Encourage creativity and warm fuzzies this Valentine’s Day with a beautiful heart banner (also referred to as a bunting). There is lots of room for interpretation as each participant chooses their own paint, crayon or oil pastel colors for their garland. Or, do a family project by having each person make one heart flag and stringing them together. Here’s how to make a heart flag banner for Valentine’s Day or any heart-themed party or celebration.
Note: Tracing is a beneficial skill for children as it helps with spatial relations, motor skills and helps build a foundation for drawing and writing.
SUPPLIES
- 8½” x 11” white cardstock or watercolor paper
- Scissors
- Pencil
- 2” heart cookie cutter or a 2” heart cut from cardstock (for tracing)
- Oil pastels or crayons
- Watercolor paint
- Water cup
- Paintbrush
I always start projects by covering my workspace with an opened large paper bag, placemat or plastic cloth.
DIRECTIONS
- Cut four pieces of cardstock in half so you have eight 5½” x 8½” rectangles. I used 7 because I like the look of an odd number of heart flags.
- Starting from the center of one short side of each rectangle, cut an angled line on each side to make a point. See image for reference.
- Center your heart tracer towards the pointed bottom of one flag, trace around with white crayon or oil pastel. Paint with watercolor to reveal the heart. OR, as an alternative, trace the heart and draw several concentric hearts inside and outside, creating several hearts. Paint over the crayon or oil pastel with watercolor.
- Allow to dry.
- Punch two holes along the top of each heart flag and add string or ribbon to form a paper bunting. Hang up to enjoy or give to someone as a decorative gift.
Alyssa Navapanich is an award-winning art educator who teaches art to elementary school kids in East San Diego County.
