Make 3D Photo Lollipop Cards for Valentine's Day Parties

Many pre-packaged Valentine's Day cards available at your local store are boring and impersonal. The cards are often tiny perforated sheets with fill-in blanks and may not even have envelopes. Why not make something original and spunky for your child's Valentine's Day school party this year? This craft project is simple, inexpensive, and your child will be proud to help them out to his or her classmates and teachers.

Tip: This project, particularly the photography step, works best when your child is well rested. Pick a time when your know your child will not be hungry, tired, or just a general cranky-pants!

Supplies Needed for 3D Photo Lollipop Cards
Digital camera
Access to a photo printer or store that can print your photos
Digital photo software
Scissors
Scotch Tape
Black or Red marker
Lollipops (such as Tootsie Roll Pops )

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make 3D Photo Lollipop Cards
1. Be sure that your digital camera has enough battery juice and memory card space to take a half dozen pictures of your child.

2. Dress your child in a favorite Valentine's outfit or just a plain top and jeans.

3. Find a wall in your home for the backdrop. Plain walls work great so the emphasis is all on your little lovebug.

4. Ask your child to pose by holding out one hand as though he or she is giving a flower bouquet to a friend.See the article photo for inspiration.

Hint: You may want to try a test pose by giving your child something to hold. Then, remember the object and have your child remain as still as possible. Don't forget to remind your lovebug to smile!

5. Take a few pictures of your child posing so you can choose the best shot.

6. Upload the photos to your favorite photo software.

7. Apply any photo enhancements that you wish. Crop out any background clutter. Keep the focus on your child! Be sure you can clearly see the fisted hand pointing out. The best size prints to use are 4x6 and 5x7.

8. Use the software to add a special Valentine's message to the front of the photo.

9. Save the file.

10. Print using your own photo printer or upload to a local photo processing store. Remember to print enough copies for all the students and teachers in the class plus extras for friends and family.

11. Use the scissors to cut a small slit on the photo where your child's hand is extended out.

12. Have your child write his or her name and date using the marker on the back of the photo.

13. Slide a Tootsie Roll Pop or other brand of lollipop carefully into the slit so that it looks like your child is holding the candy.

Hint: Tootsie Roll makes a special bag of pink-wrapped, cherry flavored pops available for Valentine's Day . Check your local store for availability.

14. Use the tape to adhere to lollipop stick to the back of the photo.

Creative Options for 3D Lollipop Valentine's Day Cards
1. Use cardstock and glue it to the back of the photo after you have taped the lollipop. Write your child's name and date on the back of the cardstock instead. Be sure that the cardstock is about ¼ inch wider all around than the photo so you have a nice border.

2. Use lace, ribbon, or other accents to decorate around the outside edge of the photo card.

3. Make these fun cards as a surprise project for the teacher. Enlist the help of a teacher's aide to keep the project a secret. Take pictures of each student, make the photo cards, and then glue them to a large poster board as a special gift.