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.)
Click here to see all the fantastic sites I like to link up with each week.
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 // Simply 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!
Heidi
Thanks so much, Gloria! I used to make books for my kids all the time. I need to make time to make more. The kids love to look at them. Life just seems to always get in the way! I hope you get yours done. Have a great Valentine's Day.
Gloria // Simply Gloria
Heidi, I wanted to let you know that I am featuring your craft project tomorrow morning at the Show Stopper Saturday party! (Because, I fell in love with it!)
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Thanks so much, Gloria! It was so cool to see my pic on your site this morning! Thanks for sharing.
Grahame
I love this! I am in charge of coordinating our homeschool group's Valentine's Day party this year and I think I will have all the kids make these. Thank you for sharing!
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I hope the kids love it, Grahame! Thanks for stopping to comment.
Nichi - The Mandatory Mooch
Heidi, What a fun family idea and project. So sweet!! Thanks for linking up to Best of the Weekend. So glad you could join us!! Nichi -The Mandatory Mooch
Heidi Fowler
Thanks, Nichi!
Jessi @ Practically Functional
Too cute, what a great idea for a family! Pinning, and thanks for sharing at Creativity Unleashed!
Heidi Fowler
Thanks, Jessi. Have a great week.
Jen Graham
Love this idea! We will so be doing this for a Family Night Soon.
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Thanks, Jen. I hope your family enjoys it!
Cathy
This is super sweet! Thanks for sharing at the Foodies & Crafties Blog Hop! I can't wait to see what you link up next week! #foodiescraftiessoiree I would love for you to hop over anytime to Apeekintomyparadise.com and link up with the parties I co-host throughout the week!
Have a terrific weekend!
Cathy
APeekIntoMyParadise.com
Lauralee Moss
This is sweet. I was planning to do hearts on the kids' doors with something I am proud of them about, love them for, etc., but we might have to do this too. Nice idea.
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Oh, I love that idea, too, Lauralee! I think I may have to try that. Thanks for sharing.
Katelyn F
So cute! I might have to do this with my family! We haven't done many valentine's day crafts in my house as my oldest are only 3, but it could be fun! Thanks!
Heidi Fowler
I think my youngest was about three when we did this, Katelyn. She mostly just colored. I think she still had fun making the tree and pretending that she was writing! Enjoy!
Stephanie Kay
What a cute idea!! Thank you for sharing via Family Fun Friday.
Melanie
Thanks for linking to The Project Stash this week! I featured this cute craft on my What We Did This Weekend Segment today!
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Thanks so much, Melanie! I'm on my way over to check it out!
jordyn @ Almost Supermom
Such cute an fun ideas! Pinning now for our Valentine's festivities later :)
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Thanks, Jordyn! Enjoy!
Debi and Charly @ Adorned From Above
Thanks so much for sharing them with Wednesday's Adorned From Above Link Party.
Have a great week.
Debi and Charly @ Adorned From Above
Jennifer Dawn
This is a really cute idea! Thanks for sharing!
Heidi
Thanks, Jennifer!
Gosia
Love your tree and the whole idea! So fun!
I am featuring you tomorrow at Foodies & Crafties Soirée, hope to see you tomorrow at the party!
Gosia | Kiddie Foodies
Monica
I LOVE this idea! We'll be making this at our house! Pinned and am featuring at Family Fun Friday!
Monica
http://www.happyandblessedhome.com/category/family-fun
Heidi Fowler
Thanks so much, Monica!
Babul Jha
Thankyou So much For Sharing, Really Good and Creative. Loved Them :D