Valentine Lacing Cards (Tutorial)

Good Morning and Happy Valentine's Day!

My kiddos only have a half-day of school today (oh happy/happy/joy/joy!) because of Parent/Teacher Conferences so I'll make this post quick.

On Tuesday, Mary and Ben had their classroom Valentine's Day parties.  I was in charge of games and crafts for the kindergartners.  I found this post on yarn Valentine hearts from Red Bird Crafts.  I think I really like her plain and simple cardboard backgrounds...seems to make the yarn colors pop!

Source:  Red Bird Crafts

Photo Source:  Red Bird Crafts


But, I decided to change things up just a bit.  I adhered red scrapbooking paper to the cardboard and purchased variegated purple yarn for lacing.  The changing colors of the yarn were a huge hit with the 5 and 6-year old crowd.

So, without further ado, here's my finished product...

I made nine of these...one for each kiddo.  They were quick and easy.

Step 1
I started with cardboard from both cereal boxes and shoe boxes. While the shoe box cardboard was sturdier, the cereal box cardboard was definitely easier to work with.


Step 2
I cut out red construction paper to size using my Friskars scissors.  (Logically, it makes more sense to just glue down the construction paper first and then cut to size, but I found that the paper was tearing as I cut  when I glued it first to the cardboard.  The plastic-y scissors didn't  have quite enough strength to cut through the shoe box cardboard.  Thus, I cut out squares first and then used my Friskars to cut the scrapbook paper.)

Step 3
Next, I used heart-shaped cookie cutters to trace heart shapes onto the lacing cards.

Step 4
Using a hole punch, I punched the circumference of each heart placing holes about 1/4 inch apart.

Step 5
Finally, I cut about 36" in length of yarn.  I double knotted the ends for each child and created a tape "aglet" (that plastic or metal end to a shoe lace to keep the fibers from splitting).  This prevented lots of tears and frustration!

And there you have it!   A simple Valentine lacing card.  I taught the kindergartners how to back stitch using this tutorial. Some got it...others didn't.  Hey...she's got a classroom of nine, SEVEN of which are boys!  :)

Wishing you lots of hugs and kisses today!