Sign Language I Heart You Craft

Share a sweet message with this Sign Language I Heart You Craft. This simple Valentine craft is a thoughtful way for kids to make a handmade gift for Mom, Grandma, a friend, or someone special. It is also a nice classroom activity for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or any time children want to make something meaningful.

This easy craft for kids uses a heart shape and a hand cutout to create the American Sign Language “I love you” symbol in a fun and creative way.

Supplies

• Craft foam in assorted colors
• Flesh-tone craft foam for the handprint
• Scissors
• Craft glue
• Decorative trim
• Foamy hearts or foam scraps for cutting small hearts
• Paper for making a heart pattern
• Pencil

Instructions

1. Fold a piece of paper in half and draw half of a heart along the fold. Cut it out and open it to make a full heart pattern.
2. Place the paper heart on a sheet of craft foam. Trace around it and cut out the foam heart.
3. Place your left hand on flesh-tone craft foam and trace around it. Cut out the handprint.
4. Fold down the middle and ring fingers to create the American Sign Language “I love you” hand shape. Glue the fingers in place.
5. Glue the hand shape onto the center of the foam heart.
6. Add decorative trim around the edge of the heart.
7. Decorate the craft with small foam hearts or cut your own hearts from extra foam.
8. Let the glue dry completely before displaying or giving your craft as a gift.

Fun Facts

Sign language has a long and meaningful history. Early sign language systems developed in Europe, and French Sign Language helped influence American Sign Language, also known as ASL.

Learning a few simple signs can be a fun way for kids to explore communication and kindness.

Patterns, Templates and Printables

Use a simple folded paper heart as your template for the base of this craft. Children can also trace their own hands to make each project feel more personal.