Papier-Mâché Heart

What You Need:

• Papier-mâché paste (store-bought or homemade)
• Several sheets of construction or printer paper, cut or torn into narrow strips
• Old newspapers
• Masking tape
• Tempera paint in white and red
• Paintbrush
• Drop cloth or old plastic or vinyl table cloth

What You Do:

1. Papier-mâché can be very messy, so it's a good idea to start by protecting your work surface with a drop cloth or old table cloth to help make clean up easier.
2. Ask your child to create a heart shape by bunching and molding the newspaper. Crumple up large sheets of newspaper, gradually manipulating them into a three-dimensional shape. Place strips of masking tape over the heart as you go to keep it together.
3. Once your heart is formed, it's time to papier-mâché! Have your child carefully dip the strips of construction or printer paper into the papier-mâché paste and gently apply them to the newspaper heart.
4. Have your child continue adding strips of papier-mâché to the heart until it's fully covered. Set aside to dry completely.
5. Once your heart is dry, it's time to paint! Using the tempera paint, have your child paint the heart in Valentine's Day colors like red and pink. You can make varying shades of pink by mixing the red and white paint together in different proportions. Once again, set your heart aside to let the paint dry.

Have your child find a good place to display her heart sculpture: on a shelf, over the mantel, or even mounted on a wall. Its bright colors and bold shape are sure to fill your home with Valentine's day cheer!