use Sharpie marker to handwrite sentiment "Happy Valentine's Day!" inside the pink heart card.

Source: heart template via FamilyFun

By Maricel from Fairfax, VA

Puppy Dog Valentine Card

Use different sizes of hearts to create a cute puppy dog card for someone special. Kids will love creating these.

Approximate Time: About 30 minutes

Supplies:

• white cardstock
• colored construction paper
• scissors
• glue stick
• black marker

Instructions:

1. Fold cardstock in half to create greeting card.
2. Cut out different sized hearts for the puppy dog: a large one for the head, medium one for muzzle, small ones for eyes and nose, and two elongated ones for the ears.
4. Glue hearts in place to form puppy, as shown in photo.

5. Leave bottom end of largest heart (the head) showing to look like a tongue.

6. Use a black marker to add details to eyes, create eyebrows, and add dots to muzzle where whiskers would be.

7. Use the marker to write a Valentine's Day message inside.

By Rachel's Mom from Wilkesboro, NC

Tootsie Pop Butterfly Valentine

These butterfly cards are so cute and fun to make! You can customize their wings however you want.

Approximate Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 4

Supplies:

• Tootsie Pops
• card stock
• pipe cleaners
• googly eyes
• hot glue gun
• scissors
• markers

Click here to download the butterfly template.

Steps:

1. Print the template onto a piece of card stock. Cut out the butterfly wings, including the two slits in the center.
2. Glue two googly eyes onto the Tootsie Pop.
3. Cut a pipe cleaner into thirds. Take one piece and fold it in half, forming a "v". Curl the ends using a pencil. Hot glue to the back of the Tootsie pop, to form antennae.
4. Using markers, etc. decorate your butterfly cards however you want. Then slip the stick of the Tootsie pop through the slits.

By lalala...

Valentine Heart Card: A Children's Craft

A funky handmade Valentine's card for the young-at-heart, an easy craft for children.

Approximate Time: 20 minutes

Supplies:

• a printed copy of the provided pattern sheet
• 8.2 inches x 5.5 inches lightly textured cream-colored cardboard
• 4 inches x 4 inches piece of red riffled cardboard
• 4 inches x 4 inches piece of black felt
• one small red fabric bow
• one pair of small wiggle eyes
• the following two rhinestones: 1 red flat-back round rhinestone and 1 red flat-back heart rhinestone
  See http://www.dreamtimecreations.com/ for a possible supplier.
• one red glitter pipe cleaner
• pencil
• ruler
• pair of standard scissors
• one heart-shaped cookie cutter
• quick-drying glue
• Pilot drawing pen, size 03
• sheet of ordinary red paper
• one matching envelope

Instructions:

1. Fold the 8.2 inches x 5.5 inches cream-colored cardboard crosswise in half to create a card 5.5 inches x 4.1 inches ~ use the ruler to make the fold neat and smooth.
2. Use the heart-shaped cookie cutter to trace a heart onto the red riffled cardboard and then cut it out.

3. From the pipe cleaner, cut two 1.5 inch arms and two 2 inch legs.
4. From the black felt, cut two hands and two feet, as well as a small mouth.

5. Bend each arm 0.3 inches from the one side to make an "elbow" for each arm.

6. Glue the arms and legs to the back of the heart. Remember to use only a small drop of glue for each arm and leg.
7. Now, glue the heart (with the arms and legs already in place) onto the front of the card.
8. Glue the felt hands and feet in place, again using only a small drop of glue to affix each hand and foot. Remember that the thumbs of the hands must be at the top.
9. Now glue the eyes and mouth onto the heart to make a face. Then, using the red flat-back round rhinestone for a nose, glue it in place too.

10. Glue the fabric bow in place at the top of the heart.
11. Glue the red flat-back heart rhinestone in place where the two hands overlap.

12. From the sheet of ordinary red paper, cut a piece sized 3.6 inches by 5.2 inches and glue it to the inside of the card. Using the Pilot drawing pen, write "My Valentine, I have your heart in my hands!" in ornamental writing on the piece of red paper that you have pasted on the inside of the card.

Photos included:
Photo 1: The pattern sheet for the hands and feet.
Photo 2: Use the heart-shaped cookie cutter to trace a heart onto the red riffled cardboard and then cut it out.
Photo 3: Bend each arm 0.3 inches from the one side to make an "elbow" for each arm.
Photo 4: Glue the felt hands and feet in place. Remember that the thumbs of the hands must be at the top.
Photo 5: Glue the eyes, nose, mouth and bow onto the heart.
Photo 6: Glue the red flat-back heart rhinestone in place where the two hands overlap.
Photo 7: The completed card.

By BessieBessie from Pretoria, Gauteng

Craft Project: Froggy Valentine Card

Kids will love creating their own "froggy" Valentine cards. They will "leap" for joy making these cute cards, which require few supplies and a little time.

Approximate Time: about 30 minutes

Supplies:

• Light green construction paper
• Dark green construction paper
• Black construction paper
• Red and pink construction paper
• Scissors
• Craft glue or double stick tape
• Black marker
• 10 inch plate (for pattern)

Instructions:

1. Using a 10-inch round plate, trace around the plate onto light green and dark green paper creating two large circles. Cut out with scissors.

2. Glue the two circles together, back to back. Fold down just enough of the large green circle so that the light green half circle shows on top to form the face. (Refer to photo.)

3. Cut two oblong shapes from dark green paper that are approximately 4 inches long by 1.5 inches wide for eyes. Glue to back of frog's head.

4. Cut two 1-inch circles from black paper for center of eyes. Glue in place.

5. Using black marker, draw two small dots for frog's nose.

6. Cut small hearts from pink and red paper and glue onto face.

7. Cut medium sized hearts from red and pink paper.

8. Write messages on hearts using black marker and glue in place, referring to photo for placement.

9. Lift the frog's mouth and write "Happy Valentine's Day" underneath.

10. Give to your favorite Valentine.

By Rachel's Mom from Wilkesboro, NC

Snowflake Heart Valentine

For a special Valentine's Day cards make snowflake hearts, just as you would make paper snowflakes but in the shape of hearts. Cut out a large heart, fold it a few times, then take a pair of scissors and cut different shaped wedges around the edges. Unfold it and you have a snowflake heart! Paste it to to some colored card stock and write a message for your loved one.

Amy

Photo Valentines

These are sure to brighten up any fridge and make a perfect little gift for grandparents.

Approximate Time: approximately 1 hour

Supplies:

• cardstock
• magnet sheet
• craft glue
• clear contact paper
• double back tape (DBT)
• small photo of child
• trims of your choice

Instructions:

1. Begin by making the photo figure. You can color your figure and design your card any way you choose. The ones shown here are only an example.
2. Print out the figure you want. Cut around it, leaving a slight edge.

3. Carefully cut out face where photo will go. Print photo and while it is still on your screen, test fit the figure to see if you need to adjust the size of the photo. When okay, print out photo.

4. Put a small piece of DBT on backside of figure, one at top and one at bottom. DO NOT peel backing off yet. This is just to hold it in place on cardstock backing.
5. Put small piece on back near face. Peel backing off this piece and adhere to photo. Trim away any photo paper sticking out from figure.
6. Peel off those other 2 pieces of tape and lay figure on cardstock. Trim around figure leaving a nice colored edge of cardstock.

7. Cover figure, front and back with clear contact paper. Tip: When covering with Con-Tact paper, always leave a slight edge of contact. This enables the front and back to stay stuck to one another and they won't peel apart.
8. Cover back side of figure with craft glue. Don't use too much. The magnet sheet has a sticky peel off backing, but some glue will ensure the figure will not peel off. I rubbed the glue flat all over the back side with my finger.
9. Now stick figure onto magnet sheet (sticky side). Cut around figure, even with edge of contact paper. You probably have a grin on your face about now. I know I sure did seeing my grandchildren's faces in these figures!

10. I folded a sheet of cardstock in half and then cut an inner folded piece, slightly smaller. I used the inner sheet to write my saying on with magic markers.

11. The hearts on my cards were drawn by my grandchildren so I decided to incorporate them as part of their cards.

12. On the left inner side, I signed the card at the bottom.
13. I used a bit of sticky tack (also known as poster putty) on the back of the magnets to stick them to the cards. This way they can just pull them off to put on the fridge.

By Mary (www.craftingtales.com) from Florida

Craft Project: "Showering You With Love" Valentine

My staff gets very little recognition. The least little bit of recognition makes them happy. We have a fabulous nursing team and every so often I like to tell them how much they are appreciated for the work they do. So this year on Valentine's Day I am making each one a Valentine greeting. It is simple and easy to make, yet spreads a bit of love around.

Confidence comes from within and is brought out by recognition. So "shower" someone you love and appreciate with this darling little Valentine greeting.

Approximate Time: 20 minutes for 10

Supplies:

• 1- 8 inch doily for each one
• 1 Dum Dum pop (each)
• 1 3D valentine sticker (each)
• tape

Instructions:

Cut the doily half way down from one edge to the middle.

Loop it over to make an umbrella shape. Tape the edge on both sides with a small piece of tape.

Next apply a Valentine 3D sticker to the area you taped. It will hide any area that is exposed.

Next take the Dum Dum sucker and glue it with a low temperature glue gun to the inside top of the umbrella where it peaks.

Display it with a sign announcing that you are a blessing and much appreciated.

By Gem from VA

Craft Project: Puppy Love Valentine

Kids will enjoy making these puppy love Valentines for their classmates.

Approximate Time: About 30 minutes

Supplies:

• red construction paper
• white paper
• scissors
• craft glue
• wiggly eyes (optional)
• black marker

Instructions:

Cut out two medium sized hearts from red construction paper. Cut out 6 small hearts from white paper. Place large hearts upside down and glue on top of each other, as shown in photo.

Glue two small hearts to bottom edge of inverted heart for feet. Glue two small hearts to top edge of top heart for ears. Glue a small heart in center of top heart for nose. Repeat for heart at chest.

Draw in eyes with permanent marker or glue on wiggly eyes. Using black marker, outline bottom edge of top heart (puppy's head). Refer to photo.

Write a sweet message on front or back of puppy.

By Rachel's Mom from Wilkesboro, NC

Craft Project: Heart Posies

Need a last minute valentine craft? My year old granddaughter and I made 25 of these for her class in about 90 minutes. We call them Heart Posies.

Approximate Time: 5 minutes or less, depending on age

Supplies:

• Red Construction paper (1 full page makes 12-16 hearts)
• Suckers (dumdums, tootsie pops, etc)
• scotch tape
• masking tape or white floral tape
• scissors
• optional small white doilies

Instructions:

• Step 1: Take 1 full sheet red construction paper and fold it in half and half again. You have 4 folded strips, cut them. Now fold in 3 or 4, depending on the size of the sucker.

• Step 2: Take 4 of the pieces, stack fold together in half. Do a quick heart cutout of 4 at the same time. Do a little blunt cut at the bottom (instead of pointed heart).

  While folded, do a little snip triangle at the fold so when open you have a hole for the sucker stick at the bottom.

• Step 3: Put sucker through the little hole of all 4 pieces, and spread them around, 4 leaf clover style.

  Optional: Next is to poke sucker through doily.

• Step 4: Have a piece of masking tape or floral white tape handy. Pull all petals up in hand and hold like a real flower with the sucker in the center. Quickly, wrap the tape under petals to hold it. Then apply scotch tape at an angle on the stick to go up and down. This will keep the tape tight. You may find shortcuts in doing this that work as good.

Optional Holiday: Do it for St Patrick's Day with cut out 4 leaf clover, Easter with eggs, etc

By Joyce from Benson, MN

Craft: Paper Valentine's Day Cards

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and I have some darling, easy cards to make from just construction paper, craft glue, markers and googly eyes (optional).

Dog-ear Card: Using Brown construction paper, take one corner diagonally down to the opposite side of the paper (like making a triangle.) Cut the strip of paper below that. Now it IS a triangle. Turn the triangle paper so that the flat side is up, and the point is toward you. Hold a ruler to the flat side of the triangle and pinpoint the middle. Now, take each side of the top and fold (from the middle point) diagonally down so that now all three points of the triangle are toward you. There's your dog with it's floppy ears. Either draw eyes or glue googly eyes on, draw a nose and a mouth, then write your message on the outside of one ear, then lift it and put another message under the flap. Very fun and easy.

Cat Card: Fold a piece of construction paper the short way. Draw an outline of a cat, making sure the ears, top of the head, and tip of the tail connect with the fold. Cut it out and glue on googly eyes, nose, mouth and whiskers. Then open your cat card and put a message inside. This one is also very cute, and extremely easy. Finally, fold a piece of cardstock in half the short way and cut in half. (You can make two cards out of this one.)

Heart Card: Take a piece of aluminum foil and fold in half. Cut out a half-heart shape, so that when you open the foil, you have a heart. Using a glue-stick, carefully spread glue on the dull side of the foil and press onto the front of your card. Decorate with stickers or whatever. Then put a message inside. Very nice look with the foil heart. This Valentine's Day, make your cards rather than buy them!

By Stacey from Orem, UT

Craft: Valentine's Chocolate Flower Card

To create this card, cut a horizontal sheet of paper from left to right (ending up with two long strips of paper). Fold one in half. Cut a 3 x 3 sheet of tissue paper and fold into the wrapper shape then secure to the card with a piece of double stick tape. Using tacky glue, attach the stems of the flowers into the wrapper first and then glue on the chocolate pieces. Attach rectangles of complementary colored paper to the cover and inside with more double stick tape. Finally, embellish the card with your own Valentine's Day sentiment!

By Julie from Washington, DC

Craft Project: Valentine's Day Fan Card

This is a cute card kids can make themselves to let the special people in their lives know that they are their "biggest fans".

Approximate Time: 30 minutes.

Supplies:

• 2 paper doilies, round or heart shaped
• red construction paper
• pencil
• scissors
• glue
• craft stick
• ribbon
• marker
• length of ribbon, red or pink

Instructions:

Draw and cut two hearts from the red construction paper. Glue each heart to a paper doily.

Glue the top of a craft stick to the back of one of the doilies, at the bottom of the heart. Glue the back of the other doily-heart to the back of this one, covering the top of the craft stick. Allow the glue to dry.

Write "I am You're Biggest Fan" on one of the hearts, and "Happy Valentine's Day" on the other, and don't forget to sign your name.

Tie a piece of ribbon into a bow around the craft stick, just below the hearts.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

Children's Valentines

If you enjoy making cards instead of buying them, here are 3 fun Valentine cards for kids. Children can help make them for their classmates!

Read More...

Craft: Lollipop Valentine's Cards

I recently took a trip to the Dollar Store and noticed that they sell Valentine's Cards with Lollipops included. 10 of them for $1. I thought it would be a much better idea to make my own with a few craft supplies and it would be less expensive! Good craft for kids.

Materials

• card stock (various colours)
• rubber stamps for stamping, or pens/crayons for drawing or stickers
• hole punch
• a bag of lollipops or other candy.
• Ribbon

Instructions

To be frugal, you can use a 8x11 inch sheet to make 8 cards. Fold sheet in half, then in half again, and once again in half! Then open up again and cut where you folded which will give you 8 small cards.

Decorate card with crayons, stamps, stickers. Punch holes at the top of the card and into the wrapper of the lollipop or candy. With a ribbon, tie the candy to the card. That's it! If you can manage to use recycled paper and ribbons you can make 50 of these for about a dollar!

Other items to attach besides candy (baggie with a homemade cookie or treat, friendship bracelets, fruity lip balm...)

Happy Crafting!

Source: This article was written by myself

By Lisa from Halifax

Craft: Foamies Valentine's Day Cards

Foamies have become very popular during the past couple of years. You can find them in all shapes and sizes and for almost every holiday. They are great for children's craft projects, but anyone can use them to make easy, creative greeting cards. I found a big tub of Valentine's Day foamies at Walmart for just a couple of dollars, so I decided to try my hand at making homemade Valentine's Day cards with them.

This Valentine's Day project is a great activity to do with your kids. Children as young as toddlers can stick the foamies on the cards after you have done the initial cutting and gluing. Preschoolers can even help with that part. While I was getting the cards ready to put together, I gave my toddlers some blank paper and a handful of heart-shaped foamies, and they had a great time sticking them all over their pieces of paper.

I came up with four different designs for my Valentine's Day cards. The materials listed below will make one of each of the four cards.

Materials

• Four pieces of red card stock
• One piece of white card stock
• Valentine's Day foamies
• Paper cutter, scissors
• Glue stick
• Decorative scissors

Instructions

First use the paper cutter to cut the red card stock into the desired sizes for your cards. I usually determine the sizes of my cards by the envelopes I have to put them in. I have a stack of envelopes of all different sizes, so each card can end up being a different size.

Card #1

Turn the first card to open horizontally. I cut out four small squares of white card stock to glue in the center of the card to form one large square, with just a little space in between squares. I then placed a large red foamie heart in the center of each white square.

Card #2

This card will also open horizontally. For this one I cut out eight small white squares and glued them in two rows of four squares across the face of the card. In the center of each square I placed a small heart foamie, alternating pink and red hearts. I trimmed the bottom edge of the front of the card with decorative scissors.

Card #3

Turn this card to open vertically. I cut a large square out of white card stock and trimmed around all the edges of the square with decorative scissors. I glued the white square in the center of the card and placed a large red foamie heart in the center of the square.

Card #4

This card will also open vertically. First I cut a piece of white card stock into the shape of a rectangle, to be slightly smaller than the face of the card. I next trimmed around the edges of the rectangle with decorative scissors. I then cut two red pieces of cardstock into the shapes of squares and glued them one above the other inside the white rectangle. Next I cut out two white squares to fit inside the red squares. Lastly, I placed a medium-sized red foamie in the center of each white square.

That's it! These Valentine's Day cards are fun for anyone to make. You can make them in less than half an hour and people will think you slaved over them for hours! More photos of finished Valentine's Day cards: http://www.crafty-moms.com/valentines-day-card-foamies.shtml By Rachel Paxton from Washington State

By Rachel Paxton

Add Your Own Glitter To Valentine's Cards

When buying cards for Valentine's Day or other special occasions, the really pretty ones with the glitter usually cost more than the ones without glitter. I decided to start purchasing the plain, but pretty cards, that don't have glitter and add the glitter myself using glitter paint. It can be purchased at any craft store for under $2.00. Simply squeeze some of the paint onto various areas of the card and set aside to dry. When dry, they sparkle and the glitter doesn't come off like it does on the cards you buy that already have the glitter on them. One bottle of glitter paint will decorate many, many cards.

Source: I've been doing this for years.

By Mom of 1 from Wilkesboro, NC

Craft: Puppy Love Valentine Cards

These cute Valentine cards are easy to make and fun to give! Even small children can put them together.

Supplies

• Construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Pen

Instructions

For each puppy, cut the following from construction paper:

• one large heart
• one medium heart
• five small hearts
• one very small heart

Glue the medium heart onto the point of the large heart to attach puppy's head to the body. Glue the small hearts in place for feet, ears and tail. Glue the very small heart in place for the nose. Use a pen to add eyes and a special message.

By Angela from Murphy, TX

Valentine's Day Candy Bar Treat

I have done this candy card for my husband a few times in 11 years. It is cheap and easy. All you need is a piece of poster board, a marker, and candy bars. Write a letter on the poster board to go with the candy. I use tape to put the candy on the poster board. My husband loves it! Here is the latest one I gave him:

To my HOT TAMALE,

I hope you SNICKER when you read this. I love you to PIECES (REESES). Your love is as exciting as getting 100 GRAND on PAYDAY to spend on 5th AVENUE. My HEART skips a beat each time you KISS (KISSABLES) me. You are a-MAZING and MOUNDS of fun. So sit back and TAKE 5 BABY (RUTH). Love your NUTRAGEOUS SWEETHEART!.

PS: I used a marker to darken the words on the candy I didn't use such as ABLE on KISSABLES.

Source: I came up with the idea for a letter after seeing all the "one-liners" (You're such a "SMARTIE") out there.

By Holly from Red Lodge, MT

Craft Project: Sweet Valentine Card

Pink heart-shaped with accordion-folded medallion creates a sweet centerpiece for this Valentine card.

Time: 20 minutes

Supplies:

• Pink cardstock
• Blue glittered patterned paper
• Heart-themed papers
• Chipboard embellishment or small flower
• Double-sided tape
• Decorative scissors
• Pinking shears
• Paper trimmer
• Hot glue

Finished Size: 4x5 inches

Instructions:

Fold 8x5 inch pink cardstock into half to make a card.

Cut 4x4 inch square of blue glittered patterned paper. Decorate the edges with decorative scissors. Adhere to card with double-sided tape.

Print heart template; cut it out. Then trace it onto heart-themed patterned paper. Cut out and adhere to the center of card.

To make an accordion-folded medallion, cut 1/2x12 inch strip of patterned paper, joined ends with double-sided tape or hot glue. Add a dot of hot glue onto the back and adhere to heart.

Note: Use pinking shears on one edge of paper strip for added interest.

Embellish with chipboard or small flower.

Click Here for the Heart Template.

By Maricel from Fairfax, VA

One Of A Kind Photo Valentines

After the holidays we often have copies of photos of our kids that lack the quality fit for using in a scrapbook. Some of these photos have a good picture of your child but there is a problem with someone or something else in the photo. So, instead of "chucking" these photos, make use of them for Valentines Day. Cut out your child's photo from the print, and use it to make a one-of-a-kind Valentine. I worked on this project one year with my son, and we had a blast writing captions to fit the photos. For example, one photo had him messily licking icing from a bowl. The caption read, "You and I can lick anything together, Valentine." With a photo of a funny face we added, "Be my Valentine, and we'll have lots of fun together." Now, with the use of digital cameras, the applications of creating personalized Valentines is limitless.

By Miz Rosey from Abilene, TX