 new Valentine's Day IdeasMeet the Author:
Debbie Barnhill
author of: 3D Valentine Boxes
 interview & FREE craft
  All you have to do is
save your empty cardboard boxes, oatmeal and coffee containers, carpet tubes, newspapers,
paper-towel rolls and other household items and it is amazing how you can convert trash
into treasure. As an elementary school teacher she has seen the valentine box evolve over
the years. Debbie's book features step-by-step instructions with beautiful illustrations
and we are featuring one of the crafts in the book called Paper Mache Hot Air Balloon.
Lacey Hearts
Lacey hearts can be done by your smallest
crafter. These hearts can be used as Valentine's Day cards or as a delightful way to
decorate your house or classroom. I would recommend using red strong poster
board for the hearts and a contrasting colored ribbon. Shoelaces could be substituted for
the ribbon too. This will make it easier for the younger children to weave and see their
success.
Valentine Mice
This craft was sent to us by Sharon who is an
active member of our crafts group. She says, "I have made "Valentine Mice"
(using Tootsie Pop Lollipops). They are great and adorable. My two year old had fun making
them. They are so cute and adorable and fun to make. Everyone will love them!"
Photo Frame
This week's Craft of the Week features a great gift for Mom or Dad for any holiday. These Photo Frames will keep the kids
close to Dad even when he is at work. This is a unique and fun gift for the kids to make
for Dad.
Rock Paperweight & Handprints
 These projects would make great gifts and a special rememberance for
mom, dad or
someone special as a holiday gift or keepsake. These two crafts include a way to transform a
simple rock and also how to make a special handprint craft. This craft includes
wonderful poems from our crafters that you can use to get those creative juices flowing.
Potpourri Gel Jars
 This
week's Craft of the Week features a wonderful gift that children of any age can make. Gel
Jars are beautifully decorated, scented gifts. They are sure to liven up any room
with their fragrance. You'll want to choose scents which your mom likes. You can
substitute potpourri oil for the essential oils in this craft.
Valentine Heart T-shirt
You can really be creative with the design
of this shirt. Use a simple white T-shirt in your child's size and some fabric paint to
make a special shirt that you will enjoy making with your child and create a keepsake that
will go on & on after Valentine's Day is over.
Paper Mache Hot Air Balloon
This is a paper mache balloon which is an excerpt from Class Winning 3-Dimensional
Valentine Boxes by Debbie Barnhill. We have pictures and illustrations to go with the
craft as well as an interview with the author/creator
Debbie Barnhill. It's a lot of fun, so don't miss it.
Valentine Heart Bag
This Heart Bag can deliver Valentines and then be used to receive
Valentine Day cards while in school or in the neighborhood. The best part about this craft
is that children can be as creative and add as many personalized touches as they want.
Heart Tiles
This Valentine's Day craft is for all kids age
4 and up. All this takes is a tile from your local hardware or home improvement
store,acrylic paints, and glaze. These tiles make wonderful surfaces for serving hot food
that you wouldn't want to set on your counter or wood table. Don't forget to glaze the
tiles after they are completely dried to preserve the beautiful paintings.
Heart Magnets
 These are
terrific for the fridge and a welcomed gift for any age. They can also be made into
fashionable pins . Attach pin backings to the heart instead of magnets. The
craft "dough" will keep unrefrigerated for up to 2 weeks when stored with a
small piece of damp sponge in a plastic bag or sealed container. This fun craft can
be done with children of any age starting from 4 years old and up.
Valentine Bookmarks
 I have discovered that my own children love to create and use their
own markers. In fact, I believe that it inspires children to read. It personalizes the
book. There is nothing better than a child reading on her own; choosing her own books and
passionately exploring them.
Valentine Candles
 These valentine candles are very cute and make a wonderful gift.
Just have your children cut the hearts out of beeswax with heart shaped cookie cutters and
use a simple birthday candle. You are basically creating a sandwich of 3 hearts, candle,
craft stick, 3 hearts. Her valentine candles are very cute and make a wonderful gift. It's
a lot of fun and kids can do it too!
Great Homemade Valentine Gift
Chocolate Nutty Squares
This homemade candy would be a perfect
Valentine's gift wrapped in pretty pink plastic wrap. Make sure you make extra for
all your little Valentines at home!
February is ALSO
Black History Month
Martin
Luther King
Learn more about how Martin Luther King &
Rosa Parks emerged on the national scene from a wonderful excerpt from The American
Century from Harold Evans.
Flower Wreath
I have to tell you that this was the
first time that I made a wreath. I've done about every craft project, but somehow this one
got away from me! It took me only 1 hour and I found all the materials in my local craft
shop. It looks great when it is done!
new Valentine's Day Ideas |
Craft Library | Holiday Crafts | Craft-of-the-Week | Keepsakes | Scrapbooking | Paper Mache Crafts
