Start with craft paint and paper bags, and create fun, colorful valentine cards and decorations. Paint your favorite colors and patterns on a paper bag canvas that can be cut up into hearts, letters, or any shapes you want to create Valentine’s crafts.
What you need:
• Paper bags
• Paint brush
• Scissors
• Cardstock
• Craft paints
• String
• Paper plates
What you do:
1 Cut along the folded edges of your paper bag to open it up for painting.
2 On the inside of the bag, paint a bold, colorful background with one or two colors. Change colors for different parts of the bag for variety.
3 Add patterns – like hearts, stars, stripes, etc. – in different colors to your paper. Let dry fully.
4 When dry, cut out shapes and letters from your painted paper.
5 To make a card: Cut your cardstock in half down the long side. Fold in half to create your card base. Glue shapes onto the card cover and, if desired, the inside of your card.
For a banner: Glue shapes or letters to cardstock to create a sign for the wall.
For garland: Cut a piece of string the length you want your garland to be and leave six inches on each end for hanging. Glue shapes back-to-back with the string sandwiched between them. Continue to add pairs of shapes on the string until your garland is complete.
Other ideas:
• Making cupcakes? Cut out heart shapes, glue to toothpicks, and stick into the top of each cupcake.
• Cut out letters and create a word art banner.
• Cut out a 6-inch square from painted paper, fold in half, staple the sides, insert candy or a treat, and give a special valentine pocket to a friend.
Photography: Scott Schwartzkopf
