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Craft a Happy Valentine's Day

Help your child make a sweet sun catcher

Rating: 5.0 (based on 5 reviews)
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If you're already inundated with Valentine crafts and are trying not to scream at the very thought of another, you may skip this article. If, however, you're looking for a fun craft to do with your kids, with items you probably already have in the house, read on!

I have done this craft with children from age 2 to 22 years. Because an iron is used, adult supervision is always required -- unless your children, like mine, are currently ironing their own clothes!

Gather your materials:

old crayons (in Valentine colors. We used red, pink -- and yellow. Paler colors let more light through.)

a grater

wax paper, cut into squares the size of the hearts you choose. Mine were about 7 inches square. (Or thereabouts. This is craft, not science!)

newspaper

red or pink construction paper

an iron

1.) Grate your crayons into separate piles of colour. (The shavings will be full of static charge, and will stick to everything. It helps to have slightly damp hands when you try to move them.)

2.) Use a couple of sections of the newspaper to make a pad on your table. Place a sheet of wax paper on the paper. Sprinkle crayon shavings onto the wax paper. (Less is more: too much, and the light won't shine through.)

3.) Cover the crayon shavings with a second section of wax paper. Top with a sheet or two of newspaper.

4.) Press with iron set on low. (A child as young as three or so can help hold the iron. Older children can do this independently -- with a careful parent nearby!) If you simply hold the iron in various spots, the crayons will melt in place. If you move the iron, the colors will swirl and meld a bit. Totally up to you!

5.) Admire melted creation.

6.) Cut two heart frames from construction paper.

7.) Use one frame to trace a heart on the wax paper, cutting the wax paper a wee bit smaller than the frame -- just enough so it won't stick out on the sides. Glue one frame to each side of the wax-paper heart.

8.) String a ribbon through the frame, and ta-dah! A Valentine sun-catcher to brighten a dreary February afternoon!

About the Author: Mother of three (teens), step-mother of five (teens), home daycare operator of five (todders), and STILL SANE!! NOTHING is impossible...
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Great idea! Thanks for sharing!
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