Cupid and Heart Valentine Decorations

1. Students find out about the history of Valentine’s Day. Identify traditions and symbols. Sculpt a memorable 3-D Valentine. Here’s how to make the cupid and festive heart plaque shown. Students use their imagination and their favorite colors to sculpt a unique piece.
2. To make a plaque, flatten white Crayola Model Magic® with your hands or a rolling pin into a base. Use a craft stick to cut a scalloped, lacy border. With the cap of a Crayola Marker, plastic dinnerware, or other modeling tool, press in a decorative edge.
3. Blend white and red Model Magic to make pink. Roll, cut, and trim a square to place on top of the lace. Model Magic fresh from the pack sticks to itself. Cut out a red heart and place it on top of the square. Roll thin pieces of Model Magic to make ribbon. Tie it in a bow and press on the hearts.
4. Shape a gift tag and ribbon to attach to the wall plaque. Students write a note to their Valentine with markers. Embed a paper clip in the back for hanging. Air-dry the plaque for 24 hours before gift wrapping.
5. Cupid was the son of Venus, the Goddess of Love. To make a cupid, use bisque Model Magic Naturals for the body, white for the wings, and terra cotta for the hair, bow, and arrow.
6. To make the head, roll a ball, flatten it slightly, and press on the body. Roll tiny pieces into balls and press on the head for curly hair. Make cheeks and eyes the same way. Add white wings, bent to look like your cupid is flying, and some clothes!
7. Roll strips of Model Magic for the bow and arrow. Bend one piece for the bow. Attach white for string. Press on a tiny triangle arrow. Air-dry your cupid for 24 hours before gift wrapping.

LA: Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.

LA: Know and use various text features to locate key facts or information in a text efficiently.

LA: Summarize a written text, read aloud, or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

LA: Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.

LA: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

SS: Give examples of and explain groups and institutional influences such as religious beliefs, laws, and peer pressure, on people, events, and elements of culture.

VA: Intentionally take advantage of the qualities and characteristics of art media, techniques, and processes to enhance communication of their experiences and ideas.

VA: Select and use the qualities of structures and functions of art to improve communication of their ideas.

VA: Use subjects, themes, and symbols that demonstrate knowledge of contexts, values, and aesthetics that communicate intended meaning in artworks.

VA: Describe and place a variety of art objects in historical and cultural contexts.

Classroom resources: Cupid by Babetts Cole; Cupid & Psyche by M. Charlotte Craft

Investigate the history of Valentine's Day. In small groups, students write an original poem to accompany their cupids.

Students investigate holidays other than Valentine's Day. What symbols are used for these holidays? Use Crayola Model Magic to create these symbols. Be prepared to present your research to your classmates.