{For your convenience, this post may contain affiliate links}
 
We’ve been on a bit of a card-making kick lately (Toddler Thank You Cards and Handprint Birthday Cards), and we’re adding another to the list: Toddler Art Valentine Cards. I know we have more than a month until the holiday, but when inspiration strikes, I don’t like to keep it waiting 😉

 Supplies:
I first bought these Fun With Favorite Animal Stencils for a preschool co-op activity. They are a SUPER value of only $1.99 on Amazon, and we have used them several times now, but be warned they are not meant to last a lifetime (they are slightly laminated papers stencils). I still love them though. And there are a TON of options to choose from (I really want to get them all- from cars and trucks to dragons, they would fit many preschool themes!).
 
To set up the activity I just cut a piece of white paper to my desired size (cardstock paper works best to avoid curling), and put the paints and brushes out. One of the benefits of the stencils being as thin as paper is that I can use a binder clip to keep them in place while my boys paint over them.
 

 
I knew I wanted the paints to blend together nicely, so I chose to only offer one sponge brush and paints on the same plate. I really like how the effects of sponging the colors came out (very patchwork-y) 🙂
 
 
Messes are to be expected during painting. I try not to let it get to me (they are all washable), so that we have a chance to focus more on the process and colors than a little bit of paint on the table 😉
 
 

Once the paint is dry feel free to write whatever Valentine’s message your heart desires (and what’s a Valentine’s card without a witty play one words?). I’m sure you all could come up with some much more clever sayings (please leave them below for me to use later), but I went with the basic “You’re the Cat’s Meow” and “You’re the ‘PURR’fect  Valentine” Sweet and simple. I think we’ll mail it off to some cat-loving aunties in the family (every family has at least one!) Who are you giving yours to?

I’d love to connect with you over on the Munchkins and Moms Facebook page. Feel free to stop by, leave a like, comment, and maybe even follow along!