Did you ever make peanut people as a kid? I used to make them every summer that we went camping, since there always seems to be shelled peanuts around. Now, I’ve updated them a little bit: using coated wire instead of plain twist-ties and painting the shells in fun colors.

These little guys are so fun to make, and they work perfectly for these punny Valentine’s Day cards – glue the peanut people into heart-shaped boxes, attach a note that reads “I’m nuts for you!” and you’ve got an adorable Valentine to give away. Happy Valentine’s Day!!

(Note: because of peanut allergies, these Valentines are best given to close family and friends whom you know do not have nut allergies.)

• Peanut shells
• Heart-shaped boxes
• Paint
• Paintbrushes
• Coated wire
• Wire cutters
• Hot glue gun
• Black markers
• Card stock and string (optional)

Step 1
Split the peanut shells in half as neatly as possible, keeping matching pieces together. Paint the shells in bright colors and let dry.

Step 2
Paint the outsides of the heart boxes in shades of pink. Let dry.

Step 3
Paint the insides of the heart boxes white and let dry.

Step 4
Draw faces onto the painted peanut shells.

Step 5
Cut pieces of wire about 3” long and hot glue into one half of each peanut. Then, hot glue both halves back together.

Step 6
Form the arms and legs into fun positions and hot glue a peanut into each lid and box.

Step 7
Close the box and write on the lid or attach a tag that says “Valentine, I’m nuts for you!”

Happy crafting!