Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and it remains a “holiday” that always gives me pause. On the one hand, I’m on board with telling the people in my life that I love and appreciate them. On the other hand, I think there are a lot of wasteful gifts given in the name of Valentine’s Day. My most pressing Valentine’s Day dilemma: How to help my two little girls give valentines to their friends that are a little more sustainable. Here’s our solution: Supplies

• Those broken crayon pieces that sit in the bottom of your box waiting to be recycled into something amazing (Tip: dip crayon pieces in warm water to make removing the paper a lot easier)
• Heart-shaped metal cookie or muffin tin
• Scrap paper
• Double-sided foam mounting tape
• Scissors
• Cardstock (recycled)
• Marker

Instructions Heat your oven to 250°. Fill each mold with crayon pieces and bake until the crayons melt, about 10 to 15 minutes (Tip: place a sheet pan under the crayons to catch any drips). Once they’ve cooled, remove the hearts from the molds and smooth any rough edges by rubbing them on a piece of scrap paper (Tip: put them in the refrigerator to speed the cooling process). As they cool, they separate a bit from the sides of the pan so they are easy to tap out of the mold.

Use small pieces of foam tape to stick each heart to a circular, heart-shaped or square piece of cardstock and then add your message.

Suggested messages: Crayon you be my valentine? You color my world Wishing you a valentine filled with color I heart you Valentine, you make my heart melt Check out more great Valentine’s Day crafts at FamilyFun.com. This Valentine’s Day, find a way to tell your sweeties you love them while being mindful of the waste you’re creating.