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  • Handmade, 3-D Valentines can feature small treats. The Associated Press

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February 12, 2012

3-D Valentines stand out

By HOLLY RAMER Associated Press

Worried that your Valentines will fall flat? Make them stand out, literally, by incorporating small treats like lollipops or glow sticks.

This idea has been making the rounds of craft and photography blogs for years

Ideally, you'll want to use a toy that has moveable limbs, so you position the arm to look like it is holding the lollipop or glow stick.

Materials:

n a willing child or small toy

n colored or white card stock (if using toys)

n a camera

n photo editing software

n printer

n sharp scissors or craft knife

n tape

n lollipops or glow sticks

Instructions:

1) If using a child as model, have him or her stand in front of a blank wall. For lollipop cards, have the child hold his or her arm outstretched, making a fist. Take a picture.

2) If using a toy, use two pieces of cardstock to make a backdrop. Place one piece flat and the other leaning up against a wall. Position the toy on the paper with its arm outstretched. Take a picture.

3) Use photo editing software, crop your picture. If you crop the images to 4-by-6 inches, you can get them printed at any large drugstore. Or make them different sizes for printing at home on photo paper or card stock.

4) If desired, use photo editing software to remove the background from the image and replace it with something else. You also can add a message or your child's name.

5) Print pictures.

6) Use scissors or a craft knife to cut slits in the cards to insert the lollipops or glow sticks. If necessary, tape the sticks on the back of the card to secure.

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