 Valentine's
Ideas For Your Digital Sweet Heart...
by Kirsten Haugen, February 2005
Valentines is coming up, and it's time for hearts and doilies
galore, not to mention glitter and glue. Some families are very
committed to beautiful, scrapbook quality handmade cards, and a
kid with an attitude to match. However, if your child is not the
glitter and doily type, think about helping him or her make Valentine's
on the computer. It may not be conventional, but it can be a more
personal and very creative alternative to store-bought cards. Here
are some tips:
* Let your children focus their energies on one really creative
card, then scan and print it at home, at a copy shop, or at a self-service
photo printing station common in many stores.
* Make Valentine's "coupons" for relatives or friends
- what neighbor wouldn't love a coupon for "free side walk
sweeping" and what sibling wouldn't appreciate "I'll
clean your room for free" or "Good for one dozen homemade
chocolate chip cookies." Siblings can join together to create
coupons for the whole family, such as "This coupon entitles
the bearer to one hour of peace and quiet, no fighting or TV allowed." Give
your kids the "language" of coupons - Free! Good for...
Expires on... etc., etc. - and let their imaginations run wild.
They can type them up in a word processor and draw on them later,
or do the whole coupon, illustrations and all, in a drawing or
painting software program.
* Use a digital photo as the basis for your Valentine. Open it
in a photo editing, drawing or painting program and add text, clip
art or special effects. Many photo editing programs have fun "frames" or
other embellishments that make for great cards.
* Search the web for card making ideas, including templates for
cut-outs and more. For quick and easy cards to print at home, try <http://kidsturncentral.com/holidays/valentines/vpcards.htm> or <www.dltk-holidays.com/valentines/cards.htm> Or,
print and color your own valentines at <www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/val/color.html>
* Print your coupons or cards on special paper - colored paper
works great if you only have a black & white printer. Sticker
paper is another fun alternative, card stock gives it a less flimsy
feel, and nothing beats photo paper for that quality, glossy look.
* Think about your envelope size as you make your cards, so your
finished card will fit. To make your own envelopes from recycled
paper or gift wrap, try these instructions at <www.kidsdomain.com/craft/envelopes.html>
* If your child balks at writing their classmates' names on their
cards, don't cave in right away and do it for them! First see if
they'd like to type the names onto cards, envelopes or onto sticker
labels.
* It's not an all or nothing deal - you can use the computer to
create photos or any kind of wild elements to add to your handmade
creation.
* If handmade cards are your passion, you can search the web for
creative new ideas, recycling things like old puzzle pieces, for
<www.amazingmoms.com/htm/valentine_crafts.htm>
<www.homeandfamilynetwork.com/holidays/valentines.html>
* Invite a friend or two for a card making party - that can often
keep kids motivated and creative when a one-on-one with a parent
just won't do.
* Get an early start so you can take a break as needed or adapt
your ideas as you go. Most of all, make the experience a fun time
together, and don't forget to seal it with a kiss!
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