Valentine card DIY roundup

Even if at times you feel like ripping out your hair in frustration, it's pretty satisfying crafting special Valentine cards with your child. Yes, helping your kid really means you doing 90% of the work while he "tests" the candy...And yes, after 5 cards you're crying on the inside because you're only 1/4 of the way finished, it's worth it in the end. Your kid will be a hit with his peers and you'll earn a few envy points from your parent peers...Really, that's why we go the extra mile, isn't it parents?

Here are a few links to my favorite Valentine cards:

The Crafty Crow has a wonderful roundup of 20 wordplay Valentine cards that are cute, resourceful and fun. My favorites include the love bug Valentines from Dandee and this "You're out of this world" card from the very talented Jessica Okui of .

Make and Takes has been posting some great Valentine cards that really encourage the use of fine motor skills. I really like the tutorials for making a "Don't get puzzled" Valentine and the classic Pop-up card.

I'm in love with Family Fun's Valentine card roundup. So many fun Valentine how-to's, most of which are easily made from a little construction paper and glue. My favorites include the Animal Attractions card complete with a candy-free animal friend, the Superhero Valentine made by adding a cape and mask to a Tootsie Roll lollipop and this Alien Valentine which I made with my 5 year old last Valentine's day and the aliens came out super-duper cute.

Jaime of Prudent Baby shares a tutorial for making four candy-free Valentine cards that are just great. You add the band aids, bubbles, glitter or crayons and printout a sweet label which she's included.

There's so many great tutorials to choose from it makes no sense to go with the standard box o' cards. Happy crafting with your sweetheart!