I get it. When the request comes in for 25 classroom valentines for the classroom you reach for the box of pre-made Pokemon cards. It's easy and the kids like 'em.
But for Valentine's Day with grandma and grandpa you want the kids to make something a little more special than a scribbled signature on the back of a Star Wars valentine. Am I right? But special doesn't have to mean complicated! Today I've got a printable coloring page that transforms into fun homemade valentine cards for kids to make. And BONUS: the Valentine's Day card template can be turned into several different kinds of cards so kids can experiment and make each one as different as they wish!
As with all our deliriously darling coloring pages, this one is designed by children's book author and illustrator, Melanie Hope Greenberg. (Note: this post contains affiliate links to supplies and books.)
Download and print (by clicking here you agree to our terms of service* see below): VALENTINE HEART CARD
What you need to make the Valentine card:
- Coloring page (see above for download)
- Card stock or other heavy paper.
- Colored pencils, markers, crayons, etc.
- Scissors (these are my favorite kid friendly scissors); or an X-acto knife (grown-ups only, please!)
- Glue stick
- Tape
- String
- Cello sheets (optional)
How to assemble:
- Print out the coloring page.
- Color to your heart's content.
- Cut out the card.
- Fold along middle line.
Continue following directions for one of the card varieties below.
Spinner version:
- Cut out the inner rectangle on the front of the card.
- Cut out the heart.
- Trace the inner rectangle on the back of the card and cut out.
- Trace the heart on that rectangle and cut out.
- Cut a piece of string just shy of the length of the card. Tape ends to inside of card so that string stretches across the opening, lengthwise.
- Glue the two hearts to the string.
- Apply glue the inside of the card frame, close card and press together.
Twist the string and watch the heart spin!
Frame Version:
- Cut out the inner rectangle and heart on the front of the card ONLY.
- Write Valentine message or draw a picture on inside of card.
Optional: Glue clear or colored cellophane to the back of the frame opening. (Below far right.)
Optional: Apply a photo to the inside of the card front so that it appears in the frame opening.
Optional: Create a small accordion with a small piece of paper, glue one end to the back of the heart and glue the other end to the inside of the card so the heart pops up. If you don't cut out the front of the card then cut the heart from a separate piece of paper; then the pop up heart will be a surprise. (Below far left.)
Basic Version:
Instead of cutting out the center rectangle and heart, just color fold and write a heart-felt message inside the card.
Your version:
Encourage kids to come up with their own design using the template. Will they cut out a window? Fill the card with hearts? Insert a movable part? Experiment and tinker!
More Homemade Valentine Cards for Kids to Make:
- Quick and easy valentines: this is the one to make for the classroom!
- Make a Möbius strip heart valentine for math nerds!
- Make and mail a giant hug valentine
- Printable Valentine Cards - coloring page
- Heart Air Balloon mobile coloring page
See all of Melanie’s coloring pages:
Meet the illustrator:
Melanie Hope Greenberg is an award winning author and illustrator of more than 15 children’s books. Her cheerful, vibrant illustrations can be found in books such as Good Morning, Digger, Down in the Subway and A City Is. Her very popular Mermaids on Parade was selected as a Bank Street Best Book, and for the Texas Reading Club and PBS Kids Summer Reading Lists.
I’m sure you know a kid who likes diggers. Or mermaids? Or subways? Melanie signs all copies of her books purchased through her Amazon vendor link.
*Terms of Service: this coloring page is used with permission from Melanie Hope Greenberg and is for non-commercial use ONLY. You many print out as many copies as you like for personal, library or classroom use. If you would like to share this coloring page, you MUST link to this blog page. It is expressly forbidden to link directly to the coloring page pdf file.
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