DIY: Valentine Cork Board

Valentine’s Day is creeping up folks! This gets me excited because it gives me another excuse to create a craft. With the help of my munchkins, I created a Valentine Cork Board. This kid-friendly craft uses your child’s hand prints (in the shape of a heart) to create a functional keepsake or gift for a loved one. Hang it in your office or the playroom. It only requires three items and hardly any time! Plus, who doesn’t love seeing his or her baby’s prints?

Items Needed:

• A Cork Board
• Acrylic Paint (two different colors, and be mindful of the color of your cork)
• Stencil Letter (of your child’s first name)

I recommend having your child practice how to make a heart shape with her hands prior to starting the craft. It took my four year old one try before he understood what I wanted. My two year old, on the other hand, didn’t quite get it. It was cute nonetheless.

Once your child understands how to create the heart shape with his hands, he can do it on the cork board. I would do a print on construction paper first because too much paint can leave a smudgy print. Another solution is to paint your child’s hands instead.

After the prints, you can use the stencil and paint the letter of your child’s first name. I placed ours on the bottom right corner. There are a lot of pretty stencils out there that can help you place a pretty design instead, or in addition to the prints. Now you’re done and ready to start pinning!