Valentines made with love

Buy it in a box and it's fine. But let the children make it themselves and it just feels good. Handmade valentines are both easy and economical to make, and this step-by-step guide will help your child create a special greeting for classmates or family.

For 12 valentines, you will need:

12 sheets of red card stock

6 sheets of pink card stock

12 white doilies

1 pack of heart stickers

Glitter pens in red, pink or pearl

Scissors, tape and glue

• Fold each sheet of red card stock in half vertically, and write your message or the child's signature inside.

• Trace and cut a 5-inch x 5-inch heart onto each pink sheet.

• Now repeat that step but cut a smaller 3-inch x 3-inch heart onto each doily.

• Glue the doily heart onto the pink heart, then adhere the layered hearts onto the card.

• Using your glitter pen, draw tiny dots, x's or o's on the cover.

• Add a heart sticker on the white doily.

• When the glitter is dry, place your cards inside a large envelope. Now your child is ready to deliver.

The best part of crafting together? Years from now, when your child finds this Valentine, tucked in an old shoebox and yellowed with time, she will remember you crafted it together.

-- Diane Hardy

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