DIY Watercolor Valentines for Kids (Free Printable Template!)
Did you also get the email reminding you about the valentine’s day exchange for your kids class this Friday and go, “crap.” Finished scrolling Pinterest looking for a fun, inexpensive, creative, and candy-free idea? These DIY paint palette valentines are the perfect solution! Each card comes with a mini watercolor palette, a brush, sweet message, and a painting page on the back! Plus, I’ve created a free printable template so you can easily make your own! Woop! You can have this done in like 10 minutes, for real.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to assemble these adorable paint palette valentines, where to find the supplies, and how to download your free template. (No, you don’t have to sign up for my email list to get it, but if you would like to, you can do so here and receive a copy of my “Ultimate Guide to Age-Appropriate Art Supplies” instead!)
DIY Paint Palette Valentines supplies
Obviously, we need the actual little paint palettes, so I have linked a few different variations of these in case the ones I bought go out of stock! I got them on a lightning deal for $9.99, but they are normally $12.99 which I think is still a great deal for 24 palettes! Plus a canva template for you to edit or download and print right away! Print on both sides, and then cut them down to 4 pieces! That way you can attach the palette to one side (with hot glue) and have the coloring/painting page on the back. Some of the links below are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting my blog and free content!
- Paint palettes (also try this link or this link, they each go on sale sometimes, $9.99 for 24 seems to be the best price)
- 9×12 mixed media paper (I used this paper cut down to fit my printer) or 8.5×11 cardstock
- Hot glue or glue dots
- Printer (I bought this printer two years ago and still have not had to replace the ink, lol)
- Free Canva Template for 8.5×11″ or save images below!
- Free Canva Template for 9×12″ or save second set of images below (some printers cannot use 9″ wide paper)
- Paper cutter or smaller paper cutter (makes everything so much faster)
Why DIY Paint Palette Valentines?
I feel like most classroom valentines involve candy, so I wanted something creative and interactive for my daughter’s kindergarten class. Plus, I am an art teacher, so this was just too good to resist. I actually found them as I was searching for bulk watercolor palettes for my local art classes. These paint palette valentines give kids an opportunity to paint their own heart design using the mini paint palette attached to the card. It’s a fun, mess-free craft to replace the typical Valentine sugar high!
8.5×11″ DIY Paint Palette Valentines Template from Canva
9×12″ DIY Paint Palette Valentines Template from Canva
How to Make DIY Watercolor Valentines
Step 1: Download & Print the Template
I created a free printable valentine template (look at the supply list for link) that makes this project super easy. The front features the message:
“You make the world more bright and true, here’s a paint palette just for you!”
The back includes a heart design that kids can paint using the watercolor palette, which I made using random heart shapes from Canva, lol. Here are some other saying ideas you could use as well:
- “You make my world more colorful! Happy Valentine’s Day!”
- “Valentine, you are a true work of art!”
- “You color my world with joy!”
- “Valentine, you’re a masterpiece!”
- “Life is better in color—just like you! Happy Valentine’s Day!”
- “Our friendship is a masterpiece!”
- “Roses are red, violets are blue, Life’s a masterpiece because of you!”
- “Red, yellow, green, or blue, Valentine, I’m glad to know you!”
You will have to print the fronts first, then flip them around and print the backs. Easy peasy. Print the design on mixed media paper or white cardstock for the best results.
👉 Click here to download the free 8.5×11″ printable template!
👉 Click here to download the free 9×12″ printable template! (Not all printers print this size)
Step 2: Cut Out the Cards
Use scissors or a paper cutter to cut out each valentine. The template prints multiple valentines per page to save time!
Step 3: Attach the Watercolor Paint Palettes
Use glue dots or double-sided tape to attach a mini watercolor paint palette to each card, and tape to attach the little brush. These palettes are lightweight, so they stick easily!
Step 4: Optional – Personalize Them!
Have your child write their name on the back, or add a fun ribbon or washi tape for extra pizzazz. If you found this post with just enough time to get this done, edit the template with your child’s name in it to save precious time.
Step 5: Bag ’em Up and Hand Them Out!
I tossed mine in a gallon ziploc bag. Our school asked us not to put “to” names on there to save time. Your DIY watercolor valentines are now ready to be passed out to classmates, friends, or even teachers.
More DIY Valentine’s Day Ideas
If you need more Valentine ideas now, try the following easy at projects at home, and then get yourself a free copy of “Ultimate Guide to Age-Appropriate Art Supplies for Kids.”
- DIY Suminagashi Paper Marbling
- Easy Valentine’s Day Monoprinting Process Art Projects
- Simple ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home
- Handmade gift ideas for loved ones
- Magic Watercolor Drawings and Secret Messages
Ready to try this with your kids? Click on the links above to grab everything you need, or pin this for later and don’t forget to share your valentine’s in the comments below or on social media!
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