Easy DIY Valentine’s Day paper heart garland tutorial
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean expensive flowers or fancy dinners (though, let’s be real, we all love a good box of chocolates). Sometimes, the best way to show love is through simple, meaningful touches that make your home feel extra cozy and special. That’s why I absolutely adore making a Valentine’s Day paper heart garland. It’s quick, inexpensive, and super fun to put together. Even better, it’s a great way to get your little ones involved in paper crafts that will brighten up your home.
If you’re a mum like me, juggling a million things at once (hello, daily life!), you know your time is precious. That’s why I wanted to share a super simple way to add a little Valentine’s Day cheer to your space without the stress.
A Valentine’s Day paper heart garland is one of those easy projects that even if you’re short on time, you can still make something cute and festive that will get everyone in the mood for love. It’s also a project you can do while the kids are napping or even with them, making it a perfect activity for a lazy weekend afternoon.
A pop of colour
Whether you’re decorating your living room, the kids’ playroom (like we have done), or even the kitchen, a DIY paper heart garland adds that perfect pop of color and sweetness to any room.
It’s a fun way to show your family that you love them—and maybe even sneak in a little time for yourself with a cup of tea and a creative outlet. This simple heart garland will be a lovely addition to your home, and the best part? You don’t need a lot of supplies or fancy skills to make it happen.
So grab your scissors, some pretty paper strips, and let’s make a Valentine’s garland that’s sure to spread some love around the house. I’ve broken it all down into easy-to-follow steps that even the busiest of mums can tackle. It’s also totally customizable, so you can make it as simple or as detailed as you want. Ready? Let’s dive in!
How to Hang Your Heart Garland?
Once you’ve made your Valentine’s Day paper heart garland, it’s time to hang it up and let the magic happen! The best way to display this craft is to think of a space where it will make the biggest impact. For many mums, that might mean hanging it across the mantle, along a bookshelf, or even in a bedroom or kids room for a burst of festive cheer.
The simplest way to hang your garland is by using some string or twine. You can attach your hearts to the string using small pieces of tape or glue dots, leaving a bit of space between each one for that classic garland look. For an advanced option, connecting the hearts using a sewing machine is another great option. If you’re feeling fancy, try using ribbon or even a metallic thread for a bit of extra sparkle.
Another fun way to hang your heart garland is to drape it over a mirror or a picture frame. It’ll give it a soft, whimsical feel, especially if you use delicate paper in shades of pink, red, or white. If you’re decorating a smaller space, like a bookshelf or even a door frame, you can always go for a shorter garland and make it extra cute by twisting or curving the string around your chosen area.
How Do You Stick the Garland to the Wall?
If you’re aiming to make a more permanent display of your Valentine’s Day paper heart garland, sticking it directly to the wall can work beautifully, too. The trick is to use a method that won’t damage your walls but still holds the garland in place.
For easy, no-damage wall hanging, I recommend using clear Command strips or picture hanging strips. These are super handy because they won’t leave any marks, and you can easily remove them after Valentine’s Day is over. Simply attach the strips to the top of your hearts. Then stick them to the wall where you want your garland to hang. Another easy option is to use double-sided tape if you’re looking for something quick and budget-friendly.
If you’re worried about the garland slipping or shifting, you can always use some extra half inch strips of tape to secure it in a few places along the string or between the hearts.
How to Style Your Valentine’s Day Paper Heart Garland?
Styling your Valentine’s Day paper heart garland is all about making it feel personal and fitting for your space. The beauty of this craft is that it’s versatile. You can go for something simple and classic, or get playful with patterns, textures, and colors.
For a classic look, stick with traditional reds, whites, and pinks. You can even mix in some gold or metallic hearts for a bit of shine. If you want something a little more playful, consider using patterned scrapbook paper with hearts, stripes, or even polka dots. The variety of designs available in craft stores is endless. It allows you to really personalize your Valentine’s Day paper heart garland to suit your home’s style.
Another cute idea is to add some extra details to your hearts. Hand-written messages, little doodles, or even small cut-out stars or pressed flowers add nice touches. If you’re crafting with the kids, let them add their own designs or stickers to each heart. The result will be a beautiful, heartfelt piece of decor that’s totally unique to your family.
Supplies Needed
Colored paper (red, pink, white, and any other color you like!). Construction paper is ideal, but any other type of paper will work also.
Scissors for the cutting part
Hole puncher (optional)
String, twine, or ribbon
Needle (optional)
Glue stick, double-sided tape, or mini glue dots
Pencil or pen (for tracing)
Decorative elements like stickers, glitter, or small stamps (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cut a Bunch of Hearts. Start by cutting your colored piece of paper into heart shapes. You can use a heart stencil, freehand it, or even print out a heart shape template online. Try to make the hearts different sizes for added interest. If you don’t have a stencil, simply fold the paper in half and cut out half a heart for a perfect symmetrical shape.
Prepare the Garland String. Cut a length of twine or ribbon to the desired length, keeping in mind where you want to hang your garland. Leave extra length on either side for hanging.
Attach the Paper Hearts to the String. Using a glue stick or small pieces of double-sided tape, attach your individual hearts to the twine. I also like using a needle and thread, to string them together. Space them out evenly, leaving about 2-3 inches between each heart. If you want a more interactive look, you can punch holes at the top of each heart and thread the string through the holes.
Style Your Garland. Once your hearts are attached, play around with the placement. You can create a zigzag pattern or let them hang straight. If you want to add some extra flair, try adding glitter, little stickers, or hand-drawn messages to your hearts.
Hang the Garland. Use clear Command strips or tape to attach your Valentine’s Day decorations to the wall. Or drape them across a mirror, bookshelf, or door frame.
Tips and Tricks
If you enjoyed making the heart garland, have a look at my other DIY tutorials.
Mix Textures: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different paper textures—matte, glossy, and patterned papers all add something unique to the garland.
Add Sparkle: For an extra festive touch, try adding a little glitter to your hearts. You can use glue to apply the glitter to the edges for a subtle effect.
Repurpose Old Cards or Magazines: If you have old Valentine’s Day cards lying around, or even a few magazines featuring beautiful patterns, cut them up and turn them into heart shapes for an eco-friendly twist.
Involve the Kids: Let your little ones help with the cutting, gluing, and decorating. It’s a great way to bond and create a fun family tradition.
A Valentine’s Day paper heart garland is such a sweet and simple decoration to celebrate the season of love with your family. Not only will it add a personal touch to your home, but it’s a project that doesn’t take up a lot of time or stress—just a bit of creativity and love! So gather your supplies, get the kids involved, and let’s make this Valentine’s Day extra special. Happy Valentine’s Day!
