3 Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids

Valentine's day is quick approaching; so don't let it pass by without doing some fun crafts with your kids. With all of the pink and red decorum at the stores, it's easy to find the supplies you need for these three simple projects.

1. Beaded Heart Decoration

Everyone has seen those large plastic beads with three rounded tips. You've probably made a beaded candy cane out of these before in white or clear and red. Well this time find any type of beads that can easily be handled by your children, and big enough to be seen by the naked eye without getting lost in the carpet for centuries. These beads can easily be found at craft stores and Wal-Mart. You don't have to stick with the traditional colors of red and pink, either. Heart shaped pony beads are a favorite because the extras can be made into bracelets or necklaces with a little string for those jewelry-crazed daughters.

Purchase the beads, some beading wire, and wire cutters if you don't already have some. Beading wire comes in a variety of metallic colors included copper, silver, and gold; it is easily pliable for little hands, and when cut with good wire cutters will not be a cutting hazard. You should cut out one wire piece per heart in the desired size (no less than 8 inches for a decent sized one). Fold the wire in half so that it makes a V-shape. You should leave the bottom tip of the V in a slightly rounded shape so that a bead can fit nicely in the grove. Let your kids stack beads on each end, being sure to leave ½" on each side of the top of the V so you can close it into a heart. When they've finished placing the beads on, bend the wire into the shape of a heart by rounding the sides of the V into candy cane shapes that meet in the middle. Twist the wire together to lock the beads in and bend the excess wire into the hole of the middle of the closed bead to hide it. Attach a string or ribbon to each rounded part of the top of the heart so it will hang evenly. If you purchased beads that have holes that are too small for the wire to be hidden underneath, than simply affix a small silk flower or bow to the front. This will hide the wire and add a nice touch.