Are you looking for an easy and cheap Valentine’s day craft for the kids? This fun paper craft is popular among the children and uses fine motor skills to paint. When I was interviewing preschool teachers, one of the teachers told me that she is shocked at the number of kids who are in her classes who have never painted! I could not believe my ears as we paint almost every day around here!
Preschool is important as it teaches kids socialization and important developmental tools, including the development of fine motor skills. This craft is no exception. Have the kids help you cut the paper as toddlers LOVE using kid-friendly scissors! It’s also important for them to help because they love seeing their crafts come to fruition. Giving kids confidence is critical so the more tasks they can help with—even if they’re not really helping much—is good for their sense of worth!
We save all of the ads that come in the mail and stack them in a corner so when it’s time for painting or other messier crafts, we have a free craft mat. You can also use a craft mat but this method is much easier (not to mention FREE) and we can easily dispose of the newspaper when done.
Items needed to make a Sponge-Painted Heart
White posterboard. One piece of white posterboard is needed to make this craft. I always buy my white posterboard at Dollar Tree or Walmart.
Paper. Grab a piece of paper – any piece of paper, to trace and cut a heart on.
Scissors. You will need a pair of scissors to make this.
Sponge. One piece of a sponge is needed as the paint brush.
Wall-safe tape. Wall-safe tape is needed to help stick the heart to the posterboard while the painting occurs.
Red, magenta, and pink acrylic paint. You can use any variety of pink or red acrylic paint to make this craft.
Palette. If you don’t have a palette, you can use the top to an old yogurt or sour cream container. I always save those for times when my kid is painting and I need a palette.
How to make the best Sponge-Painted Heart
STEP 1: Cut a one-inch-thick strip of a sponge. Then, cut in half, forming two pieces. Ours are square sponge pieces, about 1×1 inch.
STEP 2: Use scissors to cut a 12×12-inch piece of white posterboard.
STEP 3: Draw a heart on a piece of paper and cut it. Make sure it’s small enough to fit inside the 12×12-inch piece. See photos in the post for reference.
STEP 4: Use wall-safe tape to gently stick the heart into the center of the white posterboard. You will be removing the heart after painting so don’t use more than two pieces of tape.
STEP 5: Pour the paint onto a palette. Use the sponges to dip into the paint and paint all around the heart. Let the paint dry and once dry, remove the heart from the center.
STEP 6: If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
More Valentine’s Day crafts and activities you’ll love!
I Love You to Pieces Valentine’s Day Craft
Final Thoughts
Finally, if you make this Sponge Painted Heart, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this craft a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this heart craft and always try my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this craft, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your craft photos!
Sponge-Painted Heart
Materials
- 1 piece white posterboard
- 1 piece paper
- 1 sponge
- wall-safe tape
- red, magenta, and pink acrylic paint
Instructions
- Cut a one-inch-thick strip of a sponge. Then, cut in half, forming two pieces. Ours are square sponge pieces, about 1×1 inch.
- Cut a 12×12-inch piece of white posterboard.
- Draw a heart on a piece of paper and cut it. Make sure it’s small enough to fit inside the 12×12-inch piece. See photos in the post for reference.
- Use wall-safe tape to gently stick the heart into the center of the white posterboard. You will be removing the heart after painting so don’t use more than two pieces of tape.
- Pour the paint onto a palette. Use the sponges to dip into the paint and paint all around the heart. Let the paint dry and once dry, remove the heart from the center.
- If you make this craft, don't forget to leave a rating and comment!
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