Valentine Treat - Cute & Quick

I've been seeing this project posted all over the internet the last few weeks, and just had to try it for myself. Luckily, the first time I saw the post was just after Christmas, so I was able to scoop up a couple of boxes of mini candy canes on clearance at Target. And I love that they are "fruit flavored" (yes, I tried them...they really are), just in case anyone is still burned out on peppermint from the holidays.

Lay out pairs of candy canes to form heart shapes on a parchment paper covered cookie sheet. Position them far enough apart to leave room to place the lollipop sticks after cooking.

Place the sheet in a 300 degree oven for about 5 minutes. The canes will be just pliable enough to pinch together at the top and around a stick at the bottom. I protected my fingers with a small piece of parchment since...no surprise...the candy is very hot!

After wrapping them in small cellophane bags, I used some small foam hearts my daughter had left over from making valentines for tags.

The entire process of making the lollipops, wrapping and labeling them only took me about an hour and a half. Boy-howdy do I love fun projects that are quick, too!

If I were making them for my girlfriends, I would dress them up with ribbon or rhinestones on the bags. To display them on a dessert bar, you could cover a block of foam, and stick the lollipops in (like a little candy garden). So many fun options.

If you try it, let me know how they turn out, and how you "dressed" them!

Posting Time for Classroom Valentines

It's time again for kids to decorate boxes (shoe, oatmeal, cereal, etc.) and bags use for collecting their classroom Valentines cards and treats. Some schools have specific guidelines or just let the kids create them in class. This year, my daughter's second grade class was asked to bring in a decorated shoebox. Because she is very into electronics at the moment, she wanted hers to look like an ipod. Here's what it turned out to be:

Just for fun, I found some other ideas across the internet.

Family Fun came up with a giggle-inducing monster made from a tissue box. Open wide! http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/chews-a-card-824819/

Boys or girls would love to have their name on this adorable puppy. The pattern can be found at DLTK. http://www.dltkholidays.com/valentines/mdogbox.htm

Since bear hugs are a good thing to share for Valentine's, you might consider this happy little bear from Making Friends.

http://www.makingfriends.com/winter/bear_valentine_holder.htm

But my absolute favorite (so far) this year is the hardy pirate ship by My Party Bug. Can't you just imagine your little swashbuckler beaming with pride when carrying this into the classroom? http://www.mypartybug.com/blog/?cat=6

Whatever design they choose (even if it's stickers on a bag) Valentine's is a great chance for kids to show their friends they care. Have fun, and Happy Heart Day!