Valentine’s Day is often an overlooked craft holiday. But there are a numerous Valentine’s Day crafts that can be great fun to do at a party. You can either gather your family and friends ahead of the big day to make Valentines and other crafts or host a large gathering of those you love on Valentine’s Day. Either way making crafts together is great way to bond and create special memories with those you truly care about. In fact you may find that it is so much fun you just might be starting a new Valentine’s Day tradition by hosting a craft party. Here are some great ideas for a Valentine’s Day craft party-
- Get your guests involved right from the beginning. You will want to save your personal energy and supplies for the crafting event so make up simple fliers on the computer and get the word out early. Start by asking each guest to bring at least five creative craft supplies to share. Some suggestions are: Pink, red, and other colored plain and fancy paper, feathers, stickers, glitter, or glitter glue, scrap booking supplies like punches, rubber stamps and ink, fancy edge scissors, lace doilies etc. You may also want to ask each guest to bring their own age-appropriate scissors, school glue, and maybe a few markers. A manila folder or tote bag can also be a good idea for bringing home creations.
- Plan ahead-If kids will be involved then plan ahead with plastic table covers and baby wipes for cleaning hands (faces, and so on) for the inevitable mess that the glue will make. You can shop at your dollar store for cute and cheap table covers. Make sure that you have plenty of table space and chairs (goop-proof if possible). For smaller children you may want to consider cutting out paper hearts in advance so kids can concentrate on creative decorating. You should expect glitter to get pretty much everywhere. To avoid this situation have a “glitter station” that might be set up outside. In addition a drying table is a good idea for letting crafts set as glue hardens.
- Offer an appropriate variety of crafts-For younger kids making Valentine’s might be enough. Set out lots of papers, punches, scissors, lace and other trims, glitter and markers and then step back and let the kids go to work. If you have older kids or adults involved in the party there are numerous Valentine’s Day crafts that can be a little more challenging (though generally everyone loves making Valentines). You can have older guests bring any other craft project with a Valentines theme or provide materials to make a heart wreath (foam, floral and ribbon and a glue gun is all it takes) or heart shaped wooden ornaments (simply paint the hearts) that can be decorated and hung on trees or other hooks. For a loving touch try setting up a heart themed quilt that your guests can all provide some tying or stitching on and then donate it to a local shelter or hospital after the party.
- Do not forget the food! Everyone loves heart shaped sugar cookies at Valentines. Have a separate table where guests can decorate their cookies with a variety of frostings, candies and other toppings. For older kids you can even provide pastry bags for a more professional decorating touch. Small wax bags can be good for getting the cookies home or they can simply eat them right there. For another fun craft that younger kids will love have them string pink and red lifesavers onto licorice whips. Then tie the licorice on as a bracelet or necklace for a fun treat!