How to Make Paper Mache Hearts for Kids

Purchase a simple heart shaped balloon for this craft.

Paper mache hearts are a fun and inventive way to show someone that you care. Kids can make them for Valentine's Day or with friends at slumber parties and birthday parties. Let the kids get creative with decorations, such as colorful paint, glitter and stickers. This craft requires basic paper mache materials like balloons, newspaper and flour. Get your kids started on this fun paper mache craft.

Things You'll Need

• 6 cups water
• 1/4 cup flour
• Mixing bowl
• Saucepan
• Newspaper and newsprint
• Heart shaped or regular balloons
• Clear tape
• 3-foot string
• Pin
• Paintbrushes
• Scissors
• Decorations (paint, markers, stickers, glitter, etc.)
• Paint sealer

Instructions

Paper Mache Paste

1. Mix together 1 cup water and 1/4 cup flour in a medium mixing bowl.

2. Bring 5 cups water to boil in a saucepan.

3. Slowly stir in the water and flour mixture and stir well.

4. Boil the mixture for three minutes and pour it back into the mixing bowl. Allow the paste to cool before using.

Paper Mache Hearts

1. Cover your work area with newspaper or a sheet for easy cleanup.

2. Rip the newspaper into 2-inch by 8-inch strips.

3. Blow up your heart balloons to the size that you prefer and tie them off tightly. If you don't have heart balloons, blow up two balloons, tie off the ends tightly and then tie them together at the ends to create a heart shape. Roll a piece of clear tape and stick it between the balloons to hold the heart together.

4. Tie a 3-foot long piece of string to the end of your balloon.

5. Dip newspaper strips into paper mache paste and coat them entirely. Lay the strips onto the balloon and smooth them down with your hand. Cover the balloon completely and then repeat with a second layer. Hang the balloon by the string in a warm area and allow it to dry for 24 hours or overnight.

Decorating

1. Insert a pin into the hardened paper mache and pop the balloon inside. Cut the string from the end.

2. Paint your paper mache heart in a color of your choice. Red, pink or white work well for Valentine's Day. Allow the paint to dry.

3. Decorate your paper mache heart with glitter glue, paint and stickers.

4. Allow all paint layers to dry completely and then spray the heart with a paint sealer.

Tips & Warnings

• Put newspaper under your balloon when it's drying, as it will drip.

References

• Kid's Turn Central: Hearts and Crafts
• Kid's Turn Central: Paper Mache Paste