"Hearts and Crafts"

Parents Magazine featured some Valentine's Day projects in their February 2010 issue.

Hearts & Crafts - Teach your children that love is all around with a whimsical party of sweet valentine projects and charming eats and treats.

Here's information on some of my favorites from this article, but you can find the entire article and other crafts here.

Yarn Heart Cards

What you'll need: Colored cardstock, scissors, tape, needle, plastic child-safe tapestry needles, colored yarn

Make it:

Parent: Cut a 4"x8" piece of cardstock and fold in half. Print the heart template (download below) cut it out, and lightly tape to the front of the card. Unfold the card and lay it flat. Using the template as a guide, punch holes in the card with a needle; discard template.

Child: Thread a tapestry needle with colored yarn and knot the end. Starting from the inside of the card, stitch yarn from side to side. Finish by knotting on the inside of the card and trimming any excess yarn.

Paper Blooms - A simple wooden spool covered in ribbon holds a precious flower bouquet.

What You'll Need: Cardstock, small circle and heart craft punches, straight pin, craft glue, cloth-covered floral wire, small buttons, wooden spool, grosgrain ribbon (same width as spool)

Make It: The Flowers

Parent: Punch out a circle from cardstock and poke a small hole in the center with a straight pin.

Child: Punch out five heart shapes and fold in half lengthwise for petals. Glue the petals around the circle, leaving the hole unobscured; set aside to dry. Thread one end of a length of floral wire through two holes on a button and twist to secure. Push the opposite end of the wire through the hole in the middle of the flower shape for a stem. Repeat to make more flowers.

The Vase: Wrap a length of ribbon around the spool and glue to secure. Trim the flower stems and stick them into the spool to display.

Flair and Square - Decorate simple sugar cookies with anything your heart desires!

Flower Power - Guests can play she loves me/she loves me know when pulling a veggie petal to eat. Place small bowls of ranch or Thousand Island in the center for dipping.