Papier Mache Heart Magnet

Papier mache is an easy and inexpensive craft for people of all ages and artistic skills. Smaller children will need supervised help when making something simple, such as this papier mached heart, while adults can embellish the heart magnet to their heart's desire.

This heart magnet was made specifically for Valentine's Day, but it can be made for any special occasion. Make one for someone you love. Make one for each of your kids and paint their names on each heart, or make a gothic dark heart to decorate your refrigerator.

• Cardboard cut into heart shapes
• Shredded newspaper
• PVA glue and water
• Paint
• Magnet for back

Begin by already having your heart shapes cut out of cardboard. My hearts tend to be no more than 4-inches in length. Newspaper strips should be hand torn. Since you are working with small heart shapes, tear newspaper into thin, 1/4-inch strips. Length should be 4-inches and shorter.

Dip each paper strip into the glue solution and apply three layers of papier mache to the heart. Set aside and allow to dry on wax paper or on a plastic cutting board to prevent sticking. Drying can take up to a full day, depending on the weather and indoor conditions.

After the papier mache has completely dried, cover each heart with a base coat of paint. You can use leftover primer paint or gesso. Allow to dry completely.

Glue 1 to 2 small magnets onto the back of each heart. For my larger, 4-inch hearts, I use 2 magnet strips on the back. Smaller hearts only need 1 magnet.

Paint the front of the heart. I use acrylics because of the glossy finish. You can also use poster paint and, once dry, paint or spray on a light coating of varnish for a protective, glossy finish.

Allow to completely dry before placing on the refrigerator.