Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to teach your kids any number of things: how to show emotion, portion control with candy, and how to get a little artsy.

This craft project involves several fine motor skills that can be easily modified for kids of any age. It’s the perfect way to make a cute card for a friend, grandparent, or just for yourself.

The grand reveal of the negative space created by the heart cutouts is a thrill for almost any kid. And, who knows, it may even distract them from the candy hearts for just a bit.

Negative Space Hearts Valentine’s Day Craft

Materials

• White paper
• Colored paper of choice
• Pencil to draw heart outlines
• Scissors
• Tape
• Festive colored paints – Red, Pink, Purple (whatever you have on hand)

Activity Prep:

This is when the age and ability of the child comes into play. You’re going to need to draw the heart shapes for younger children, but some kids might be able to draw the hearts on their own.

 

Then, you’ll need to tape down the colored hearts on your white paper. Older kids can help roll tape circles and stick their own hearts down, while toddlers can press the hearts down once the tape is already applied for them. The more your child is able to do on their own, the more engaged they’ll be in the activity.

Creating the Negative Space Hearts Craft

Now, it’s time to dip into those paints! Infants can use their fingers to dip and dot the paint, and feel free to let older kids and even toddlers pick their choice of tool, (finger, cotton ball, paint sponge, etc.)

The key is to dot all around the edge of the heart first to make sure the outline will be visible when you’re done.

 

 

Now you can let your little one decide where to display their masterpiece.

Try it on the wall or the fridge, or they can even take it to school or daycare to give to someone special.