5 Valentine's Day Crafts for Preschoolers

It doesn't matter if you have a classroom full of preschoolers, or one of your own at home. These 5 simple Valentines Day projects are perfect for any youngster, and are a wonderful way to celebrate Valentines Day, with little mess to clean up.

Roses for mom.

Supplies you will need:
Red and Green Tissue Paper
Green Pipe Cleaners
Scissors (for adult use)
Hole Puncher

First, an adult will need to cut the tissue paper. You will need a total of 5 red squares that measure 5 X 5 inches. You will also need 2 Hour glasses shaped green pieces of tissue paper measuring 8 inches long total and 4 inches wide, at widest part. Note: do not make the middle of the hour glass to thin, you want it to be at least 1 inch wide. The total number of cutouts needed per each rose is, 5 red and 2 green. Next have the child hold the green pipe cleaner straight, and then have them bend the top of the cleaner down about 4 inches, causing it to be doubled at the top. Now let then carefully punch holes in the middle of the green, and red tissue paper. Once that is completed, have the child slip the tissue paper onto the doubled top portion of the pipe cleaner starting with the green, and then adding the red. After all 7 layers of tissue paper are on, have then bend the doubled center of the flower the the side. This will keep the tissue paper from falling off that end. Finally, using your hand fold the paper toward the top, and use the remaining 3 inches of doubled pipe cleaner to wrap around 1 inch on the tissue paper layers. This will cause the tissue paper to face and upwards direction. At this point you can bend the paper downward to make to rose look more full as if it was in bloom.

Popcorn card.

Supplies you will need:
Red or Pink Tissue Paper
Scissors
Construction Paper In Red and White
Elmer's Glue
Small Paper Cups (cut the cups so that they are only 1" deep to hold glue in for dipping)
Pencil

Start by pre-cutting several tiny 2 X 2 inch squares out of the tissue paper. Next Cut out a heart using the red construction paper that is 6 inches long, and 5 inches wide at the widest part. Note: you can make your heart any size, but the bigger you make it, the more tissue paper you will need. Also, cut out a 4 X 4 inch square using the white construction paper. On the white piece of paper have the child write "I love you" or "to: & from:" if they can not write yet, have them draw a picture. Then glue the white paper to one side of the heart, and let dry. Turning the heart over once it is dried allow the child to add the "popcorn". To do this take one square of tissue paper and place the eraser of a pencil in the center. Now fold the sides around the pencil completely covering the eraser. Next dip the flat covered part of the eraser in glue. Finally press it to the heart, and hold for a second then carefully pull the pencil out. Continue doing this step until the whole heart is covered. Allow the heart to dry, and then give as a gift.

Heart Hats.

Supplies you will need:
Brown paper bags, like used at grocery stores
Construction Paper (Pink, Blue, Green, Yellow, White)
Crayons
Scissors
Stapler

Cut the bags into 3 inch wide strips that are 15 inches long. Also cut out hearts using the construction paper. Your hearts should be at least 4 inches long. The colors of the construction paper will resemble the "candy heart" we all know far to well. Let the child pick out a heart and glue it to the middle of the brown strip, which will later become a headband. After that is done, allow them to draw things they love on the remaining part of the band. Once the project is complete, measure their head and staple the band together. Now they are all little cupids.

Heart Art To Eat.

Supplies you will need:
Large Heart Shaped Cookies
Food Coloring
White Icing
Candy Hearts, Gumdrops, Sprinkles, Marshmallows, and Other Fun Foods.
Spoons

Color your white icing by using a few drops of food coloring, and mixing it well. Allow the child to ice a cookie, using the back of a spoon. Once they have the icing on allow them to decorate it however they choose. Make sure you have a wide mixture of candy to choose from, and let them be creative. When their cookie is completed, they can eat it. Teachers: You can save money by baking these cookies at home, and don't be shy to ask a few moms for help.

Napkin Ring Holders.

Supplies you will need:
Construction Paper
Elmer's Glue
Paper Clips
Scissors

First using colored construction paper cut bands that are 2 inches wide, and 5 inches long. Next cut out hearts that are 3 inches long. Have the child draw or write something on the heart. The might want to write "I love you", "mom", or even their own name. Have them glue the heart to the center of the band, and secure it with a paper clip until it dries. Next dab a drop of glue to the end of each band and press them together making a circle for the napkin to fit through. You will also need to secure the ends with a paper clip and allow then to dry. Once the project is completely dried, it's ready to use. To make these napkin holder patriotic, use blue paper for the bands, red for the heart, and add a white napkin.