Valentine’s Conversation Hearts: DIY Wooden Activity Token Craft
This Valentine’s craft is a playful variation on the classic activity token concept, using heart-shaped wooden tokens to spark conversation and connection. Inspired by iconic candy hearts, these painted wood hearts turn simple prompts into a meaningful activity—perfect for date nights, new relationships, family craft time, or thoughtful gifting.
Designed to be approachable and flexible, this project uses unfinished wood hearts and a small wooden trinket box to create a keepsake that encourages conversation long after the crafting is done. The materials are simple, the steps are forgiving, and the design can be easily adapted to suit different occasions, age groups, or personal styles.
What You’ll Need
- 1/2" Wood Hearts (SKU: WH0512)
- 1-1/2" Wood Hearts, 1/8" Thick (SKU: WH1512)
- 2-5/8" Jumbo Wooden Trinket Box (SKU: NB9800)
- 1" Foam Brush (SKU: F11000)
- Acrylic paint (white, pink, purple, orange)
- Paint brushes
- Hot glue gun
- Watercolor marker or paint pen
- Walnut oil or natural wood stain
- Paper towels and a microfiber cloth
Step 1: Mix Pastel Paint Colors
Begin by preparing your paint colors. Traditional conversation hearts use soft, chalky pastels—typically white, pink, purple, peach, and yellow. To recreate this look, start with a white acrylic paint base and add color gradually, one small drop at a time.
Acrylic paint dries slightly darker than it appears when wet, so keep colors lighter than your final goal. Mix enough of each color at once to maintain consistency across all hearts.
Step 2: Paint the Wooden Hearts
Apply thin, even coats of paint to the 1-1/2" wood hearts. Acrylic paint on unfinished wood dries to the touch in about 5–10 minutes per coat, but full coverage typically requires multiple layers.
Allow each coat to dry before adding the next. Once finished, let the hearts dry for several hours or overnight before adding lettering.
Step 3: Stain the Wooden Trinket Box
While the hearts dry, stain the wooden trinket box to highlight the natural grain. Using a foam brush, apply walnut oil or natural wood stain, following the direction of the grain.
Let the oil soak in for 30–60 minutes, then wipe away excess and buff gently with a microfiber cloth. Allow the box to cure fully before handling.
Step 4: Add the Conversation Prompts
Once the hearts are completely dry, write short conversation prompts using a watercolor marker or paint pen. Keep phrases brief and centered for the most cohesive look.
Prompts used in this project include: WHAT R U INTO, U ORIG FROM?, FAV FOOD, DOGS OR CATS?, BEACH OR MTS?, FAV MUSIC, DREAM VACAY, BEST ADVICE, WHAT MATTERS.
Step 5: Decorate the Lid & Assemble
Use a hot glue gun to attach smaller painted hearts to the lid of the box as decorative accents. Arrange them loosely and allow the glue to set completely.
Place the finished conversation hearts inside the box. Your activity token set is now ready to use for date nights, family time, or thoughtful gifting.
This craft is easy to adapt for different occasions—try changing colors, prompts, or wood shapes to make it your own. With just a few materials and simple techniques, this project shows how handcrafted details can create moments that matter.