Crafting with my son is the best! I am always looking out for new things to try. I was at Target and saw a tub of air dry clay and thought it would be perfect. Read on to see my Valentine craft for preschoolers.
My son’s friend gave him some very sweet salt dough ornaments for Christmas and that inspired this project. You can use these hearts as hanging decorations or gift tags.
Since air-dry clay comes ready to use, this project is easy and quick.
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Gather your supplies.
As I said above, I found the air dry clay at Target in their craft supply aisle. The cookie cutters also came from there! We started to mix the clay on the table, but it was too sticky. I grabbed some of our scrap wood (pays to be a hoarder sometimes ha ha).
The wood was perfect. I grabbed a dough scraper and rolling pin from the kitchen. I’ve seen people use canned food as a rolling pin substitute! Lastly, I had a cup of water to help soften the clay and an old towel to wipe our hands.
Roll out the clay.
My little guy is 4 years old and he did great with the rolling pin. He has helped pizza dough and other doughs, so he already had the general idea. You wouldn’t want to have a shape too thin or too thick.
Press a cookie cutter on the dough.
Here you can see my little guy has his heart shaped cookie cutter in place. He is dipping his hands in water to soften the shape a bit.
Poke a hole in the hearts for your string.
I think my son had as much fun getting messy with clay and water! While that kept him occupied, I created holes in the hearts with the tip of an old mechanical pencil. My plan was to tie string to give to people as a hanging valentine, instead of a card. Or to use them as gift tags.
Paint your dried hearts.
After a few days drying, (package states to dry for one to two days) we set to paint. I had some paints left over from fall and Christmas that worked fine.
I had read ahead of time that acrylic paints work. I also read that spray paint can work.
Make sure to cover your surfaces before painting!
My son chose the colors he liked most. He mixed some colors together and had fun seeing what the results would be.
Use your hearts for gifting!
After the paint dried, I tied string through the hearts. I had bought a couple plants to gift to neighbors and used the hearts as gift tags. We will leave these on neighbor’s doorsteps to spread a little cheer.
This was a great rainy day activity that was pretty perfect for a preschool aged child. Of course adults can get creative and make vases, trinket dishes, ornaments with delicately carved designs. Next up we will have to try some salt dough!
Have you tried air dry clay or salt dough? Do you have a preference? Leave me a note in comments. I love to hear feedback. Thanks for reading!
Look at all these cute V-day finds!
Pin This To Read Later!
Don’t leave just yet!
I’ve gathered some more Valentine inspiration. Take a look at these great ideas.
How to make heart tassel earrings.
Simple Valentine’s Day crafts.
A Valentine yarn heart garland.
Repurposing Christmas decor for Valentine’s.
Resin metal glitter heart DIY.
Heart pillow with vintage buttons.
Valentine dipped pretzel rods.
Such a cute idea to do with kids! My grandkids will love this idea! Thanks so much for including me in your round up of Valentine ideas. 🙂
Karin
Thanks Karin! We had so much fun! Happy to include your lovely post 🥰
So cute Marie! I think I might have to do this with my kids! I’ve been wanting to try air clay since featuring those air clay Christmas’s ornaments on my Christmas decor round up post. Such a great idea and I bet the kids would live it. Mine love any excuse to play with cookie cutters 😊
Thanks Jessie! You totally should do this with your kiddos. It was fun and messy ☺️
Such a great idea. Love doing crafts with the little ones.
Thanks Carol! I love to see how kids interpret a craft and make it their own.
These are seriously so cute! I love how they came together and how you guys took some time to craft and create together too. These would definitely make the perfect addition to any Valentine gift. Hope your day has been a special one, CoCo
Aw thank you CoCo! After my son’s friend gave him some salt dough ornaments, he was so excited to make someone similar. We already started to gift them to neighbors and even mailed them to family. I think everyone needs a little extra love this year ❤
This is precious.
Thanks so much! It was a fun mama/son project 😊
Such a good idea! I have those cookie cutters and I should definitely put them to use
Thanks Morgan! They were such a good deal! ❤
Such a fun project! I love that you used the hearts to bless others and bring a little cheer. Thanks for sharing the project with us!
Thank you Kim! Living in a different state than the majority of our family, we try to do things like this to stay connected. And we like to surprise neighbors once in a while too 😊
These are so adorable!! Love it!
Thanks so much Christin!
such a a great project for the kiddos! thanks for sharing!
Aw thank you Lauren! It was the perfect craft for a rainy day!
They turned out so cute! What a great project! 💕💕
Thanks Linda! It was so fun! 😊
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Your clay hearts are just adorable and what sweet memories you’re making with your son! I’m so excited to feature your post this week at the Tuesday Turn About Link Party! Hope to see you there!
Thanks Michelle. ❤ I’m so happy for the opportunity to be home with my son. Oh wow!!!! That is so exciting!!! You made my week!!!
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Marie, I love crafts that the whole family can do together. It makes it much more fun.
Air dry clay is new to me, and I will eventually get around to trying it out. Thanks for sharing at Friday with Friends party!
I so agree. It’s always fun to see what kids come up with.
It was new to me too & I would use it again!
So happy to share at Friday with Friends!
Ooooo, I need to make these with my kiddos! Especially because tomorrow is Valentines Day – hah!
Ha ha yes! My little guy had so much fun. I’m sure you could make them anytime 😘
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