CRAFTING VALENTINES FROM THE HEART.

Byline: Diana McKeon Charkalis Lifestyle Editor

Affairs of the heart don't always have to be complicated. Take, for example, this fun and easy cardboard valentine pin. It can be made in one sitting and suits a wide variety of ages and skill levels.

``The kids we worked with were about 3 to 11,'' says Leeanna Gantt, who dreamed up the project recently at Tinker, a creative arts studio in Sherman Oaks that she owns with her husband, Brad. ``The 11-year-old's project was more sophisticated and detailed - the littler kids basically slapped on some lace and glitter and were done. But they're all cute no matter what.''

Although Tinker offers all the materials necessary to make this art project and countless others, such as magic wands, puppets and birdhouses, Gantt says the Valentine's Day pin can also be easily crafted at home. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating a gift that not only a mother could love.

``It's a really great project because when the kids make them for people, especially their grandparents, they actually wear them.'' Tinker is located at 4337 Woodman Avenue, Sherman Oaks. The studio is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $5 per child, per hour, plus the cost of any additional project supplies, excluding basic materials such as paper, paint, crayons, markers, etc. For more information, call [phone] or visit tinkertinker.com.

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How to do it

(1 -- 2 -- color) 1 Draw a heart on cardboard and cut it out. Parents of younger children may want to do this step for them.

(3 -- 4 -- color) 2 Paint the heart any color you wish using tempera paint. Allow about 10 minutes or more to dry, depending on the thickness of paint applied. To speed up the process, use a blow-dryer.

(5 -- 8 -- color) 3 Apply decorations with glue. At Tinker, they used items including pompoms, foam hearts, rhinestones, glitter, lace and buttons. Kids may also want to use words, letters and images cut from magazines.

4 Attach an adhesive pin backing. These can be found at most craft stores.

(9 -- color) no caption (kids doing art work)

Tom Mendoza/Staff Photographer