Valentine's Day is right around the corner! I'm not one to decorate too much for the day, but I do like to add a little peek here and there in my decor. I shared with you my Valentine's pie hutch last week, and today I'm going to share with you how I made those clay hearts...except this time, I'm adding a little extra to them. Let's get started!
Materials You’ll Need:
- Air-dry clay ( I use this one linked)
- Heart-shaped cookie cutters (linked here)
- Patterned napkins for decoupage (floral, hearts, or whatever you like! Ideas linked here)
- Decoupage glue (e.g., Mod Podge)
- Paintbrush
- Toothpick
- Rub n Buff or gold paint (linked here)
- Twine or ribbon for hanging
- Rolling pin and a flat surface
Roll out the clay about an 1/8th of an inch thick. Make sure to use a surface that the clay will pull up from. I like to use wax paper or parchment paper. Cut the clay out like your making cookies with the heart shape cookie cutter. Do varying sizes to make it more interesting.
Add the clay to a wire rack for quick drying. While it's on the rack, use a toothpick or a straw to make a hole for hanging.
Step 2:
After the clay is completely dry...about 24-48 hours...grab some fun napkins and your decoupage.
Trace the heart onto the back of the napkin.
Cut it out.
Add a thing layer of decoupage medium to the clay heart.
Press the cut out heart napkin onto the clay heart. Carefully move around and center. Then use your fingers and press down and smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles. Wait to dry.
More than likely you'll have some overhang around the edges. Use some fine grit sandpaper to carefully take the napkin off the edges. This is best to do when the decoupage medium has hardened underneath.
Now create a hole through the napkin by placing the toothpick through the back.
Now, place a top thin layer of decoupage medium onto the napkin heart. Dry completely.
Step 3:
Most napkins will come with either 1-3 plies. If you have more than one, take the napkin apart until you are left with only the top ply.
Press the cut out heart napkin onto the clay heart. Carefully move around and center. Then use your fingers and press down and smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles. Wait to dry.
Here's a chance to make the clay heart a little more interesting. You can leave the edges and back as is, or paint it! I have used Rub 'n Buff in the past, but wanted to try this gold marker. Truthfully...I like the Rub 'n Buff better. But, if you a like a mess free way this marker works good too!
Step 4:
Use some twine or jute, fold in half, and then stick through the hole. Bring the rest of the twine through the loop and pull. Now these are ready to hang!
I played around with different ways to hang them in my house. Hanging on vases is probably my favorite and most duplicatable way to decorate with them.
I love having the gold in the back. It acts like a second set of hearts!
With this design, I kept the back and sides white clay. I like the neutral tone they gave off.
Plus, if they flip, then they still look good :)
I added the hearts to the peg rail in my dining room as well to give another idea on how to use them. For these ones, I tied a cute velvet ribbon to the top. Or, if you had enough jute over hang, you can tie that into a bow on the top.
I love how easy it is to change the style of these clay hearts by just adding a fun napkin! I do love how they look plain as well. With these ones, I just stamped "love" into the middle while they were still wet.
Which is your favorite look?
Pin for later:
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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