Making a heart garland is a fun and easy craft that can be used as a lovely Valentine’s Day or wedding decoration. A heart garland is typically made by stringing together numerous paper hearts. This delightful decoration can be customized in many ways with different colors, sizes, and textures of paper. Follow the simple instructions below to learn how to make your own beautiful heart garland.
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What You’ll Need
Gather the following supplies before getting started on your heart garland:
- Paper in various colors and/or patterns
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- String, yarn, or twine
- Tape or glue (optional)
Cutting Paper Hearts
First, decide if you want your garland to have hearts in different colors and patterns or one consistent look. Cut out many paper hearts in your chosen design(s). Hearts can be anywhere from 2-6 inches wide. Cut hearts of varying sizes for visual interest.
It’s easiest to fold paper in half before cutting out heart shapes so they are symmetrical. But asymmetrical hearts can be fun too for a playful look!
Some ideas for heart shapes include:
- Traditional heart shape with rounded sides
- Rounded corner heart
- Heart with a dip at the center top
- Skinny or wide hearts
Cut out at least 50-100 hearts or more for a full garland.
Punch Holes
Use a hole punch to cut holes near the top of each heart. Punch the holes centered about 1/2 inch down from the top point of the heart. Be consistent with placement so your garland hangs evenly.
Assemble the Garland
Choose your string material. Yarn, twine, baker’s twine, thread, embroidery floss, or thin ribbon are all good options. Cut a strand that is long enough to hang your desired garland length.
Thread the string through each heart by pushing it through the punched hole. As you string hearts, lay out the garland to see how it looks and space hearts evenly.
Once all hearts are threaded, tie the ends of the string together to form a loop for hanging. You can secure it using a tight double knot or bow.
Decorating Ideas
Personalize your heart garland with these fun additions:
- Glitter hearts: Brush glue over paper hearts and sprinkle with glitter for shimmer.
- Dimensional hearts: Cut hearts from foam, felt, or multiple layers of paper.
- Ribbon hearts: Use wired ribbon to cut heart shapes.
- Photos: Print out wallet sized photos and punch a hole for stringing.
You can also add other shapes like stars, circles, or squares between the hearts. Or alternate sizes for visual interest. Let your creativity shine!
Hanging and Displaying
Heart garlands are so versatile for decorating. Here are some ideas for putting yours on display:
- Drape across a fireplace mantle or bookshelf
- String in a doorway, archway, or stair railing
- Wrap around a table centerpiece
- Use as a photo booth backdrop
- Hang from ceiling for a sweet touch over a bed or baby crib
- Wind around a package for a gorgeous wrapped Valentine’s gift
Tips
- Reinforce holes: Dab a dot of glue or tape over each punched hole to prevent tearing.
- Consider weight: Heavier paper holds its shape better. Light tissue paper hearts work too but crinkle easily.
- Get kids involved: Heart garlands make for fun crafts to do with kids. Let them cut out and decorate shapes.
- Store carefully: To preserve your garland, avoid folding and store flat or hanging if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of paper?
For different textures, try cutting hearts out of felt, foam, fabric, cardboard, wallpaper samples, or scrapbooking paper. You can also find heart shapes in plastic, wood, or metal to string together.
How do I hang my garland?
Small command hooks work great for hanging garlands. Or you can use decorative nails, push pins, or thumbtacks. For doorways, try removable 3M hooks. Just stick the hooks to each side of the door frame.
What kind of string should I use?
Baker’s twine is a popular choice for hanging lightweight paper hearts. For a delicate look, use thin ribbon or embroidery floss. Yarn and jute twine add a homespun feel. Fishing line and thin clear thread work for an invisible look.
How long should I make the garland?
Garland length is flexible depending on your space. Aim for at least 3 feet long, but feel free to make it as long as you like. For reference, you’ll need about 200 hearts for a 6 foot garland.
Can I make a 3D garland?
Absolutely! For extra volume, make each heart 3D by cutting two identical hearts and gluing the sides together, leaving the top open. You can mix 3D and flat hearts too. Stack hearts on top of each other as well for a dimensional look.
| Heart Shape | Good For |
|---|---|
| Traditional rounded heart | Classic, timeless look |
| Rounded corner heart | Softer, sweet effect |
| Heart with center dip | More dynamic shape |
| Skinny heart | Delicate, intimate garland |
| Wide heart | Fuller, bolder garland |
The History of Heart Garlands
Hanging paper hearts as decoration has long been a favorite folk craft. Heart garlands are especially popular for holidays of love and friendship like Valentine’s Day, weddings, and engagement celebrations. But their cheerful charm suits any festive occasion.
In some cultures, heart shapes represent gifts of food or shelter. An old European marriage custom involved breaking a large gingerbread heart over the head of the bride to shower her in sweetness and abundance. Heart shapes can also symbolize charity, faith, and compassion.
Paper cutting originated in China during the 4th century AD. The art form spread along the Silk Road trade route. Early paper heart cutouts likely expressed sentiments of affection. The oldest known decorated paper heart dates back to 15th century Germany.
The first mass produced paper Valentines emerged in England in the 1700s. Die-cut cardboard hearts became part of the Victorian era’s flourishing holiday card industry. Paper heart making expanded greatly during the mid-19th century.
Today, heart garlands remain a quintessential Valentine’s decoration around the world. They also adorn weddings and anniversaries as a sign of love. Heart garlands are easy to recreate by hand but carry generations of meaningful tradition.
Conclusion
Crafting a heart garland makes for a joyful DIY project with endless creative potential. You can customize the colors, textures, sizes, and shapes of the strung paper hearts. Display your handmade garland as a beautiful decoration for Valentine’s Day, weddings, birthdays, or any celebration of love. Have fun stringing lovely paper hearts to lift someone’s spirits all year round.