This set of book-themed, library conversation hearts was inspired by a childhood memory. My sisters and I loved those little boxes of “Sweethearts” candies when we were kids. I remember sitting on the curb with them, peeking through the cellophane window. Then, taking turns digging candies out one by one, and reading the messages, before letting them melt away in our mouths. Such a sweet memory!
I have one spot in my library that needs something tall. So, I decided to make a valentine tree. First, I came up with 36 book-themed, library conversation heart sentiments. Then, I repurposed some sparkly branches that came from the floral department at Walmart… and also found a bright blue vase to serve as the base. Next, I tucked in a few sprigs of “early spring” silk flowers to add a little hint of spring!
I printed the library conversation hearts onto white cardstock. Then, one of my precious library volunteers trimmed the hearts for me. She glued them onto some scrapbooking paper odds and ends, and I retrimmed them before running them through the laminator. Finally, we hole-punched each one – and used baker’s twine to tie the hearts onto our little “tree.”
At first, my book-themed, library conservation hearts were only in bright pastels. But, a few years ago, I got a request for muted, “Boho” hues, and I think they turned out great!
Either set provides simple and colorful decor. Plus, it’s oh-so-fun to hear the kids reading the silly, bookish sentiments. (Although I did have to explain what “ISBN Dreaming of You” meant! That one was especially to make you librarians smile!) There’s one or two more in the bunch that will probably only make sense to us, but I couldn’t resist.
You can grab either resource in my TpT store — or over at Made By Teachers! (The sets include bulletin board letters that spell “Let’s Talk about Books” with a couple of book recommendation form choices for your students to fill out.
New for 2023… I’ve added a “SWEET READS” bulletin board… complete with a “Sweethearts” box! Ah… the memories!
