Carol Gooding has come up with a cheerful way to celebrate Valentine's Day. To brighten up the grey of the landscape and the spirits of her winter-weary Toronto neighbours, she hangs a colourful collection of papier-mâché hearts on the bare branches of her front-yard tree. They're a unique way to add outdoor colour – after Christmas lights and before daffodils – and they're a surefire way to coax a smile from even the coldest face.
Carol has had such fun with her hearts, she wrote to us about sharing her idea with Canadian Living readers. So get your children involved in the papier-mâché fun, paint the finished hearts in bold colours and tie them to a tree of your own.
Papier-Mâché Hearts
Finished hearts range from 7.5 to 18 cm (3 to 7 inches) high.
YOU NEED:
- Newspaper
- Flour and water, for paste
- High-gloss acrylic spray varnish
- Acrylic paint: white and desired colours
- Flat poster brushes
- Fabric ribbons
- Liquid fray preventer (available at sewing supply stores)
- Masking tape
- Plastic-covered twist ties, approx 7.5 cm (3 inches) long
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Cake rack
- Plastic sheet
TO MAKE:
Note: Protect work surface with a plastic sheet. When applying papier-mâché, paint and varnish, let dry completely after each coat.1. Bunch newspaper into 3 same-size balls for each heart; tape together into triangular heart shape. With small piece of newspaper, form point at bottom of each heart; tape in place.
2. Hold 2 twist ties side by side; fold in half, then twist ends together to form 1.5 cm (5/8-inch) hanging loop with ends fanned out under twist. Position 1 loop between top curves of each heart; tape ends to front and back.
3. In bowl, whisk together equal parts warm water and flour, to make paste.
Page 1 of 2 -- Complete your hanging hearts craft on page 2
