Junk-drawer finds become Valentines

As I’m known to say, “One person’s junk is another person’s valentine.” I’ll show you what I mean. Grab a discarded plastic audiocassette case, an old key and a piece of string, because you’re going to turn these junk-drawer treasures into stamps for printing cool Valentine’s Day greetings by the dozen.

That’s not all. Once you and the kids get stamping, you’ll want to decorate everything in sight to make eye-catching gift bags, lunch bags, gift wrap and even envelopes and stationery.

Let the hearts begin:

“1. Take apart a plastic audiocassette case and remove the paper insert. Save the cassette half with the “pocket.” Your children will eventually place their fingers in that space to hold their stamp.

“2. Squeeze household glue in a heart shape on the flat side of the saved case. Arrange the string carefully on the glue design. We had fun making two smaller hearts inside a larger one so that the completed design resembled a spiral. Let dry completely. Make another stamp by gluing a key to the flat side of another saved case to represent “the key to my heart.” Or glue it to the end of an old glue stick or a small wooden block. Try to come up with other valentine-themed ideas from your junk-drawer finds.

“3. Grab the case, bending fingers into the pocket. Dip the string-design side or key into acrylic or poster paints poured on a plate. Print on cardstock, paper gift bags or fabric such as dishtowels, tote bags and potholder. (Use acrylic paints on fabric.) Let dry.

Tip: You may also use a traditional ink pad from an office-supply store, or make your own for stamping. Simply place a clean, damp kitchen sponge on a plastic plate and pour paint on the sponge. Be sure not to oversaturate the sponge. This inexpensive homemade version is ideal for printing projects with groups of children. Store in a container with a tightly fitting lid for several days in a cool place.