Valentine’s Day: Paper Heart Wreath

Our daughter quite enjoyed this, making many, many hearts!  ”I am like a heart factory!”  

This activity was featured on The Crafty Crow’s round-up of Valentine’s Day projects for preschoolers!  Looking for other inspirations?  Check them out!

http://www.thecraftycrow.net/2015/02/valentine-crafts-for-preschoolers.html

Materials

Paper Hearts

• Heart punch OR a pencil/eraser and scissors
• Cardstock
• Paint
• Craft tray
• Smock
• Small spoon (*Optional)

Wreath Base

• Scissors
• Cardboard
• 2 plates, bowls or lids (one smaller than the other)
• Pencil/ eraser
• Craft glue
• Paint (*Optional)
• Paint brush

Directions

Wreath Base

• Have an adult cut a wreath base out of cardboard for you.  You may want to use two sizes of a large lid or plate if you decide to make your wreath circular in shape. (With the larger lid for the outside circle and the smaller lid for the inside.)

• Flip the cardboard base over to a side that does not have text or printing.  Paint the base if you like.

• Punch out your hearts from cardstock. (Or for older children, draw and cut them out, reflecting your personal style.)

• Fold your hearts in half as shown.

• Put little dots of paint on your hearts (depending on your paint bottles, a small spoon might be helpful for this) and fold your hearts in half again , assuring contact with both sides, “smooshing” the paint to the edges.

• Carefully open your hearts.  (As our daughter would say, “What a beauty!”)

• Make many to create your wreath, a garland or hearts to glue to notes etc. (Or just to enjoy the process!)

• Allow to dry overnight.

• Glue your hearts onto your wreath base.  Allow to dry overnight.  Give to a friend, teacher, neighbour or hang on your door etc.

Purpose

• Re-imagining items (re-cycling the cardboard)
• Identifying common symbols of various celebrations
• Experimenting with various painting techniques

Safety Notes

• It is recommended that an adult cut the cardboard for the wreath base, as it can be tricky.
• Be sure to wear a smock and use a craft tray to protect your clothing and surfaces from glue and paint.