Valentine's Day Ideas from Early Start Day Care

This is a craft smorgasbord! We started our garland 2 years ago, and we're still coming up with new designs. The object is to make many hearts and string them onto a garland. The personality of the garland depends on the people contributing. That's why I've included just about every kind of craft supply I could think of up above. Draw a heart on stiff paper and cut it out. This will be your tracing guide. All the hearts should be a little stiff and will have 2 holes punched into them. That's about where the similarities end. Let kids (and adults) decorate their hearts anyway they would like with any craft materials you have available. Put the name and date on the back of each heart so that it becomes a cherished Valentine heirloom. There are no rules on the decorating, but I will list some of the things we did to inspire you:

2. raised painting (Drawing with the fabric paint straight out of the tube. It looks neat and the kids love to touch it when it's dry. Try painting with a brush and using the fabric paint to outline... it's a great effect)

3. crayons and markers (Anything goes again. Here's another neat effect: use markers on felt. The markers will bleed a little making the lines a little fuzzy or blurry. It's tres classy! Since felt is a little flimsy, cut into the heart shape--don't forget to cut out the holes to match--and glue it to your stiff heart)

4. wrapping paper and fabric (Just as I mentioned above with the felt, cut out hearts from wrapping paper and extra fabric and glue to your stiff hearts. Depending on what you have available, your design ideas can be limitless!)

What's nice about this craft is that you can do it with just about anything you have in the house, it's not picky, and the effect is very impressive. Participate with the kids and make your own hearts to add. The kids will inevitably be inspired by your creations and you can give them some great ideas!

Looking for an easy gift for kids to make? Use festive holiday wrapping paper. Cut poster board into a bookmarker (about 1"x5" is good) Wrap the bookmarker in the wrapping paper.

Kids are so surprised when you show them that they can make a heart out of their thumb or finger. Show them how to dip their finger into the paint and press it onto the paper, overlapping the bottom to look like a heart. Show them also how to use that same hand to make petals on a flower and the circular center without touching a paintbrush. Fold construction paper in half and let them create their masterpieces on the front for a beautiful valentine's day card. Use the newspaper on the table to protect from the paint. Use the markers to put stems on flowers, strings under heart balloons, or whatever they choose.

1. Put 2 cups of soap flakes into a mixing bowl. Squeeze a few drops of red food coloring into ¼ cup of water, and add it to the soap flakes. Mix until the soap is evenly colored. If the mixture sticks to your fingers, add a little more soap. If it is too dry and crumbly, add just a tiney bit more water.

2. Press small amounts ofthe mixture on a clean counter, and cut heart shapes with the cookie cutters. Put the hearts on a plate and let them dry and harden for 2 days.

3. Decorate each soap with a pretty sitcker. Wrap three or four soaps in a square of pink plastic wrap, and tie with yarn or ribbon.

Note: if you don't hanve any stickers to decorate your guest soaps, use little pictures or hearts and flowers cut from old greeting cards. Just attach them with a tiny dot of white glue. (source: The Best Holiday Crafts Ever! by Kathy Ross*)

First, use the thumbtack to poke arm and leg holes in the card. Position one set of holes an inch from the top and the other half an inch from the bottom. For arms, fit the ends of one pipe cleaner through the lowere holes to create legs. Bend the ends of the legs to shape feet. For a head, cut a heart shape out of construction paper. Glue on Googly eyes and draw on a nose and mouth. Then, glue the head to the front of the card. Finally, wrap one arm around the lollipop stick. If you want to include a valentine's message, write one on another paper heart. Poke a hole in th botton of the heart and fit it on the tip of the falentine's free hand. These are a really cute way to give unique cards and treats to your child's classmates. (source: Family Fun Magazine )

Make heart-shaped pancakes and serve with stawberry or maple syrup. Follow instructions on your favorite pancake mix. Sift to remove lumps. Add a splash of milk for fluidity. For a "pen", funnel thbatter into a squeez bottle with a hole in the cap, such as aclean choolate syrup container. On the griddle, shape the hearts one lobe at a time. They're really just a V shape, which spreads out into a heart on the griddle. You can also write secret messages (I "heart" U) or your child's initials. Make plenty of batter so that you can experiment. Top with fresh berries. Tip: For a perfectly shaped heart, make regular round pancakes and cut them with a heart-shaped cookie cutter. (source: Family Fun Magazine )

2. Stir egg, water, and oil into brownie mix with spoon until well blended (about 50 strokes)

7. Remove from oven. Place kiss on each cupcake. Bake 1 minute longer. Cool completely.

So, the kids are at the sitter's and you have the night to yourselves. You want to make something special just for the 2 of you... but what? Try this delicious recipe. (and leave the dishes until tomorrow... )

In a skillet, heat oil and 2 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat. Cook steaks for 6-7 minutes on each side or until meat is done as desired (for rare, a meat thermometer should read 140 degrees; medium - 160 degrees; well-done - 170 degrees) Remove to a serving platter and keep warm. To pan juices, add mushrooms, onions and remaining butter; saute until tender. Add flour, salt and pepper; gradually stir in broth until smooth. Add browning sauce if desired. Bring to a boil; boil and stir for 2 minutes. Spoon over the steaks. Serve immediately. (source: Taste of Home magazine )

Family Fun Magazine - My favorite magazine... Check out their Valentine's Day ideas!

The Story of St. Valentine - Hallmark has "Seasons & Reasons" on these pages. Check out the history behind this popular holiday.

This Valentine's Day Site Belongs To Early Start Day Care

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This site created and maintained by Cici. (she's new at this, so be nice!) Please send comments, suggestions, or questions to ciciandjosh@earthlink.net Last updated 7/1/98