The past couple of years, we have made our own Valentine’s Day cards for the girls’ class parties. It might not have saved us any money, and it definitely did not save us time, but they were fun to do. (for the most part ๐ )
- Last year, we did this gold fish idea for Kristi (K-5) (we just used fold down sandwich bags and closed the bag with a twistie tie at the top).
- We did this cupcake liner idea for Karis last year. (When she was in 2nd grade). (We only used two cupcake liners per card–one big and one small.)
- Last year and this year, Kaylin made these DIY Valentine Pockets, and then we put some Hershey kisses on the inside of the pocket.
- This year we are doing some Valentine cards that I made myself along with crayon hearts that we made for Kristi’s class.
We have so many old crayons that are broken and could be melted down so that part was free! I started melting crayons in the microwave, pouring the crayon in to a cookie cutter while trying not to burn my fingers and also trying to press down the cookie cutter so that no crayon seeped out from under the cookie cutter. It was fine if you only wanted a couple of crayons hearts–but not 22 of them. It got old really quick. So I went to Hobby Lobby and got a heart silicone mold similar to these molds on Amazon. Talk about being so much easier!!! I just put broken crayons (which Kristi took the paper off of the crayons) in a single layer in each mold. I made sure that the crayons completely covered the bottom of each mold. Then I put the mold on a cookie sheet in an oven around 350-400 degrees. After about 10 minutes the crayons were all melted. I let them cool for a couple of minutes and then put them in the refrigerator (because I am impatient.) After the crayon hearts were cooled, they were very easy to remove from the molds.

Cover the bottom of the heart with broken crayons, put in oven on a cookie sheet until crayons are melted, let cool until crayon is hardened.
The only problem was that we all got headaches from the melting crayons. We did do 22 of them in one night, so maybe if you only did a few in a night, you would be okay. I had no idea that melting crayon could make people have a headache! My husband opened the doors for a couple minutes (it is really cold where we live), and that helped tremendously. So you might want a way to vent your house if you do this. Or maybe you can plan way in advance and do it in the summer ;). Kidz Central Station told me that there are great eco friendly non-toxic crayons available–but that kind-of shot my idea of using up old crayons!
I made up these printable Valentine cards that you see below, and we taped the crayon hearts in the middle. We had to tape over the heart, as the tape wouldn’t stick on the bottom of the heart. Maybe sticky tack would work? If you didn’t want to make hearts, you could always just tape a couple of crayons to the middle of the card.
If you would like to use these Valentines, just click on the picture! It will take you to my Google Docs where you can then print it out.
You’re so creative! ๐ Cute idea. Didn’t know that either about headaches!
Thanks! Me neither–in fact, I first just thought I was tired and drank Mountain Dew :), but when others started complaining, I finally figured it out. When Dave opened the doors for a few minutes that helped, and when everyone woke up in the morning, we were all good.
We used printables this year for Anya’s Valentine’s and are making the rice krispy treats for her classmates. But now I wish I had one of these muffin pans because that is a great idea! It’s easy and it uses up all those crayons people usually just throw away…
You can pin it for next year ๐ You’ll need new ideas for every year!
I *love* those crayon themed valentines. You’re so kind to offer it as a free printable. ๐
Thanks! I like doing things I need anyway–and I’m glad other people can use it too.
Adorable and great use for crayon pieces. I love the printables you did with these too!
Thanks! The hearts really did turn out cute!
Thanks, Zan! It was fun to use some of the old crayons up–but I still have a ton!
What a fun and creative idea! I love the printable too!
These are great ideas! I love having something that isn’t candy!
Very cute idea! Love the multi-colored hearts!
Cute idea Tammy! Pinning! ๐
I’m not very crafty but I have been trying so much more by being inspired by Pinterest! I have over 6k pins and I just love it.
I do a holiday mantle for every holiday and I have two decorative beautiful glass containers with lids that I fill with all sorts of goodies. For Christmas I did mini ornaments and cut out words & fake snow. It’s really festive.
@Dayngr in NC
{Swinging by from SITS Comment Luv}
What a super cute idea! I’ve gotta get one of those molds. PInned!
The molds were a life saver! I used a 40% off coupon, but all the stores are probably having sales now of them! Thanks for pinning!
I have pinned your post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Board!
Thanks for pinning for me! I never knew that about crayons! I think if one of my kids wants me to do this again, I’ll have to plan way ahead and do them in the summer.
I really appreciate you linking this up with my Small Victories Sunday linky! Iโve posted it on my Small Victories Sunday Awesomeness Pinterest board and shared on G+, Twitter and stumbled it! Hope you stop back by next week to link up some more!
Aww, that was really sweet of you–and a lot of work too. I really appreciate it.