How to Make Papier-Mache´ Hearts

One of the easiest ways to create decorative forms is with papier-mache´ or paper mache. Using common materials like old newspaper, modeling clay and diluted white glue, you can create your favorite three-dimensional shapes and forms for decorating your home. Here are the simple steps for making papier-mache´ hearts for Valentine's Day, Christmas, or just for fun.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Old newspaper or newsprint paper
• White glue, diluted with a little water
• Modeling clay
• Craft knife
• Masking tape
• Acrylic or enamel paint
• Cling plastic wrap
• Plastic adhesive tape

1. Shape modeling clay into a heart mold. Shape a piece of modeling clay into a heart. This will be your mold for the papier-mache´.
2. Wrap the clay heart with a plastic sheet. Tightly wrap the heart-shaped clay with a piece of cling plastic wrap. Use a plastic adhesive tape to keep it in place. This step will make it easier to remove the clay mold from the papier-mache´.
3. Rip up newsprint paper. Rip up some newspaper or newsprint (the packing paper used to wrap glassware at the store) into small short strips.
4. Layer several layers of paper on the clay mold. Dip each strip in the diluted white glue and stick it onto the plastic-wrapped clay heart. Stick about five layers for a good and strong structure.
5. Let the papier-mache´ dry completely. This may require several hours, maybe overnight.
6. Slice the papier-mache´ heart open. Use a craft knife to slice the figure along its flatter plane, creating two halves.
7. Remove the clay mold. Scoop out the modeling clay. You can reuse this clay to make more hearts.
8. Tape the heart halves together. Tape the two papier-mache´ halves back together with masking tape.
9. Let the papier-mache´ dry completely. Paste a few more layers of paper strips to achieve your desired size, and let dry.
10. Paint the heart with multiple coats of primer and your desired color. Paint the papier-mache´ heart with two or more coats of white paint to prime it, and finish with whatever color you desire. Dry according to the paint manufacturer's instructions.
11. Embellish hearts as desired. Embellish the hearts by pasting your favorite decal or by painting decorative designs.
12. Use papier-mache´ hearts as decor. Use the papier-mache´ hearts to decorate your living space, add accents to a Valentine or Christmas wreath, or give away as tokens on special "heartfelt" occasions.

Tips & Warnings

• Have a bowl of water handy to dip your fingers in when the glue starts drying up on your hands.
• When ripping paper, tear along the grain for straighter cuts. Across the grain, the tear will be too jagged and hard to control.
• When using water-based acrylic paint, the first coat will be absorbed by the papier-mache´ and cause cracks on the paint, which is why more than one coat is needed for a more finished look.
• You can make hearts of different sizes and colors. Let your imagination soar!
• Due to the time required for drying the layers of glued paper and coats of paint, this project will take several days to complete.
• Let adults do the cutting step.
• Papier-mache´ is a fun activity for the family, but it could also be messy. Be sure to protect your workspace from inevitable drips of glue and paint.