As I was scrolling through old pictures on the computer, I came across these Valentine crafts we made in 2009. My kids were 1, 3, and 7. (I've heard that some people actually print out their photos to be looked at and enjoyed. Mine just sit in the memory of the computer and cry because no one ever looks at them!)
I loved this activity, not only because it was fun, but because it gave each family member a visual reminder of why we all think they are special. Who doesn't need that once in while? (I think I need that every day!)
This is a super easy and fun activity that is perfect for Family Night. I'm glad I was reminded of the project, because it were meant to be a yearly tradition, and we haven't done it since! We'll definitely be continuing it this year.
Now, I know you want to try it, so here's how it's done:
- Trace each family member's hand and arm on a piece of construction paper, butcher paper, or wallpaper, and cut them out (the paper arms--not the real ones!) We used wallpaper scraps. (I'm one of those crazy people who saves old wallpaper sample books--just because I know I'll find a project for them some day! It drives my hubby crazy. Sorry, honey!)
- Using colored paper, cut large hearts for leaves. Each person will need at least one heart per family member--not including them.
- Give each person a stack of blank hearts, and ask them to write a note for each member of the family. They should write something that they love about them or complete the sentence, "I love ______ because . . . " (Little kids can color the hearts or dictate their notes to someone else to write.)
- Sort the finished hearts by person and glue them onto the hand/arm trees. (Glue wouldn't stick to the textured wallpaper, so we used staples.)
- Display the trees somewhere that they can be seen all month (the inside of the front door, the refrigerator, the bathroom mirror, the wall of each bedroom, etc).
Enjoy a nice family moment with no arguing! (Okay--a girl can dream, can't she?)
For more great Valentine ideas, crafts, and recipes, be sure to follow my Valentine Idea Exchange Pinterest Board.
Thanks so much for stopping by. While you're already thinking about Valentine's Day, check out these projects. (Images are linked.)
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angie
love your valentine ideas think we will try the love trees
we shared a valentine wreath at our blog http://shopannies.blogspot.com
Heidi
I checked out your wreath, Angie. It's really cute. Thanks for visiting and commenting! (I left you a comment, too.)
Angela
i LOVE this, its so cute and fun to do with the kids. we will be doing this on a monday in february. thanks for sharing! http://www.handmadeintheheartland.com/
Heidi
Thanks, Angela! I hope you and your family have a fun time with the project!
Gloria
My pictures are in the lovely archives of my computer, too. Very sad. (One of my goals is to make some more books for all my boys... and nieces and nephews. I'm the aunt that takes more pics of them than their parents!)
I love this project to do with the fam! You always have such great ideas, Heidi! I always make Vday a family event with my boys. It makes them feel special. Have a happy Sunday!