Accordion Valentine Card

By Clare Mishica

To make this special valentine card, you will need scissors, colored construction paper, a pencil, glue, crayons, a photo of the friend it’s for (make sure it’s one you’re allowed to cut), and an old magazine that you have permission to cut up.

1. Cut out two large construction-paper hearts for the front and back of your card, using the pattern piece from the valentine apron, above; glue the photo on one of them.

2. Fold a piece of construction paper into thirds. Draw and cut out a smaller heart shape through all three thicknesses at once—but don’t cut at the folds (see illustration). Cut out as many groups of three hearts as you like. Tape them together at the sides (see illustration).

3. On each heart, put something special you like about your friend. You can draw a picture of it or cut one out of a magazine and glue it on. You can also write messages (“I love your smile,” “Your drawings are great!” “I like the way you share,” etc.).

4. Glue the first and last hearts to the inside of your card (see illustration), and allow it to dry. When your friend opens your valentine card, he or she will see the special things you like about him or her.

Illustrated by Shauna Mooney Kawasaki