Valentine’s Day is a wonderful time to show love and appreciation, and what better way to do that than with a heartfelt, handmade craft that the whole family can enjoy? If you’re looking for a simple craft project to do with your little ones, this handprint heart creation is the perfect activity. Click on the image below to access the downloadable printable!

What you’ll need:

• Coloured paper (red, pink, or any colour you’d like)
• A pencil
• Scissors
• Glue or a glue stick

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Paper: Take a sheet of coloured paper and fold it in half. The fold will allow you to create two symmetrical handprint shapes.

2. Draw the Handprints: Place your child’s hand flat on the paper - as shown in the photo, and carefully trace around the hand. You should trace all five fingers and the palm.

3. Cut Out the Hands: Cut out the hand shape, making sure to follow the outline you traced. When you unfold the paper, you’ll have two mirror-image handprints, perfectly symmetrical.

4. Final Touch: Once the handprints are decorated, glue them onto a piece of plain or coloured paper to make a complete card. This is a perfect gift for a loved one, whether it’s a family member, teacher, or friend.

The result? A sweet, heartfelt heart-shaped card made entirely from your child’s handprints – a beautiful keepsake for anyone lucky enough to receive it!

The Importance of Crafting with Your Child

Valentine’s Day offers the perfect opportunity to slow down, put away distractions, and bond over something special. Here are a few reasons why sitting down to craft with your child is so important:

1. Fosters Creativity: Crafting is a wonderful way to nurture your child’s imagination. Whether they’re drawing, cutting, or gluing, children learn to express their feelings and ideas in new ways.

2. Improves Fine Motor Skills: Simple tasks like cutting with scissors, tracing, and gluing help improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor control.

3. Promotes Emotional Connection: Crafting together provides a chance for you and your child to communicate, share thoughts, and express emotions. It’s a quiet activity that allows for meaningful conversations and can even prompt discussions about the holiday’s themes of love and kindness.

Once your craft is complete, it’s time to give it to someone who will appreciate it the most. This handprint heart card is perfect for a grandparent, teacher, or special friend. It’s an easy way for children to participate in expressing love and appreciation for those they care about.

The effort your child puts into creating something from the heart will be appreciated more than any store-bought card. And as a parent, being there to guide them through the process and encouraging their creativity is an invaluable experience for both of you.