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Easy Watercolor Heart Garland

The weather is cold outside so today we’re warming things up inside with this fun and easy Watercolor Heart Banner made from book pages.

A pink heart garland made from book pages drapes over white window curtains

This is such an easy project that I set my kids to work on it. They’re always happy to help with any project involving paint, but when I explained that we’d first be ripping pages out of a book they were horrified.

I realized that everything I and their teachers have been telling them all their young lives about how to properly treasure and care for their books was crashing down around them, all for the sake of a craft project.

They quickly rallied though, when I explained to them that this was not a library book, or even one of our collection, but was a book I got at the dollar store, just for the sake of making it into something else. (Don’t worry, I read it first and confirmed that it wasn’t worth keeping on my bookshelf!)

That hurdle cleared, we moved on to ripping, tearing and destroying the book. I knew I’d need about 30 pages, but they were having so much fun, they ripped every last page out and then we ended up surrounded by paper hearts by the end of the project.

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How to Make a Watercolor Heart Garland

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own heart garland, in addition to a book that you’re willing to sacrifice:

I’m including affiliate links below if you need to purchase any of these items. I had everything on hand except for the clothespins.

Tearing Out Heart Shapes
  1. Fold the page in half lengthwise.
  2. Starting at the fold, tear around the edge of half of a heart shape. (Pay attention to the direction of the text so all your hearts don’t end up upside down.) You can use the first page to get your shape just right and then it can be your template for the other pages.
  3. Unfold, and discard the rest of the page.
  4. There’s your first heart!

Heart Shape

Now you’re ready to paint the borders:

Sponging Water

Using a sponge or large brush, paint the edge of the heart with water only. This will allow the paint to seep in and give you a nice watercolor effect.

Painting Edges

Paint around the edge of the heart. It doesn’t need to be perfect.

Painting Assembly Line

Set the heart aside to dry. It will fade and curl a little which is what gives the banner its rustic style.

We had great fun doing this part of the project, and I was amazed at how many ridiculous puns came up. “My heart is ripping!” and “Stop stealing my heart” were just a couple.

The kids giggled the whole time, and I couldn’t help but think that this may be the best way to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Full Garland

It took a few hours for the hearts to dry, so I waited till today to hang them, and that turned out to be the easiest part! I simply cut a length of jute a little longer than the width of my window.

Then I pinned on hearts at about 6 inch intervals along the string. I hung the string by tying it to the ends of my curtain rods, and then straightened out a few of the hearts. Done!

Living Room with Garlands

It does seem a little warmer in here, just adding a pop of red and pink into the room.

How are you staying warm this winter? I recommend a messy, destructive project with the kids!

Dee

Wednesday 11th of February 2015

This is adorable! I tend to cringe at the thought of tearing out book pages, but a Dollar Store book would work! Thanks for the suggestion. Pinned! :)

Meredith

Thursday 12th of February 2015

Thanks for pinning Dee!

Alli

Tuesday 10th of February 2015

Those look like such a fun project, I can't wait to give these a try.

Anna

Tuesday 10th of February 2015

What a great kid's DIY project!!

Amy Nielson

Tuesday 10th of February 2015

Very cute. My kids would LOVE this!

Meredith

Tuesday 10th of February 2015

Thanks Amy! It really was a lot of fun.

Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party, Week 65 #linky - Creative K Kids

Monday 9th of February 2015

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ABOUT MEREDITH


Creating a color-filled life. Conquering my little world one DIY project at a time. With lots of coffee and chocolate. Albuquerque NM. Pinterest ~ Instagram ~ Facebook