Kids learn through play, which is the best time to absorb information about their environment and the people around them. That is why greener birthday parties and fun up-cycled activities are such a great idea.  Up-cycling is something that kids notice and a concept you can include in crafting or gifts for school Valentine exchanges. The secret is to use up fabric scraps or felt that showcases your child’s personality when making handmade Valentines.This isn’t a craft that should be tackled the night before card exchanges, but with some planning, it is a great introduction to sewing and a project younger kids can work on during the week before Valentines Day.

How do you make a DIY reusable Valentine?

Materials:

• Felt
• Fabric scraps
• Needle
• Embroidery thread
• Scissors
• Lollie pop (optional)

Instructions:

With a sharp pair of scissors, cut out two hearts – the larger heart from felt and the smaller heart from either felt or fabric. Cut out hearts like you are making a paper heart (think back to elementary school) – fold the fabric and cut out 1/2 a heart on the opposite side of the folded line. This ensures hearts are even on either side. Thread your needle with embroidery thread and hand stitch. To get kids excited, pick an inner fabric that shows your child’s imagination. We loved using camouflage fabric with brown exterior felt – nobody says that Valentines always need to be pink and red! Children will love making Valentines for their friends and you can slide an organic lollie pop through the stitching of the heart if you want to include a treat. Easy for kids to handout, no writing required. Easy for teachers since they aren’t searching for kids to match up with names.

If you start running short on time, and the thought of making 30 DIY Valentines is overwhelming, make just a couple for family members and get creative with more sentimental materials. Use an old infant sleeper or baby blanket that contains lots of beautiful memories. This gift would be the ultimate for a Grandparent or your spouse.

Making felt stitched hearts isn’t just for kids! I made up a few recently to add to a tin of granola bars I gave as a gift. The felt heart minimizes having to write out a gift tag or card and truly adds that perfect touch of handmade.

Related articles:

Homemade granola bars kids want to eat