My Bubbly Valentine

 

This is the first year we get to give valentines to a school class. Sophie mostly understands that Valentine’s Day and hearts are related, but truth be told, this year it’s 100% my choice about which valentines we give out this year.

Truth also being told, these last two quarters of graduate school have us on an airtight budget, so I wanted to make something instead of paying a fortune for valentines and candy.

I spotted a pack of 24 bubble wands for $3 at Target, and I had a discount coupon I could use, so I really felt like the decision was made for me. We’re doing bubble valentines this year!

I have two versions to share–the first is a more homemade version that can get (you or) your kids involved. The second is a (super basic) printable version you can use.

For this project, you’ll need:

• Marker/paint weight paper
• Watercolors, fingerpaints, or washable paints + brushes, as needed
• Stickers
• A pen or black marker
• Mini bubble wands (We got a 24-pk for $3 at Target)
• Washi tape (or any other tape you fancy)

First, paint the paper with your paint or watercolors (we used red and a purple-y color I mixed from blue and red). Because of the nature of these paints, adding more water will dilute them to pastels instead of brights. Personally, I thought a mix of both brights and pastels looked nice, but use whatever you like. I turned this part over to Sophie and let her do whatever she wanted with the painting. Allow the paper to dry.

Cut the paper into your desired size valentines (we made 6 per page).

Decorate with stickers and write a little message if you like (we wrote “you make my heart go pop!”).

Attach bubble wands to the back with Washi tape, and you’re done!

Or, go the printable route. If you’re strapped for time or aren’t feeling like paint, marker, and stickers are your thing, you can print out something digital onto card stock or marker-weight paper. I’ve done a bit of the work for you and put together a reeeeeally simple printout you can use. It’s nothing fancy, but it’ll get the job done! Just print, cut, and attach the bubbles with tape. Easy-peasy! (Scroll down to the bottom for the printable. )

What are your favorite homemade valentines to give?

Any favorite non-candy treats?

For the Printable PDF Version, click the photo or the text link below.

You Make My Heart Pop! Printable copy

P.S. More Homemade Valentine Inspiration

1. Printable Butterfly Valentines (for lollipops) – Skip to My Lou
2.  Painted Pattern Hearts (for older kids) – Barbara Rucci
3.  Hand Cut-outs – Martha Stewart
4. Color My World Printable (for crayons or paints) – Crazy Little Projects
5. Printable “Boy” Valentines. (I couldn’t help but love these–robots, dinosaurs, and construction trucks, oh my!) – One Charming Party