How to Make a Sweet Flower Arrangement for Valentine's Day

Although there are many legends about who St. Valentine was he left a legacy of love that lives on today on February 14th. Valentine's Day is a day to celebrate those that are special in your life with flowers, candy and cards signed "Love, Your Valentine." The latter is how St. Valentine signed a love letter written to a jailer's daughter before he died. Adults and kids alike will enjoy giving this flower arrangement on Valentine's Day. Teach your kids how to make one of these sweet flower arrangements for someone special in their lives such as an aunt, grandmother or teacher. Select flowers that are a favorite and throw in a few extra candy hearts for added enjoyment.

Things You'll Need

• Tin can Conversational heart candies White paper Double sided tape Hot glue gun Varnish Paint brush Flowers Rubberband

Instructions

1. Measure around the can and add one inch. Next lay the tin can on it's side on top of the paper. Mark the height of the can on the paper. Mark the measurement of the can's circumference plus one inch. Cut out the dimensions. Cover the tin can with the paper you cut out and secure with double sided tape.

2. Glue conversational candy hearts all over the can. Put a drop of glue on the can and add a heart holding it until secure. Cover the entire can with hearts so that none of the white paper shows. Let dry well. Paint a layer of varnish over the hearts to add shine.

3. Pick flowers that are not completely open and a few that are still closed. When picking colors choose one color or 2 to 3 different coordinating colors. For example, use red and white roses, purple and pink tulips with yellow carnations and white daisies, or all red tulips with a little baby breaths. Browse a local florist to get ideas or look in your local grocery store.

4. Cut the flowers to the appropriate height and fit the vase. Figure out how much to cut off the stems so they will fit in the vase without being too tall or too short. Hold the flowers up against the outside of the can with the stems level with the bottom edge. The flowers should sit in the vase so that they are no more than one inch above the rim of the can. Cut to fit properly, making the cut at a slant to allow better water soakage.

5. Arrange the flowers in the vase in one of several ways. Put taller flowers in the middle working down to the smaller flowers all around the edges. Place one color of flowers in the middle, for example all red tulips. Then put another single color of flowers around the edges like white carnations. Alternate the colors throughout the bouquet. Or place a handful of flowers in the vase for a more natural arrangement. Add water to the vase.

Tips & Warnings

• Cover the can with red paper and use all white hearts glued on in stripes for a contrast. Instead of a hot glue gun children can use white craft glue. This will require longer drying time, up to 12 hours.

• Supervise children if using a hot glue gun.

Resources

• Flowering arranging ides