These easy valentines for kids double as a great process art activity. Draw hearts in white crayon or oil pastel and then paint over for a resist effect.
Updated January 2025
By their nature (and this goes for many holiday crafts) Valentine cards are usually more about the finished product than the process. Which is totally fine, of course. We do plenty of holiday crafts in our homes.
But being process art devotees, we are always trying to think of ways to make our holiday projects more about the process than the product. Or at least as much about the process as the product. Because there’s no denying that we all think the finished card is important when we’re giving it to friends and family.
So, when we came across this idea for homemade Valentine cards, we thought it might be perfect, especially for our younger kids. This project is fun and interesting, as well as age appropriate and open ended.
How to Make Homemade Valentines
MATERIALS
- Watercolor paper
- White crayon or oil pastel
- Watercolors
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cut paper
First, cut your watercolor paper into small squares or rectangles, perfect for slipping into friends’ Valentine bags or mailboxes.
- Draw a heart
On each paper, draw a heart in white crayon or oil pastel. Grownups can do this step, if needed.
- Paint!
Use watercolors to paint over the white hearts, revealing them as the wax resists the paint. You can use any colors or color combinations you like!
- Repeat
Keep drawing hearts and painting over them until you have one for each friend. You can write a message or sign your name on the back. You can also make ones to hang up!
The finished valentines are so lovely. And bonus – they are ones that your kids will have a lot of fun making AND that they will be proud to give to friends!
More Easy Valentines for Kids
- 30 Valentine’s Day Activities for Kids
- 12 Homemade Valentines Cards for Kids
- How to Make a DIY Valentine’s Box
- How to Make Blot Art Hearts for Valentine’s Day
- How to Make DIY Valentines for Little Kids
- How to Make Taylor Swift Valentines
Want even more creative ideas?
Check out our Hearts Activities pack!
We think you’re going to LOVE this sweet collection of adorable heart activities! This 32-page printable eBook is full of coloring pages, drawing prompts, games, and more!
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