One activity that we do almost every day is play dough. We were playing with Kool-Aid Play Dough the other day and I came up with this simple, cute valentines craft. First, I took the play dough and rolled it out with a rolling pin.
Next, we took a cookie cutter and cut out a few shapes.
Then, I had the boys put their thumbs in the play dough to make the shape of a heart. I also stenciled in their names with a pencil.
Next, I baked the play dough. Did you know you can actually bake play dough? I had to google it, but yes it totally works. And I’m probably the only one who didn’t know you can actually bake play dough!!
I put the play dough in the oven at 200 degrees on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes. I checked on them every 5-10 minutes and took them out after it started to look and feel dry. I also used silicone hearts to bake some heart shaped play dough. Those were left in longer than the ones on the baking sheet.
Next, I laid them on a cookie sheet and let them dry completely. I love the sparkly red play dough!! It’s actually the play dough we made for Christmas.
Lastly, I added a magnet to the back and added them on our fridge. You could use these as paperweights or just decorations, too. If you poke a hole before putting in the oven, you could string ribbon through it and hang somewhere for decorations.
So there you have it…a simple, fun craft to make for Valentine’s day. It would be a cute gift to give grandparents! Have a great day!
For any non american, the 200 degrees are meant to be fahrenheit, not celsius, now i sit with a molten unicorn and a crying 5 year old.
I’m so sorry I didn’t specify Fahrenheit. I’m also sorry to upset your 5-year-old.
Hi!
I’ve been trying to do the ornaments with handmade sensory dough but with no luck.
I tried with my oven at 200F for about an hour each time.
Either they puff up ridiculously and even when they’re really thin, they don’t dry completely in the oven and come out really fragile.
Would you have anything way to fix this?
I am so sorry! What kind of play dough did you use? The Kool-Aid one? It might be oven, too, since ovens can be slightly different. Once again, I apologize it didn’t turn out for you!
Planning on doing this for a school project! After it is baked, will it last and avoid getting mouldy? My structure is 3D and I’m also wondering if it will hold its shape…
It shouldn’t get mouldy. Ours never did.
My daughter is Play Dough obsessed! She is going to LOVE this for “Mommy And Me” time.
Thank you so much!!! I made a playdough face and the baking idea really helped! Now I’m making playdough faces for my whole family! Again thank you so much!
i have a craft shop and is going to try the magnets for my business
this is so neat I am using this for Christmas presents.
Always looking for new ideas..
I am a toddler teacher and this is a GREAT idea for both a parent gift for Valentine’s Day and for the kids. I can’t wait to try this with them! Absolutely love it!
I love the simplicity of this Valentines craft. So cool! Going to try this one. 🙂
Great idea! I featured your post at the Living Montessori Now Facebook page and pinned it to my Kids’ Valentine’s Day Activities Board at http://pinterest.com/debchitwood/kids-valentine-s-day-activities/
Thank you, Erica! Oh and I changed the blog header Monday. I love the fresh, new look. Yes, whenever you want to swap buttons I’m ready- just email me! Thanks friend!
I love this idea!! We will be doing it! And girl your blog header!! When did I miss the change!?! I guess I’ve been reading mostly on my phone. I LOVE it! Let me know when you want your button on my sidebar! You’re doing great!
Such a cute idea! Very creative. I saw a cute boy in the fridge:)
Thanks, Liz! Oh yes, Caden is the cutest and his party is definitely talked about all the time!!