It’s that time of year when us crazy moms (who feel the need to make everything) go out in search of a valentine theme that will satisfy our need to create, but also make our kiddos happy too.  And believe me, there is nothing wrong with grabbing a box of Valentines at the store as well. Kids sometimes love to just have that freedom sometimes to choose a favorite cartoon character.  I used to love picking the box (or was it a booklet type back then?) out at the store when I was a kid.  Valentines were so much more darling back then though.  I would carefully chose who got which one.  I remember this became very important in 4th grade when I had a crush on a boy in class…memories!  But I digress…because I am still not working outside the home, I took on the task of making them this year.

     The kids (ages 5 and 8) both decided they wanted Valentine Tic Tac Toe.  Easy enough.  They are getting the same design to make it easier on Mama this year.  There were a ton of examples online, but I just opened up my Silhouette software and went to work designing what they call a “print and cut” design. I just drew the grid lines by making rectangles and welding them together with the weld tool.  I could have also made these in Photoshop Elements too  but then I would have had to cut them with my paper cutter.  So I saved a step and designed, print, and cut them on my Silhouette.  

     I found some great little bags online with self closure on the back.  The size of the bags are 3 3/16″ x 4 5/16″.  There are many sizes to choose from at http://www.clearbags.com.  I have no affiliation with them, just thought I would let you know where to go if you are looking for bags or clear boxes, etc.  Here is the back view:

I put sour Jolly Rancher gummies 5 each of two colors for them to play Tic Tac Toe.  But you could use two colors of M&M’s or jelly beans, etc.  Will the recipients get one game in before eating all the “pieces”?  Hmmm, I don’t know, those sour candies are pretty darn good.  I had my kids write their names on the arrow instead of typing it for them, for good practice.  Did you make Valentines this year?  If so, I would love to hear what you made.  Leave a comment below.