Turn your home into a Hallmark Sweatshop

Step 1: Take one young child and allow some Messy Painting to occur on a piece of art block paper using a roller brush , a sponge and tempera paints in a dark colour (Stardust chose blue). This is Painting 1.

Step 2: Repeat step 1 using tempera paints in a light, bright colour (Stardust chose yellow and orange).  This is Painting 2.

Step 3: Carefully prise painting materials from sticky child hands and hang up paintings to dry. 

Step 4: Wash and dry child.  Stuff child with blueberries.

Step 5: Whilst child is occupied with blueberries, cut out a 5cm x 8cm rectangle from Painting 1, round off edges and put aside.

Step 6: Cut out desired shape or shapes from Painting 2.  (I used heart shapes because I was planning to make a wedding card for a dear friend.)

Step 7: Wash and dry child to remove traces of blueberry juice. 

Step 8: Apply glue to shapes and give to child who will use small and deft fingers to afix shapes to background.  Remove glue from child's hands before releasing child into the atmosphere.

Step 9: Use a black marker to decorate the card.  A simple design is best (and is also all I am capable of). 

Step 10: Mount finished product onto a plain piece of card (10cm x 16cm, folded in half).  Write meaningful and soppy message inside card.  Place in envelope.  Mail.