One of the most effective forms of handmade decorations for Valentine's Day is a set of hanging paper hearts. These DIY Valentine's Day decorations are a pretty way to decorate a room and are a great complement to handmade Valentine's Day gifts.
Making basic hanging paper hearts is very simple, however this is an easy Valentine craft project that can be adapted in a wide variety of ways. Hanging paper hearts can be grouped together to make an attractive mobile, hung separately or in pairs to add a dash of colour to a room or even strung to make a Valentine banner or garland.
This is a DIY Valentine's Day project that is suitable for children as well as adults, however young children may require help cutting the heart shapes.
Supplies Required to Make Hanging Paper Hearts
These are the basic supplies required to make hanging paper hearts for Valentine's Day:
- Paper or cardstock – any paper or cardstock can be used to make these handmade Valentine's Day decorations. Thin paper will give a lightweight look to the finished hearts. Tissue paper, for instance, will create almost transparent hearts. Thicker paper will create a more bold effect. Try using recycled greeting cards or pages from a magazine to give your hanging hearts an environmentally friendly theme.
- Heart template – if you are not confident about drawing a heart by hand, use a template to create your hanging hearts. A cookie cutter is ideal or if you don't have a suitable cookie cutter to hand, free heart shaped clipart is widely available and this can be resized on your computer as required.
- String, ribbon or cord – the material that you use to hang the paper hearts will help to create the overall finished effect. A piece of thick red or pink ribbon will give a luxurious feel whereas a thin piece of nylon thread will create the illusion of the hearts hanging without support.
- Adhesive – glue or adhesive tape is necessary to attach the hearts to the cord or thread.
- Embellishments – if you want to add additional interest to your hearts then embellishments such as glitter glue, stickers, rubber stamps or other adornments can help to transform a plain paper heart.
Instructions to Make Hanging Paper Hearts
- Cut the heart shapes. You need two identical heart shapes to make one hanging paper heart.
- Measure your string, ribbon or thread and cut this to the desired length.
- Use the adhesive to 'sandwich' the string or ribbon between the two hearts.
- Add embellishments and adornments if required.
Tips for Making Hanging Paper Hearts for Valentine's Day
Here are some tips for making hanging hearts that little bit extra special:
- Add beads to the thread or cord to give added colour to your hanging hearts. This will also give weight to the hearts and help the strands to hang straight.
- Mix the hearts with other shapes and symbols such as flowers, birds or even your initials. Keep a look out for suitable shaped cookie cutters or clipart to use as templates.
- Make the hearts from craft foam or shrink plastic. These can then be stored away and used year after year.
Hanging paper hearts are a fun Valentine craft project and this can be adapted to other occasions and celebrations.
Kate Pullen - Kate Pullen is a freelance writer specializing in arts and crafts , and is an accomplished craftsperson. As well as being a designer / ...
