We are really a family of watercolor painters. Once we sit down with that beautiful polka-dot palette and a piece of thick, toothy watercolor paper, we dive in excitedly. And that’s why I so adore this Valentine’s Day project that I did for the 2020 February issue of Parents Magazine.
This is a great project to do with even the littlest of hands and then a grown-up can help cut, punch, and tie ribbon through. But just start with a big ole piece of paper and you’ll be amazed at how many Valentine’s Day cards you can get out of it!
(Fun fact…my kids actually painted this paper and doodled these hearts for me so that they really looked kid-made! And yes, they each got paid, because, hey, it’s work!)
Here are the instructions from the magazine:
Have your child draw hearts all over a sheet of thick paper using an oil-based marker, like Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Markers. (Note: These markers are permanent, so protect your work surface.) When they’re dry, have her paint over the hearts with watercolors in contrasting shades. (Because the pen is oil-based, the hearts will not bleed.) Let dry. Cut 2×6-in. strips from the page and punch holes in the top of each. Thread 3-in.pieces of thin ribbon through the holes and knot. On the back, write, “I’ll always save a place for you!” pieces of thin ribbon through the holes and knot. On the back, write, “I’ll always save a place for you!”
