Discover the Art of Crafting Beautiful Decoupaged Paper Hearts

The Art of Decoupage Hearts

Decoupage is the art of decorating an object by gluing colored paper cutouts onto it in combination with special paint effects, gold leaf and other embellishments. It is a creative hobby that allows you to upcycle and transform everyday objects into beautiful works of art.

One particularly lovely application of decoupage is making decorative hearts. With some simple supplies, you can create gorgeous decoupaged hearts that make meaningful gifts or romantic home decor accents. Read on to learn all about the art of decoupage hearts!

Supplies Needed for Decoupage Hearts

Decoupage is an easy craft that only requires a few basic supplies. Here is what you'll need to start decoupaging your own paper hearts:

• Wooden heart shapes - Available precut at most craft stores
• Tissue paper/scrapbook paper
• Decoupage glue or decoupage medium
• Craft paint brush
• Foam brush
• Sealer spray
• Embellishments - ribbons, lace, buttons etc. (optional)

Look for wooden hearts that are smooth, free of defects, and sealed to prevent warping. Tissue paper and scrapbook paper provide colorful decoupage material, especially in floral, romantic and vintage themes. Choose decoupage glue over regular white glue as it dries clear and flexible.

How to Decoupage Paper Hearts

Follow this simple step-by-step process for gorgeous decoupaged hearts every time:

1. Sand the wooden heart lightly to ensure it has a smooth surface for decoupage
2. Paint one to two basecoats of acrylic paint and let dry fully. The basecoat keeps the wooden texture from showing through your paper cutouts.
3. Cut out tissue paper shapes using scissors or paper punches. Focus decoupage material over the front leaving sides and back minimally covered.
4. Apply decoupage glue in sections and smooth paper pieces on top, pressing gently to remove wrinkles and air bubbles
5. Apply one to two more layers of tissue paper cutouts, brushing each layer evenly with decoupage glue and drying in between
6. Optional - Add vintage trims, lace or sparkling rhinestones for extra dimension
7. Brush three to five thin topcoats of decoupage medium evenly over the entire surface and edges and let dry fully between coats
8. Finish with spray sealer for sheen and extra protection

Working in small sections helps ensure smooth application of the tissue paper pieces. Decoupage medium protects and preserves your paper art while adding lovely glow. Take your time and don't rush the drying process to avoid rippling or wrinkles.

Creative Ideas for Decoupaged Hearts

Once you understand the basics, it’s fun to get creative with different looks and themes for your decoupage hearts. Some ideas include:

Romantic Floral Heart

What’s more romantic than roses, peonies or cherry blossoms? Cut flowers from tissue paper or scrapbook paper to decoupage in layers across your heart for a romantic and feminine look. Accent with lace or pearl beads.

Vintage Heart

Create an elegant vintage or shabby chic look by decoupaging antique inspired images like birdcages, ink pens, watch parts or postage stamps. Muted color palettes with tea stained white paper adds to the vintage mood.

Be My Valentine Heart

This popular Valentine’s Day craft idea uses cut-out letters to spell “Be Mine” or “Love You” right on the decoupaged heart itself for a meaningful gift.

Glitter Heart

Add sparkle and shine by layering specialty glitter tissue paper over your wooden heart. With each coat of decoupage medium, the glitter bits will be sealed into the design for dazzling sparkle.

Unique Ways to Use Decoupage Hearts

Once complete, decoupage hearts are versatile decorations perfect for:

• Romantic gifts
• Wedding decor
• Love notes holder
• Ornaments and garlands
• Jewelry display
• Wreaths
• Cards and tags

For gift giving, finish the heart's backside and tie ribbon through a small hole to instantly make it special. For cards, decoupage miniature hearts onto store bought blank cards with a loving message written inside. The possibilities are endless!

Tips for Selling Decoupaged Hearts

Thanks to social media, talented decoupage artists can sell their creations to eager buyers looking for that perfect handmade gift. When pricing your hearts, factor in costs plus time at an hourly rate or percentage of total cost. High-end embellishments like Swarovski crystals will increase value. Professional packaging also helps indicate quality to buyers.

When selling online, styled lifestyle photographs showing scale help buyers visualize placement in their homes. Describe unique attributes like textures, techniques and exclusive papers to convey value. Offer customization for recipient’s names or themes.

Take special care in shipping to prevent damage by wrapping well and using sturdy boxes. Provide care instructions advising buyers on cleaning methods and warning against moisture damage. Stand out amongst other decoupage artists by developing your own signature style.

The Satisfaction of Making Decoupage Hearts

With some simple supplies, scrap paper and creativity, you can fashion splendid decoupaged hearts that make wondrous gifts and decorations. This three-dimensional paper art form allows your imagination to run free. What better way to decorate than with artwork made from the heart?