Valentine’s Day isn’t just about store-bought candy hearts and cards. Making some hearts of their own can help kids get into the homemade is more heartfelt vibe of the lovefest.

These hearts are easy to turn into a key chain or necklace. It is recommended for ages three and up with parental supervision, of course.

For one heart: 12-inch red or white chenille stems, colorful tri-beads and wire cutters (for an adult to use -- a good pair of scissors will work).

Instructions: Cut the chenille stem in half. Bend one end of the chenille stem into an "L" (about one-and-a-half inch). (Note: This keeps the beads from falling off when the child puts them on the chenille stem.) Thread beads onto chenille stem until there is about about one-and-a-half inch of the stem left showing. Bend the other end of the chenille stem into an "L" shape. Twist the two "L" shapes together. Clip off any extra wire. Be sure to bend in any sharp edges. Bend into a heart shape. Add to a ribbon for a necklace, a key ring for a backpack, or attach to a Valentine.

For key chains, thread craft lace (a plastic string-like product available at craft stores and Kmart) through one of the beads on a completed heart as well as through a keychain (available at hardware stores) itself. Tie off with a secure knot.

For more Valentine’s Day craft ideas, see parenting.com.