Lollipop Valentine's Day Cards

“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”

— Maya Angelou

Maelle's class has a Valentine's Day card exchange.  This year, we decided to DIY - an easy but creative card.  These were an absolute hit with the other kids and I received a number of compliments from the teachers and parents on these simple Valentines.  So, I thought I would share them with you!  Of course, I'm posting a bit late for Valentine's Day but you can keep this idea in your back pocket for next year or modify it for any other special occasion.  

What You Need:

1. Camera/Camera Phone
2. Photo editor
3. Photo printer or a device to take them to a store and get them printed - I used a USB and took them to our community Shoppers Drug Mart and had them printed in minutes
4. Lollipops - Any brand will work but I used the Wal-Mart Great Value brand heart lollipops
5. Xacto knife
6. Tape

How To:

1. Take a picture of your child holding up one arm with their hand in a fist 
   • Be sure that the arm is off to the side and not in front of their body so that the lollipop will not cover their face. 
   • Think about spacing and sizing of a regular 4x6" photo - Make sure to leave enough space for any words you want or any writing you would like your child to do
   • Be aware of the background.  Keep it simple with a brick background, white wall, or another uncluttered backdrop. 
2. Ensure that your photo dimensions work in coordination with a 4x6" picture
3. Open the photo in an editor of your choice
   •   We used MS-Paint, but you could also use a free phone photo editor.  
4. Edit the photo the way you would like that works with your child's photo 
   • We put a simple white block on the left side of the photo added a heart with the punny saying "I'm a SUCKER for you."
   • You can have your card say anything and can modify it for any occasion. 
   • Leave space to have your child write their name if this is something you would like them to do.
5. Print your pictures 
   • Always print more than you need because inevitably you will make an error, your child will spell something incorrectly, or you will rip a hole in one while getting a bit overzealous with the Xacto knife.  
6. Have your child add anything to the card you want 
   • In our case, Maelle wrote her name and added a sticker to each one but this will differ depending on your child's age and capabilities. 
7. Using an Xacto knife, cut slits on the picture at the top and bottom of the fist of your child that is supposed to be holding the lollipop
   • Make sure to place something underneath the picture as you use the Exacto knife.  An old piece of cardboard works great!
8. Place a lollipop under the top slit and through the bottom slit to create the illusion that your child is holding the lollipop
9. Tape the lollipop in place on the back for extra security

That's it, that's all.  Simple, sweet, and a lovely personal touch.