Hanging Hearts-on-a-String Valentine

Here’s an easy Valentine’s project you can put together to surprise your kids (or your sweetheart) on Valentine’s Day. All you need are some foam sheets (I used red, pink, and purple), white paper (computer paper or whatever you have around is fine), and ribbons. I made the first batch of Hearts-on-a-String when Andrew was a toddler and have been hanging them (and making more as the family grew) in the kids’ doorways on Valentine’s Day ever since. It’s such a simple project, but we love a good tradition around here.

Here’s how to make the hearts. Once the kids are asleep—or your sweetheart isn’t looking—cut hearts out of the foam sheets and then cut slightly smaller hearts out of the white paper. Next, write love-related messages on the white hearts. The messages might vary depending on the ages of your kids, but here are some ideas:

• We love you!
• You’re the best!
• XOXO
• You rock!
• Daddy’s Girl
• Snuggle-Puppy
• You are my sunshine
• I love your smile
• We love you, pumpkin
• So lucky
• Happy Valentine’s Day!

Glue the white hearts onto the foam hearts and let them dry for a few minutes. Meanwhile, cut lengths of ribbon to fit the length of the doorway(s). Staple the hearts to the ribbons. Hang them up from the top of the doorway (I use tape) while the kids are sleeping and they’ll wake up to a sweet surprise on Valentines’ Day.

(Wow, these photos are dark. I hung up the hearts in the sunniest spot in the house, but on an overcast winter’s day like today, that doesn’t help much. But you get the idea.)