www.craftsforkids.com

Hands on Crafts For Kids is the resource for kids craft projects and instructions for kids 6-12 and parents, teachers and other group leaders. It includes school and curriculum based projects,  multi cultural projects, and every day, holiday and seasonal ideas.

It is  the online home of the public television program Hands On Crafts for Kids.

	When you see the “helping hand” symbol on a project, it means you may need adult supervision to do the project.
	Always cover your work surface with a mat or some type of protective covering like wax paper or plastic.                                                      Always use care when using tools or a heat source. Be careful and safe!

Age Range: 7 to 12

Grade Range: 2 to 6

Skill Level: Moderate

Appropriate for These Special Events:
Valentine’s Day, Every Day and Rainy Days

Supports Subject Area(s) of:
Language Arts – e.g. step by step instructions
Mathematics - measuring
Visual Arts

Time needed for project:
2 hours for gelatin set, 1 hour for project plus paint drying time

Gelatin Print Valentines

Materials needed:

1. Elmer’s® Disappearing Purple School Glue Stick
2. Elmer’s® Glitter Glue
3. Elmer’s® Boardmate® Paper Borders and Stencils
4. 1 box of unflavored gelatin
5. warm water, cold water
6. molding container
7. baking sheet/flat surface
8. fork for stirring
9. plastic knife
10. brayer
11. scissors
12. copy paper
13. paint
14. water mister
15. marking tools like paintbrush, old gift cards, stencils

Directions:

1. Place 2/3 cup of cool water in a molding container with a smooth bottom. Sprinkle 4 packs of gelatin on top. Stir quickly. Add 1/3 cup warm water, stirring.  Set aside to set up. (1-2 hours)
2. Demold gelatin by running bottom under warm water, then running a knife along the outside edge.  Flip upside down onto a baking sheet or cutting board.
3. Add a nickel-sized amount of paint to the gelatin block. Spread out evenly with a brayer or mini rolling pin. Create texture using the back of a paintbrush. Lay paper on top and rub; lift print; let dry. REPEAT with additional colors of paint and stencils. Let dry. Make 8-10 different patterned/colored papers.
4. Pick one paper to be the card. Fold in half lengthwise. Using scissors, cut hearts and shapes from patterned papers. Glue onto card using glue stick and glitter glue. Add other decorations as desired.