…or Love Day Craft

Valentine’s Day was not something I have much memory of as a child. It wasn’t something that everyone partook in. It was a day for those in a relationship. I came to the States and started teaching and saw just how big of a day it is, where everyone gives a Valentine and receives a bunch in return. No child is left out. Thanks to Daniel Tiger my girls call it “Love Day” and that is something I can definitely get behind. The history of Valentine’s Day is a little bloody and a little confused. No one seems to know the exact story. But does it matter? Nah, not really. We can take a day to celebrate love. Here is an easy Valentine’s Day craft to make.

This is a fun little craft. I have actually used it to honor Martin Luther King Jr on his memorial day because he preached love, not hate. 

Love Catcher (Heart Shaped Dream Catcher)

For this you will need:

• Chenille stems (pipe cleaners) – best for younger children – or heavy duty Gold or silver wire for older children
• Colored yarn (I like to use yarn that changes color as you unwind it but you can also use lengths of different colors)
• Curling ribbon, thin ribbon, thin lace, etc.
• Scissors
• Wire cutters (if using wire)

What to do:

1. Take 4 chenille stems and twist together at the ends (you can use 2 but 4 makes it stronger)
2. Mold into a heart shape

Or

1. Cut a length of wire
2. Mold into a heart shape and twist the ends together at the dip at the top of the heart

1. Take a length of yarn and tie it in a knot at one point of the heart
2. Cross the yarn back and forth over and around the heart, making sure to twist around the stem or wire on opposite sides
3. When you have crisscrossed as much as you like, tie off the end.
4. Cut lengths of curling ribbon, thin ribbon, lace and tie at bottom of the heart (Best to fold in half then loop over the end and tighten)
5. Cut a length of yarn or ribbon and tie at the top of the heart to hang (can either tie at the dip of the heart or on either side for stability)

Additions:

If you want you can add beads, feathers, whatever takes your fancy. This is your heart!

I like to use reds, pinks and white, but the colors are entirely up to you.

I hope you enjoy making this Valentine’s Day craft heart. If you make a lovecatcher, I would love to see them!

Have a wonderful Love Day!

(If you like DIY, here is a post on making your own Cardboard Houses)