10 Adorable ‘Jesus Loves Me’ Valentine’s Crafts for Toddlers and Pre-schoolers

Valentine’s Day is a perfect opportunity to celebrate God’s love with your little ones. Instead of just candy and cards, why not dive into some faith-filled crafts that teach the message “Jesus Loves Me” in a fun, hands-on way?

These Christian Valentine craft ideas are toddler-friendly and preschool-approved, meaning they’re simple, low-prep, and packed with love.

Crafting with young children isn’t just about keeping them busy – it’s a chance to build skills and hearts at the same time. In fact, creative activities can boost a child’s fine motor skills, problem-solving, and imagination while they have fun.

And when you add a biblical theme, you’re also planting “seeds of faith” as you go. Valentine’s Day crafts focused on Jesus’ love help shift the focus from candy to the true meaning of love – God’s unconditional love for us.

As one mom wisely said, “Valentine’s Day is also a great opportunity to highlight God’s love for us and how we can show love to others.”

In this article, we’ll start with 10 adorable “Jesus Loves Me” crafts ideal for toddlers and preschoolers. Each project is easy to set up with basic supplies and offers a tangible way for kids to experience the message of Christ’s love.

Why Faith-Based Valentine Crafts Are Wonderful for Little Ones

For toddlers and preschoolers, crafting is learning by doing. Tearing, gluing, painting, and coloring build fine motor skills and confidence. Each craft also reinforces a simple truth: Jesus loves them.

Whether it’s a decorated heart or a handprint, children can see and touch this message, helping it sink into their hearts. Bible-themed Valentine crafts make key ideas and verses memorable and fun.

And of course, there’s the joy factor. Bright colors, sticky glue, and heart shapes excite little ones, channeling that energy into celebrating God’s love creatively.

For parents, teachers, or Sunday school helpers, faith-based crafts are a wonderful way to bond with children, spark conversations about Jesus, and make cherished Valentine memories.

10 “Jesus Loves Me” Valentine’s Crafts for Toddlers & Preschoolers (Adorable & Easy)

Here are ten heartwarming Valentine’s craft ideas that put “Jesus Loves Me” front and center.

Each craft is designed with toddlers and preschoolers in mind, so they’re easy, low-mess, and use simple materials you might already have. From handprint keepsakes to fun decorations, these projects will help your little ones learn about Jesus’ love while getting creative.

Let’s spread some love through crafting!

1. “Jesus Loves Me THIS Much” Handprint Extension Craft

This cute keepsake uses your child’s handprints to show how wide Jesus’ love is – “thiiiis much!” Toddlers will love seeing their own hands become part of the craft, and it doubles as a sweet visual of Jesus’s immense love.

Materials: Construction paper (red or pink), kid-safe scissors, crayons or markers, a strip of paper or ribbon (about 12–18 inches long), glue or tape, optional: decorative stickers or heart cut-outs.

Instructions:

1. Trace and Cut Handprints: Help your child trace both of their hands on construction paper and cut them out (you can do the cutting for younger toddlers). These will be the two ends of the craft.
2. Prepare the “Arms”: Take a long strip of paper (or ribbon). About 1–2 inches wide and as long as a forearm works well. If you don’t have a single strip long enough, tape two shorter strips together. This strip represents the arms reaching out.
3. Attach Handprints: Glue or tape one paper hand to each end of the strip. Now it looks like two hands connected by a long arm strip. If using ribbon, glue the handprints to the ribbon ends.
4. Write the Message: On one hand cut-out, write “Jesus Loves Me…” (you or an older sibling can do the writing). On the other hand, write “…This Much!” in big fun letters. Toddlers can help decorate the letters or trace over them.
5. Decorate: Let your child personalize the handprints and the connecting strip. They can color the paper, add heart stickers, draw tiny hearts or happy faces – anything! Encourage them to be creative.
6. Demonstrate and Display: Stretch out the finished craft and show your little one how it reaches wide. Explain that Jesus loves us even more than our arms can stretch. You can fold the hands in for storage or to give as a card (it folds like praying hands) and then open it to show “this much” love.

This adorable handprint craft not only makes kids giggle (especially when you stretch it wide and say “THIIIS much!”), but also serves as a great visual lesson. Just as the elastic or paper stretches so far, Jesus’ love for us is even greater and never-ending.

Hang it on the wall or fridge at toddler eye-level so they can remember “Jesus loves me” every day.

If you’re looking for even more inspiration, check out our easy Christian Valentine’s crafts for ideas that little ones will love.

2. Heart Handprint Canvas – “Jesus Loves Me” Keepsake

Turn little handprints into a heart-shaped masterpiece! This craft creates a beautiful keepsake (on canvas or paper) that displays your child’s handprints as a heart, along with the words “Jesus Loves Me.” It’s perfect for decorating your home or gifting to grandparents.

Materials: Small canvas board or heavy cardstock paper, child-safe paint (red or pink works great), a paper plate or tray for paint, markers or paint pen, wipes or soap for cleanup, optional: a favorite short Bible verse or verse sticker (e.g. John 3:16 or Romans 8:39).

Instructions:

1. Set Up the Paint: Pour a little washable paint onto a plate. Pro tip: Have wipes or a wash station ready – this can get messy but fun!
2. Make Handprint Heart: Help your child press one hand in the paint (coat the hand evenly) and stamp it at a slight angle on the canvas/paper. Then paint the other hand and stamp it at the opposite angle so the palms overlap and the fingers point away – together the two handprints form a heart shape (fingertips to fingertips create the top of the heart, and the palms form the bottom point). Don’t worry if it’s a bit smudgy – you’ll clearly see a heart outline made of their hand shapes.
3. Add “Jesus Loves Me”: Once the paint is dry, use a marker or paint pen to write “Jesus Loves Me” across the handprint heart or just below it. You can have the child help by saying the letters as you write, or let them scribble a “signature” if they want.
4. Include a Bible Verse (Optional): If there’s room, add a short Bible verse about Jesus’ love. For example, write “We love because He first loved us – 1 John 4:19” in small letters at the bottom, or “John 3:16” to reference the verse. You could also use pre-printed Bible verse stickers for a neat touch.
5. Decorate (Optional): Let your child stick on some heart stickers or embellishments around the handprint heart if they like. Keep it minimal so the handprints are the focus.
6. Display: Hang the canvas at home or in their room. If done on cardstock, you can frame it or simply tape it up. Each time your child sees it, remind them those are their hands making a heart, and Jesus loves them that much and more!

This craft is a precious reminder of Jesus’ love and how each child is held in His hands. Toddlers will beam with pride seeing their very own handprints turned into art. And years later, you’ll cherish that tiny hand heart as a memory of both their little hands and the big lesson learned: Jesus loves me, always.

3. Heart-Cross Collage (“Jesus Loves You” Cross)

What happens when you mix a cross and hearts? A beautiful Valentine’s display of Jesus’ love! In this craft, kids will decorate a cross shape with lots of little hearts.

It’s a simple project that combines the symbol of the cross with the fun of Valentine hearts, perfect for teaching that Jesus’s love (on the cross) is at the heart of Valentine’s Day.

Materials: Sturdy paper or cardboard (cut into a large cross shape ~8-12 inches tall), a bunch of small paper hearts (pre-cut or foam heart stickers – reds, pinks, purples, white), glue stick or school glue, markers. Optionally, craft sticks (popsicle sticks) to make the cross instead of paper.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cross: Cut out a cross shape from cardstock or cardboard before craft time (older preschoolers can help cut). If you prefer, glue or tape together two craft sticks in a cross shape as the base.
2. Heart Decoration: Give your child a pile of small hearts. If you don’t have pre-cut hearts, you can draw and help them cut out simple heart shapes from colored paper beforehand. Toddlers also love foam heart stickers (no glue needed with those).
3. Glue Hearts on the Cross: Invite your little one to cover the cross with hearts! They can glue each heart onto the cross shape, any way they like. Overlapping is fine. There’s no wrong way – the more hearts, the better. This is great for fine motor practice (picking up and sticking the hearts).
4. Add a Message: Once the cross is thoroughly “loved,” use a marker to write “Jesus Loves You” or “God is Love” across the center of the cross or along the vertical beam. For preschoolers, you might pencil it first and let them trace the letters. You could also write a short verse reference on it, like 1 John 4:8 (which says “God is love”).
5. Talk About It: As you work, mention why the cross is important – it reminds us of how much Jesus loves us (He gave His life for us). All the hearts help us remember Valentine’s Day is about God’s love, not just candy.
6. Display or Gift: Hang the heart-covered cross on a door or wall. If made with craft sticks, you can glue a loop of ribbon to hang it. This also makes a sweet gift for a Sunday School teacher or a church decoration if you make a bunch with a group.

This Heart-Cross Collage is a wonderful visual for kids – the cross filled with hearts really stands out. It ties the meaning of the cross to the love we celebrate on Valentine’s Day. Each little heart your toddler sticks on is like them saying “thank you” to Jesus.

This craft can open up gentle conversation about what Jesus did for us, all in a very age-appropriate, crafty way.

For more adorable projects, see our cute Valentine crafts for kids guide for simple, heartwarming ideas.

4. “Jesus Loves Me” Popsicle Stick Heart Frame

Turn simple popsicle sticks into a cute heart-shaped frame that reminds little ones of Jesus’ love! Kids can decorate the frame with hearts, stickers, or their own drawings, and you can even place a family photo or a Bible verse inside.

It’s perfect for hanging on the fridge, gifting to grandparents, or displaying in a child’s room.

Materials:

• Popsicle sticks (6–8 per frame)
• Glue (white school glue or hot glue for adult use)
• Red, pink, or white construction paper
• Markers, crayons, or stickers
• Optional: small photo, Bible verse strip, or heart cut-outs

Instructions:

1. Make the Heart Shape: Arrange 6–8 popsicle sticks into a heart outline, overlapping ends slightly. Adults can help glue them together. Let dry completely.
2. Decorate the Frame: Encourage your toddler to color the sticks, add stickers, or glue small hearts onto the popsicle sticks. Let creativity shine!
3. Add a Message or Verse: Write “Jesus Loves Me” on a strip of paper and glue it inside the heart. You can also include a favorite Bible verse or a simple Valentine message.
4. Optional Photo: Slide in a small photo of your child or a loved one behind the popsicle heart to make it even more personal.
5. Display or Gift: Hang it with string on a wall or fridge, or gift it to a family member. Each glance will remind kids of God’s love and the joy of giving.

This popsicle stick heart frame is tactile, colorful, and easy for toddlers to personalize. Plus, it reinforces fine motor skills as they glue, color, and decorate – all while thinking about Jesus’ love.

5. “Jesus Loves Me” Heart Banner

Why hang just any banner when you can proclaim “Jesus Loves Me” for all to see? This craft creates a simple banner or garland you can hang on a mantel or across a doorway.

Each part of the banner is a heart with a letter, spelling out “JESUS LOVES ME” (or “JESUS LOVES YOU” if you prefer). Kids will feel proud seeing the words they helped make, and it doubles as decor and a lesson in letter recognition and God’s love.

Materials: Construction paper or cardstock (red, pink, white – enough for each letter heart), markers or paint, child-safe scissors, hole punch, string or ribbon for hanging, stickers or glitter for decoration (optional).

Instructions:

1. Cut Heart Shapes: Draw and cut out one medium-large heart for each letter in the phrase. For “JESUS LOVES ME”, you’ll need 12 hearts (one for each letter and maybe an extra heart for a space or decoration between words). If that’s too long, do “Jesus Loves Me” on two lines of banner or simply do “God Loves Me” for fewer letters – whatever fits your child’s attention span.
2. Write Letters on Hearts: Write one large letter on each heart. Spell out “JESUS LOVES ME” – one letter per heart. You can do this in pencil first and have your preschooler trace it with marker or crayon. If they’re able, let them try writing a few letters on their own (it’s okay if it’s wobbly – that makes it precious!). Make sure the letters are big and bold.
3. Toddler Decoration Time: Now let your child decorate each letter heart. They can color around the letters, use stickers, add glitter glue dots, or even glue on some sequins or scraps of paper. This makes each heart unique. Encourage them: “This is your special banner about Jesus’ love!”
4. Punch Holes: Use a hole punch to make two holes at the top of each heart (one on the left, one on the right) so you can string them. Alternatively, tape the hearts to a long piece of yarn from the back if you don’t have a hole punch.
5. String the Banner: Help your child thread a long ribbon or yarn through the hearts in order, spelling out the message. This is a great time to practice the letters with them: “J – E – S – U – S… what does that spell? JESUS!” You might tie a knot behind each heart or add a straw piece between hearts to space them out, but it’s not necessary.
6. Hang It Up: Find a special place to hang the banner – perhaps above the dining table, in their bedroom, or across the classroom wall if you’re a teacher. Secure each end of the string with tape or thumbtacks (out of reach of children).

Now you have a wonderful Jesus Loves Me banner. Every time your little one looks up at it, they’ll literally see the words of Jesus’ love.

This craft reinforces letter recognition (sneaky learning!), and more importantly, surrounds kids with the positive message of faith. It’s perfect for a Valentine party decoration or just to make your home feel full of love and joy during February.

Pair this with other delightful Valentine’s Day activities to keep the holiday joyful and meaningful.

6. “Jesus Loves Me to Pieces” Mosaic Heart

Here’s a craft with a funny phrase that kids love: “Jesus loves me to pieces!” In this activity, your toddler will create a mosaic heart using lots of little paper pieces, and we’ll add that charming phrase to it.

It’s a great way to let them practice gluing and color arranging, and the end result is a heart filled with pieces – symbolizing that even all our “pieces” (little bits of ourselves) are loved by Jesus.

Materials: Construction paper in various colors (including a big sheet for the background or base heart), child-safe scissors, glue stick or white glue, marker. Optionally, use tissue paper pieces or foam bits for a different texture.

Instructions:

1. Create the Base Heart: Cut out a large heart from sturdy paper (a full-page size). This will be the base on which you’ll glue the pieces. White or light pink paper works well so the phrase will show, but any color is fine.
2. Prepare the “Pieces”: Together with your child, tear or cut other colored paper into small pieces (about 1 inch or so, random shapes). You can call them “puzzle pieces” or “little love pieces.” Toddlers often enjoy tearing paper into bits – let them help! If using scissors, supervise closely.
3. Apply Glue All Over: Have your child smear glue all over the big heart cut-out. If using a glue stick, they can do this on their own fairly well. If using white glue, you might spread it thinly or do a section at a time to avoid too much mess.
4. Cover Heart with Pieces: Now the fun part – stick those paper pieces onto the heart! There’s no pattern needed; just cover the big heart by overlapping the little pieces. It will look like a patchwork or mosaic. Encourage your toddler to cover all the edges of the heart shape. It’s fine if pieces hang over; you can trim the extras later.
5. Add the Message: Once the heart is completely covered (and glue is dry enough to write), use a marker to write on top: “Jesus Loves Me to Pieces!” You might need to find a lighter solid area or write over a couple of the mosaic pieces. Write clearly so it stands out. If the mosaic surface is too bumpy to write, you could write the phrase on a separate strip of paper and glue it across the heart.
6. Explain the Meaning: Tell your little one, “See all these little pieces? Jesus loves every piece of you! That’s what ‘loves me to pieces’ means – He loves all the bits and parts of you, completely.”
7. Display or Gift: This colorful heart can be glued onto a larger sheet to make a poster, or simply put it up on the fridge. It also makes a sweet gift for a grandparent or friend from your child.

Kids adore the phrase “to pieces” (it’s so literal to them when they see the pieces they glued!). This craft is excellent for developing fine motor skills – picking up tiny pieces and gluing – and it creates a great visual for an abstract idea.

When someone says “I love you to pieces,” now your toddler will get it! More importantly, they’ll remember that Jesus loves them completely, every little piece that makes them who they are.

7. Bible Verse Valentines (Jesus Loves You Cards)

Skip the store-bought cards; let’s make Jesus-themed Valentine cards instead! In this craft, kids will create simple Valentine’s cards to give to family or friends, each decorated by them and featuring a Bible verse or “Jesus Loves You” message.

It’s an easy, low-cost activity and also teaches kids about sharing God’s love with others.

Materials: Construction paper or cardstock (cut into small card sizes or heart shapes), child-friendly markers or crayons, stickers (heart or Christian theme if available), a few short Bible verses about love printed or written out (for example, “We love because He first loved us – 1 John 4:19”, or simply “Jesus loves you!”), child-safe scissors, glue stick.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Card Blanks: Cut the cardstock into the shape or size you want for cards. You can do classic folded small cards (e.g. 4×6 inches folded) or cut big heart shapes to be the cards. Toddlers might like heart shapes since it’s Valentine’s – you can fold paper and cut a heart to make a heart-shaped card that opens.
2. Choose a Verse or Message: Pick a simple Bible verse about love to include in each card. Some toddler-friendly choices: “God is love” (1 John 4:8), “Jesus loves you” (a paraphrase of John 15:9), “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). Write or print these in small strips. If you have printed verse cards or stickers, even better. Otherwise, you write them neatly and the child can help glue them in.
3. Decorate the Cards: Lay out crayons, markers, stickers, and let your child decorate each card front however they like. They can scribble, draw their version of hearts, add stickers of hearts or smiles, etc. Expect beautiful toddler abstract art – that’s perfect!
4. Add the Verse: Help your child glue on the little verse strip or write “Jesus loves you” on the card. If they’re practicing letters, have them try writing “Jesus” or their name inside the card. The message is the important part, so make sure it’s visible. For very young kids, just focus on gluing a printed message.
5. Include “To/From”: If the card is for someone specific (Grandma, a friend at church), write “To ___, Love, ___” on it. Older preschoolers can attempt to trace or write their name. Or have them dictate a short message you write, like “I made this for you!”
6. Hand Out with Love: On Valentine’s Day (or whenever), encourage your child to give out their homemade Jesus loves you cards. They might give one to siblings, a friend, a teacher, or even leave one for the mail carrier. Help them say, “Happy Valentine’s Day! Jesus loves you!” when handing it over.

This activity not only results in heartfelt homemade cards, it teaches even shy little ones about giving and expressing love. They learn that Valentine’s isn’t only about receiving treats but also about sharing God’s love.

Each card becomes a tiny ministry tool delivered by your child’s hands – how sweet is that? And recipients will surely treasure these wobbly-lettered, sticker-filled greetings, because nothing’s more genuine than a toddler’s artwork paired with a message of Jesus’ love.

These crafts can also be gifts! Combine them with meaningful homemade Valentine’s gift ideas to make keepsakes that grandparents, friends, and teachers will treasure.

8. “God’s Love is Sweet” Treat Bag Craft

Here’s a craft that’s a treat in more ways than one! Kids will decorate small goodie bags and tuck some candies or snacks inside, along with a message that “God’s love is sweet” or a favorite verse.

This is perfect if you’re looking for a Christian alternative to typical Valentine candy grams. Little ones can hand these out to friends or family to share the love (and a little sugar!).

Materials: Small paper bags (plain lunch bags or mini gift bags work), heart stickers or stamps, markers, a short printed message or tag (e.g. “God’s Love is Sweet”, or John 3:16 on a heart-shaped paper), ribbon or string, and of course some candies or treats to put inside (lollipops, chocolates, fruit snacks, etc.). If no candy, you can use pretzels or raisins for a healthier treat.

Instructions:

1. Decorate the Bags: Give your toddler a few small paper bags to decorate. They can draw on them with markers or crayons – hearts, smiley faces, scribbles, whatever their art style is! Use heart stickers or rubber stamps to jazz them up. Keep in mind you’ll be folding the top, so focus decorations on the main part of the bag.
2. Add the Message: Take your printed tags or write a small note on construction paper. A simple one: “God’s Love is Sweet – Happy Valentine’s!” or “Jesus loves you! Enjoy this sweet treat!”. Have your child help glue the message onto the bag or you can punch a hole in the tag and tie it on later with ribbon.
3. Fill with Goodies: Let your child help place a few treats in each bag (counting candies can be a mini math lesson!). Don’t overstuff – just a sweet little something. You could also include a tiny folded note with a Bible verse in the bag if you like.
4. Seal the Bags: Fold or twist the top of each bag. You can then tie it with a ribbon or piece of yarn to secure it (punch two holes and thread the ribbon through, or simply tie around if it’s a pouch). If using lunch bags, folding and stapling once (adult job) is another option – just cover the staple with a sticker for safety.
5. Deliver with a Smile: Encourage your child to choose who they want to give these to. It could be classmates at a church group, neighbors, or family members. When handing them out, prompt them to say, “Here’s a Valentine – Jesus loves you!” or something along those lines.

This craft is a great way to teach generosity and sharing. Toddlers learn that giving to others can be just as fun as getting. And tying in the idea that “God’s love is sweet” helps them connect that warm, happy feeling of getting a treat with the even warmer truth of God’s love.

Plus, it’s a very practical craft if you need to do Valentine favors with a Christian message. Expect some proud grins as your little one plays mailman with their adorable decorated treat bags!

9. “Jesus Loves Ewe” Cotton Ball Lamb

Time for an adorable pun and a fluffy craft! “Jesus loves ewe” is a playful way to say “Jesus loves you” – using “ewe” (a female sheep) for a bit of Bible-themed humor. Kids will create a fluffy lamb with cotton balls and stick a heart on it with the words “Jesus loves ewe!” (or simply “Jesus loves you”).

This craft is super cute for toddlers, because they get to play with glue and cotton – soft and sensory! – and it ties in Jesus as our loving shepherd.

Materials: White or light-colored construction paper, cotton balls (a handful per sheep), glue (white school glue works best here), black paper or a black marker, googley eyes (optional, or just draw eyes), a pink or red paper heart (fairly small, to fit on the sheep), and a marker for writing.

Instructions:

1. Draw/Prepare a Sheep Shape: On the paper, outline a simple sheep body (oval or cloud shape for the body, plus a circle for the head, and little rectangle legs). It doesn’t have to be perfect – the cotton will cover most of it. Alternatively, draw a fluffy cloud shape for body and a smaller circle for head separately. If drawing isn’t your thing, you can just cut an oval for the body and a circle for the head out of paper.
2. Add the Cotton Wool: Help your child apply glue all over the sheep’s body area. Then let them stick cotton balls onto it. They can stretch the cotton a bit or put them as is – soon the whole body becomes a fluffy sheep. (This is usually a toddler favorite step! It’s okay if glue gets on their fingers – you can wash after, or treat it like a sticky game.)
3. Face and Features: Glue the paper circle (head) onto one end of the oval body (tuck it slightly under a cotton ball so it looks attached). If you have googley eyes, stick two on the face; otherwise, draw two dots for eyes. Draw a little smile or use a tiny bit of pink for a nose. If you cut legs, glue them under the body; or simply draw legs sticking out below.
4. Heart Message: Now take the small cut-out heart. On it, write “Jesus Loves Ewe!” (If you think the pun “ewe” might confuse, you can write “Jesus Loves You!” – up to you. Older preschoolers might giggle at the word play, younger ones will just see “ewe” as a fun new word.) Have your child glue the heart onto the middle of the fluffy sheep or right next to the sheep.
5. Talk about Sheep: As you craft, you can mention how in the Bible, Jesus is like a shepherd and we are like His sheep. He takes care of us because He loves us so much – just like the sheep on the paper is happy and safe. Toddlers might not fully get the analogy, but it’s planting a little seed.
6. Dry and Display: Let the glue dry thoroughly (cotton balls can slide if still wet). Then display the cotton-ball lamb on the fridge or wall. You could even attach a popsicle stick to turn it into a puppet for the child to play with.

This Jesus Loves Ewe lamb craft is irresistibly cute and touchable – kids will likely want to pat their fluffy sheep. It’s a fun way to include a less common phrase and teach something new.

Whenever your child looks at it, you can ask, “Who loves you?” and they can answer, “Jesus!” The little heart on the lamb reminds them of that truth. It’s amazing how even simple crafts can open up meaningful chats about Jesus at a toddler level.

10. “Jesus Loves Me” Beaded Bracelet

Jewelry-making with a message! In this craft, kids will string beads to create a bracelet (or necklace) that literally spells out love. Using letter beads, you can include the word “Jesus” or “LOVE.”

Even if you don’t have letter beads, just the act of making something wearable is exciting for kiddos. Every time they wear their bracelet, it’s a reminder that Jesus’ love is all around – like a hug on their wrist!

Materials: Large plastic pony beads in assorted colors (make sure the hole is big enough for easy stringing), elastic cord or yarn (something that fits the beads; if using yarn, tape the end to make a stiff needle-like tip), optional letter beads (to spell “JESUS” or “LOVE” or even the child’s name + a heart bead), scissors, tape.

Instructions:

1. Set Up for Success: If using elastic cord, cut a length that will comfortably go around the child’s wrist with extra for tying (around 8 inches for a toddler). If using yarn, cut a length and wrap some tape tightly around one end so it doesn’t fray – this makes threading beads easier for little hands.
2. Plan the Message (Optional): If you have alphabet beads, decide on the message. For example, you could do [Heart]-J-E-S-U-S (with a heart-shaped bead and then “JESUS”), or simply J-E-S-U-S among colored beads. Another idea: spell L-O-V-E or “LOVE U”. If no letter beads, no worries – the craft will still represent Jesus’ love with just the heart colors or cross charms if you have any.
3. Toddler Stringing: Let your child start stringing beads onto the cord. You might tie one bead at the end or tape the end to the table so the beads don’t fall off as they add them. This is fantastic fine motor practice and can keep them happily busy. They might put beads in random order – that’s fine! If you’re doing a specific name/word, you can help them put those in sequence (maybe in the middle of the bracelet).
4. Talk About Colors: As they choose beads, you can assign meaning if you want: e.g., “Red can remind us of Jesus’ love, white reminds us that Jesus makes our hearts clean,” etc. Or simply count and name the colors – make it fun.
5. Finish the Bracelet: When it’s long enough to fit around your child’s wrist (check size by wrapping it around their wrist, leaving a little slack), it’s time to tie it off. Adults should do this part: tie a double or triple knot in elastic, or if yarn, tie it securely. Trim any excess string. Tip: If using elastic, a tiny dab of clear nail polish on the knot can help keep it from untying (optional).
6. Bless and Wear: Slide the bracelet onto your toddler’s wrist and show them. “Look what you made! It says Jesus (or it’s full of love).” If you made a necklace (just use a longer string), do the same by placing it over their head.

Little ones will be so proud to wear something they made. And importantly, you can use the bracelet as a conversation starter: “See your bracelet? Who loves you? Jesus!” It’s a tangible way for a child to carry the message with them.

If they make extras, they can give one to a sibling or friend – spreading the love around. This craft is a beautiful mix of creativity, identity (“I made this!”), and faith all in one. Plus, you’ll likely cherish that tiny bracelet long after it’s outgrown, as a reminder of these sweet, faithful crafting days.

If you’re looking for more ideas for larger groups or ways to keep supplies simple, check out our easy Sunday school crafts on a budget for additional faith-filled, low-cost activities

Ready to Craft and Share Jesus’ Love!

Valentine’s Day is so much more than paper hearts and candy – it’s a chance to celebrate the greatest love of all. By trying these “Jesus Loves Me” crafts with your toddlers and preschoolers, you’re doing more than keeping them entertained.

You’re teaching them, in simple ways, about a God who loves them endlessly. Each snip of the scissors, each dab of glue, each little handprint is reinforcing a precious truth: “I am loved by Jesus, and I can share His love with others.”

So go ahead – gather those craft supplies and enjoy some quality creative time with your little ones.

Which craft will you try first?

We’d love to hear how you and your kiddos celebrate a Christ-centered Valentine’s Day. Did you come up with a new twist on a craft, or did your child say something heart-melting about Jesus while crafting?

Share your experiences and ideas in the comments below! Let’s encourage one another as we raise little ones to know the BIG love of Jesus.

Happy Valentine’s Day, and happy crafting!

FAQs

Can I use these crafts in a Sunday School or group setting?

Absolutely! These crafts are simple and adaptable, making them perfect for Sunday School, preschool classes, or playdates. For groups, a little prep helps: pre-cut shapes for younger kids and set up stations for paint, glue, or other messy materials. Consider age-appropriate crafts—simpler ones like a cotton ball lamb for 2-year-olds, more detailed projects like handprint canvases for 4-5-year-olds. Have extra supplies and an additional helper if possible, and encourage the children to talk about their craft as they work – it’s a wonderful way to spark discussion about Jesus’ love.

My toddler is very young (around 2 years old). How can I help them do these crafts successfully?

For very young toddlers, simplify and supervise. Let them focus on tasks they can manage, like sticking pieces of paper, pressing handprints, or adding stickers. Adults can handle prep like cutting shapes, applying glue, or guiding hand placement. Keep sessions short, or break crafts into two mini sessions if needed. Celebrate every accomplishment, even a single glued heart, and always supervise small items like beads to prevent choking. The key is keeping it positive, fun, and stress-free.

What if I don’t have some of the craft supplies? Any substitutions?

No problem! These crafts are flexible. Colored construction paper can be replaced with printer paper or magazine pages; tissue paper with cupcake liners or wrapping scraps; a canvas with thick paper or a paper plate; pipe cleaners with strips of paper or twist ties; beads with any colorful beads; googly eyes with marker or paper dots; and hole punches with tape or staples. The goal is the message, not perfection. Even simple pencils and paper can create meaningful “Jesus Loves Me” crafts.

How can I keep the mess to a minimum, especially with paint and glue?

Crafting with toddlers is naturally messy, but you can manage it. Work on trays, newspaper, or a disposable drop cloth, and keep wipes or damp cloths handy. Use washable paints and markers, dress children in old clothes or aprons, and give small amounts of paint or glue at a time. Do one step at a time to reduce chaos, and make cleanup fun by singing songs or letting kids help wipe or sort materials. Expect some mess – it’s part of the creative process!

How do I explain the meaning behind the craft to my child while we do it?

Keep explanations short and conversational. Tie each craft to a simple truth about Jesus’ love, like “We’re making a heart because Jesus loves you” or “This little sheep reminds us Jesus takes care of us.” Use repetition and questions: “Who are we making this for? Jesus! Who does Jesus love? You, me, everyone!” Let the child lead when possible, and respond to their observations. One-sentence insights sprinkled throughout crafting are enough for children to absorb the message.