Handprint Heart Cards
Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to introduce young children to crafting.
With a little creativity and the right materials, kids can make simple and fun crafts that brighten anyone’s day.
Turn little hands into a big gesture of love! This craft is perfect for young children and makes a heartfelt keepsake for parents, grandparents, or friends.
Here’s how to create your own handprint heart cards:

What You’ll Need:
- Card stock - we recommend 160gsm card - Shop Here
- Non-toxic paint in Valentine’s colours (red, pink, purple) - Ready Mix Paints
- Paint brushes or sponges - Paint Brushes for Little Hands
- Markers or crayons for writing messages - Pens
- Wet wipes or a bowl of soapy water for quick clean-up
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Workspace: Cover the crafting area with newspaper or a reusable mat to protect surfaces. Have wipes or a cleaning station nearby for easy clean-up.
- Fold the Card: Take a piece of card stock and fold it in half to create the card base. Alternatively, cut the card stock into smaller pieces if you’re making multiple cards.
- Apply Paint to Hands: Help the child apply a thin, even layer of non-toxic paint to their hands. Encourage them to choose colours they love or combine shades for a creative look.
- Make the Heart Print: Gently guide the child to press one hand onto the card at a slight angle. Then, press the other hand at the opposite angle, so the fingers overlap slightly and form a heart shape. Lift the hands carefully to reveal the print.
- Add Personal Touches: Once the paint is dry, have the child write or draw a message inside the card. They can also decorate the edges of the card with stickers, glitter, or small cut-outs of tissue paper hearts.
- Optional: Add a Frame: For an extra-special touch, cut a frame out of contrasting coloured card stock and glue it around the handprint heart. This creates a finished, polished look.
Tips for Success:
- Test the paint on a scrap piece of paper to ensure it’s the right consistency and won’t bleed through.
- Encourage creativity! Kids can experiment with different colours or add patterns to their handprints using small brushes.
- Use tissue paper for additional decorations, such as layering heart shapes around the card.
Why Parents and Teachers Love This Craft:
- It’s a sentimental keepsake that captures a moment in time.
- The process is simple, making it ideal for toddlers and preschoolers.
- It encourages creativity and helps children develop fine motor skills.
Share Your Creations
We’d love to see your classroom or nursery Valentine’s Day crafts! Share your projects with friends and family to inspire others.
Let’s make this Valentine’s Day creative and fun.