By: Candie Cooper (To see more of Candie's work visit her blog, Candie Cooper's Journal)

Valentine's Day is about a month away!  This is a project especially geared for little ones, but I had a ton of fun making it so let's just say it's for kids of all ages. ;)  It's carefree and fun, no skills required.  Do you like it already?

You will need:  Apple Barrel paints in pink, light pink and purple, pink Martha Stewart glitter paint, paint brushes, a canvas in desired size, Mod Podge, and paper doily hearts.  You will also need a frame to fit your canvas.

Base-coat the canvas in desired color and then while it's still wet, let your child do the painting with a lighter color (i.e. dark pink and light pink).  I channeled my inner 3 year old here.
 

As the layer's dry, you can add the purple.  Here's where you have to be careful, because if you put the purple on, while the pink is still wet, you may get a "muddy" look.  You know the one.  I plugged in a hairdryer next to where I was working to quickly dry the colors.
 

Add a touch of sparkle with Martha's glitter paint.  This stuff is so fun!  Look at what it does to the surface in the next photo!

Just the right touch!  It is shiny when it dries, but don't worry because the Mod Podge in gloss will make everything shiny.
 

Lay the paper hearts however you wish on the canvas.  Here's one idea I thought about.  You can also use big paper hearts!

Use Mod Podge to adhere the hearts to the canvas.  Have you tried the Mod Podge brayer?  It smooths out all the air bubbles and wrinkles.  Very handy!
 

Optionally, you can use a paint marker to add initials, date, or sentiment.  Artists of all ages can sign their work, right?!  
 

You can leave it like this or paint a frame to match.  

Ta daaaa!  Sweet Heart Valentine's Art!

Get your own Mod Podge Brayer right here:  http://www.createforless.com/Plaid+Mod+Podge+Tools+Brayer/Squeegee/pid173914.aspx