With Christmas crafting behind us, it is time to dive into Valentine’s Day crafts! I have a fun one for you today that is sure to put you in the crafting mood. I am showing you how to make paper mache heart garland that is the perfect addition to your Valentine’s Day decor!
Before you go running for the hills at the mention of paper mache, let me reassure you. I am not talking about the paper mache of yesteryear that had us up to our elbows in paste. Technology has now gifted us with “instant” paper mache which is way more user friendly.
I am sharing with you how I made this adorable paper mache heart garland using just a few supplies and a snowy afternoon. I hope you love it as much as I do!
Paper Mache Heart Garland
I know that the thought of paper mache is enough to make some people cringe and go running. But with instant paper mache you get to leave a lot of the headache and mess behind! Don’t get me wrong, it is still a little messy but nothing like going the traditional paper mache route.
The instant stuff is really easy to mix up and then it just acts like clay. It is much easier to work with than traditional paper mache. And, you still get the rustic texture but without all the drippy mess. And that is a huge win for me!
Another thing that makes this Valentine’s Day craft awesome is that the sculpting doesn’t need to be perfect. In fact the roughness adds a lot to the vintage rustic look of the hearts. And don’t worry about trying to get all of your hearts to look the same, either.
I made mine in a variety of sizes and shapes. I like it better this way. It adds more interest and contributes to the overall rustic/ vintage vibe I am going for.
Paper Mache Heart Garland Supply List
- Foil
- Paper clips cut in half or bobby pins
- CelluClay (instant paper mache)
- Hair pins
- Small paint brush
- Paint (I used a cream color and a blush pink)
- Ribbons and laces in pinks, creams, and whites
- Twine
Paper Mache Heart Garland Instructions
- Start by taking a piece of foil and smooshing and shaping it into a heart shape. This is the base for your clay. Make your foil the size and shape that you want your entire heart to be. I made my hearts in several different sizes and shapes.
- Work a hair pin into the top of each hearty so that you will have a hook.
- Next get your CelluClay ready by following the package instructions. Then use it to completely cover your foil.
- Now let the paper mache set. You can let it air dry or you can bake it in a 175 degree oven for a couple of hours. Just keep an eye on them.
- Next paint each heart with the cream colored paint and let them dry.
- Then take the pink paint and dip your brush in it. Wipe and dab your paint on a paint tray to remove most of it. Then brush the inside of each heart with it and let them dry.
- Now cut pieces of ribbon that are around 4-6 inches in length. I used 4-5 different ribbons and laces of varied creams and pinks. They were also different widths. I also added some pompom ribbon in mine. Using pearls would also be cute!
- Take one of the ribbons and thread it through the hook of your heart. Then lay your other ribbons inside, at the center of this ribbon. Add a piece of twine too to add to the rustic look and give you color contrast. Then, use your main ribbon to tie your others together.
- Next, cut a piece of twine and use it to wrap and tie a knot around the base of all of your ribbons. Then trim your ribbons to the length you want them. Repeat the same process with the rest of your hearts.
- Now cut a piece of twine the length that you want your garland to be. Lay your hearts out in the order you think you want to string them. Once you have them laid out, use your main ribbon to the hearts to the twine. Slide them where you want them and you’re done!
The Wrap Up
And that’s it, friends! An adorable Valentine’s Day garland that will look stunning on your mantel, sideboard, sofa table, or wherever else you can think to hang it. The CelluClay comes in a pretty large amount. So you can make multiple garlands for yourself. Or keep one and gift some to friends.
I would love to see how you use this paper mache heart garland in your own home. So if you post any pictures of them on social media, tag me so I can check them out! As always, I hope you love this project as much as I do. Happy crafting, friends!
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