Sweetheart Jewelry

Sweetheart Jewelry lesson plan

Interview other generations to gather oral histories about Valentine traditions. Start a conversation with heart-stopping Model Magic® jewelry!

  • 1.

    What is the sweetest part of Valentine’s Day? Could it be the tiny heart candies that describe feelings? Originally called motto hearts, more than 8 billion of these candies, often called conversation starter hearts, are made each year. Ask adults you know to describe the candy’s distinctive flavor and recall some of the heart messages that they received. How have the messages changed over the years?

  • 2.

    Cover a handful of white Crayola Model Magic with Crayola Washable Marker. Knead the Model Magic until you get pastel colors similar to the candy—or any other colors you wish for your sweetheart necklace, bracelet, or pendant.

  • 3.

    With plastic dinnerware, sculpt, mold, or cut out small shapes such as hearts, cupids, or other valentine designs. Air dry shapes overnight.

  • 4.

    Thread a needle. <STRONG>With the help of an adult</STRONG>, use a thimble to string the dried shapes. Knot the thread on both sides of shapes to hold them in place.

  • 5.

    If you prefer a shiny look for your jewelry, mix equal amounts of Crayola School Glue and water to make a glaze. Cover your art area with newspaper. Apply glaze with a sponge brush. Dry overnight.

  • 6.

    Use Crayola Glitter Glue to add finishing flourishes to your charming designs. Air dry on newspaper.

  • 7.

    Tape the ends of the string together to safely wear Sweetheart Jewelry. Will you keep the jewelry, or give it as a gift to someone you love?

Benefits

  • Children collect oral histories about a popular Valentine tradition, candy hearts.
  • Students design and sculpt their own jewelry making beads in valentine-symbol shapes.
  • Students assemble their necklace or pendant with the help of an adult, and choose how to decorate it.

Adaptations

  • Children identify other familiar sweet treats and make replicas into wearable art. Imagine a candy-bar pendant, ice cream cone bracelet, or brownie pin.
  • Children interview parents and grandparents to find out what sweets they enjoyed as a child. Students ask about the occasions, frequency, and costs of the treats. Create a chart of their findings. Try some of the recipes.
  • Research the history behind valentine symbols such as hearts and cupids.