To dry leaves, lay down a sheet of newsprint, followed by paper towels. Arrange leaves on paper towels, then place a second layer of paper towels and a sheet of newsprint on top. Set stack in a phone book, and place in a dry, ventilated spot for several days. To make place cards, use a gel-ink pen -- ours had white ink, but metallic shades will also work well -- to add guests' names.

Turn the kitchen sink into a blue lagoon with nontoxic dye pellets, designed to tint children's bathwater. When the water is turned on, the burst of color will be short-lived yet shocking.

Transform milk into an unpourable mass.

Who's game for this challenging treat? Cut gingerbread while it's warm; after it cools, decorate with royal icing. Wrap pieces with a note: "Don't cheat: Solve the puzzle before you eat!"

Cookie Recipe

This Valentine's Day, offer loved ones homemade treats wrapped in paper that echoes your heartfelt sentiments. All you need to transform plain waxed paper into lovely gift wrap is some tissue paper, a heart-shaped craft punch, and an iron. Use the paper to wrap cakes, stacks of cookies, and other goodies. Then finish each package with some waxed twine and a colorful gift tag.

Heart-Covered Waxed Paper How-To