How to Make a Heart-Shaped Paper Chain

Use strips of colored paper to create a heart-shaped chain.

Traditional paper chains are made from strips of paper rolled into circles that are linked together. The resulting chains are used to decorate Christmas trees, doorways and school classrooms. A paper chain is an easy craft project simple enough for young children to make. For a Valentine’s Day-theme, create a chain of hearts by folding the paper instead of rolling it into circles.

Things You'll Need

• Construction paper
• Glue
• Paper clips

Instructions

1. Cut 12 strips of construction paper measuring 1 inch by 9 inches to create a 4-foot chain. If you want a longer chain, cut more strips. Use pink, white and red paper for a Valentine’s Day theme or other colors for an everyday chain.

2. Fold one strip in half width wise. Crease the fold. Unfold the strip.

3. Wrap one end of the strip around your index finger two times. Keep the wrap tight. Remove your finger from the roll, leaving a curved end to the strip.

4. Wrap the other end of the strip around your index finger two times, using the method in Step 3. Wrap in the same direction as the first end. Remove your finger. Both ends of the strip now roll inward toward the crease in the strip.

5. Repeat Steps 2 through 4 with the remaining strips.

6. Bring the curved ends of the first strip together. Create a heart by applying glue to the edge where the two ends meet. Keep the ends even. Place a paper clip on the ends to hold them while the glue dries.

7. Insert a second strip through the center of the heart created in Step 6. Bring the ends of the strip together as you did in Step 6, apply glue and hold the ends together with a paper clip.

8. Continue in the same manner until all strips have been used and a chain had been created.

9. Let the glue dry overnight. Once it is dry, remove the paper clips and hang the completed chain.

References

• Education: Make a Paper Chain