Make a woven paper heart for Valentine’s Day that also doubles as a fun place to store treats and treasures! This craft is perfect for kids and adults!
My mom always insists that she is “so not crafty” and yet some of my fondest memories, growing up, were when she would make things with us kids. Today’s project was something we’d beg her to create each year around Valentine’s Day. I remember she’d seen the idea in one of her magazines. We thought it was about the funnest thing ever!
I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to make it with my own kids. We took advantage of their day off from school a little bit ago and spent some time indoors crafting. It was snowy and cold outside, so it was the perfect excuse to stay in our pj’s and get creative!
My nine-year-old daughter had no trouble making this on her own, but I had to help my six and four year old, so I’d say this craft is geared more towards older children. That being said, it’s a great way for younger kids to practice their cutting and measuring skills, with adult supervision, of course.
It only takes a few basic supplies that you probably already have on hand, so let’s get started!
Supplies:
Ruler
Pencil
Scissors or a paper cutter
Two pieces of coordinating, different-colored cardstock or paper (8 1/2″x 11″)
Tape
Begin by cutting two strips that are 3″ wide in your two different colors of paper. Fold them in half. Cut a semicircle in the top of one and use it as a guide to make the top of the other look exactly the same. Do this to the open (not folded) edges.
Now use your pencil to make three small lines at the bottom of the folded edges, equally spaced, and one about 2/3 of the way up to mark where you will stop cutting. Now cut up to the top line, using the markings as your guide. You should have four hanging strips of equal size at this point. Do the same to the other piece.
Now we’re going to start weaving and threading. Take one section of one color (pink in my case), feed it inside the end section of the other color (purple), as shown above, then alternate by feeding the other color (purple in this case) in between the pink. Continue weaving in this manner all the way across. Slide it all the way to the top and repeat with the other sections, weaving them into one another. You can check your work as you go by trying to open the pouch. It should be easy to open without any pieces obscuring it inside.
Once you’re done weaving, cut a small strip of either color of paper for the handle and tape it inside the hearts in the top middle section. Mine measured 1 1/4″ by 6″. That’s it!
These are so easy and fun to make (kind of addicting!). I played around with lots of colors and patterns.
Now place a sugar cookie, some candy, or small Valentine’s toys inside and give as a gift to someone special! I’m sure it will be a great Valentine’s surprise!
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