Simple Valentine Decor on a budget!

 So on Jan 28th (Yes not even February yet- as you see I just love Feb and Valentines day) I just couldn't take it anymore.  I had no idea where the valentines decorations were but I needed to take matters into my own hands so I created a little banner for the fireplace.  It was all made of old scrapbook paper pieces that were left over from previous projects.  I was able to get a bunch of these hearts out of them.  It was quick, free and simple but made a huge difference in getting the house in the Valentine mood!

Bonus: If you have a child who is in the sissor stage (old enough to cut but still needs help) this would be an excellent fine motor skill (cutting) and if you have a child who is a little younger and the hearts wouldn't look like hearts punching out the holes and stringing the hearts would also be fantastic fine motor skills.  So think of it as an academic decorating party!  Get going!!!

Crafty

I can be creative...at times.  Most of my creativity is best developed through the use of computers- graphic design, photography etc.  Some of my friends on the other hand are just plain crafty. 

I came across this gem that my friend Meredith made with her little girl (check out her blog for other cute crafts she has done-baby decor, reupholstered chairs etc.)  I love it! This is the perfect February decoration.  I just love how its just a random mix of reds and pinks and hearts and tags.  If I still taught in a classroom or my little guy was big enough to cut I would have my students make this with me (you can bet we will be making one in the near future!).  Its excellent for fine motor development, just trace some hearts hand them the paper and let them go to town. Then you can get your creative juices flowing and fill in the gaps.  Go ahead Moms, especially if you are living in the east and anticipating some more snow- what a perfect inside activity.