Ingredients
- 3 chenille stems, 12 inches long (white, cream, silver, or your favorite color)
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup white craft glue
- 2 tablespoons water, plus up to 1 additional tablespoon if needed
- 1 tablespoon white acrylic craft paint (optional)
- 1 small disposable bowl, about 8 fluid ounces
- 1 small soft paintbrush, about 1/2 inch wide
- 1 wooden craft stick or teaspoon
- 1 sheet wax paper, about 12 inches by 16 inches
- 1 small piece of parchment paper, about 6 inches by 6 inches
- 1 pair of nitrile or household gloves (optional)
- 1 small ruler, 6 inches long (optional)
- 1 length of cotton twine, 8 inches long (optional)
Instructions
- Cover the table with a washable cloth or scrap paper, then place wax paper on top.
- Set the 3 pipe cleaners, bowl, brush, baking soda, glue, water, and optional paint within reach.
- Make the heart frame by folding 2 pipe cleaners in half together and pinching the center firmly.
- Separate the four loose ends into two pairs and shape each pair into one side of the heart.
- Curve the left pair upward and inward, then curve the right pair to match. Twist the ends around each other at the bottom.
- Shape the top dips with a gentle pinch to form the heart.
- Cut or bend the third pipe cleaner into a small hanger and attach it to the heart.
- In the bowl, mix together 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup white craft glue, and 2 tablespoons water, adding optional paint.
- Check the texture of the mixture; adjust water if necessary for it to cling to the stick.
- Place the heart on wax paper and brush on the first thin coat of the mixture.
- Let the first coat sit for about 20 to 30 minutes until it looks dull.
- Brush on a second thin coat and check for evenness.
- Set the finished heart on wax paper in a warm, dry room and leave it to dry for 12 to 24 hours.
- Once dry, brush off any loose crumbs and add twine for hanging if needed.
Notes
Safety notes include keeping glue and baking soda away from eyes and mouths. Children ages 6 and older can help with supervision.
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
