Heart-shaped décor has an undeniable charm that adds warmth and affection to any space. Whether you're decorating for Valentine's Day, Christmas, Independence Day, or simply looking to infuse your home with a bit of rustic elegance, a wooden heart garland makes for a delightful and meaningful accent. This handcrafted string of wooden hearts can be hung over a doorway, draped across a mantelpiece, or featured as part of a larger wall display.
What makes this craft extra special is its versatility. By simply changing the paint colors, you can customize it for any occasion. Think romantic reds and soft pinks for Valentine’s Day, festive reds and greens for Christmas, or patriotic red, white, and blue to show off your love for America. Prefer a more neutral, farmhouse aesthetic? Leave the hearts unpainted for a beautiful natural wood finish that complements country-style or rustic décor.
What You’ll Need
Creating this heart garland is simple and affordable. Gather the following supplies:
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Five wooden heart cut-outs, each about 3 inches wide
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Drill with both 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch bits
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Raffia (a natural, fibrous ribbon-like material)
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Two yards of 1.5-inch wide soft ribbon, in a color or pattern of your choice
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Two large wooden beads, to match your color scheme
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Acrylic craft paints (or spray paint/tempera paint if preferred)
Tip: Plaid ribbon looks especially lovely and adds a country touch, but you can choose any ribbon that suits your theme.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Drill Holes in the Hearts
Begin by drilling a hole on each side of every heart. Use the 1/4 inch drill bit for the two outermost holes (on the first and last heart), as these will hold the wider ribbon. Use the 1/8 inch bit for the inner holes, which will be used to tie the hearts together with raffia.
2. Paint the Wooden Hearts
Next, paint each heart using your desired color palette. Acrylic paints are ideal because they’re easy to use, dry quickly, and come in a wide variety of shades. They’re typically sold in 2-ounce bottles at most craft stores, often at very reasonable prices. If you want a shiny or metallic finish, spray paint is a good alternative. And if acrylic isn’t available, tempera paint can also do the trick.
Let the hearts dry thoroughly before moving to the next step.
3. Tie the Hearts Together
Once dry, lay the hearts side by side in a horizontal line. Cut four pieces of raffia, each about 10 inches long. Take one piece and thread it down through a hole in one heart and up through the adjacent hole on the next heart so that the two hearts are positioned side by side. Tie the raffia into a neat bow on top. Repeat the process between each heart until all five are connected. Trim any excess raffia to give it a tidy look.
4. Add the Hanging Ribbon and Beads
Now, take your wide ribbon and thread it through one of the larger outside holes on the first heart. Pull it through until the two ends of the ribbon are even. Then, slide one large wooden bead over both ribbon ends and push it close to the heart. Finally, tie a knot at the ends of the ribbon to secure the bead and create a hanging loop.
Repeat this process on the opposite end of the garland, threading the second piece of ribbon through the last heart’s outer hole, adding the second bead, and tying it off. You should now have a loop on each end of the garland perfect for hanging it on nails, hooks, or even cabinet knobs.
Display or Gift with Love
Now that your wooden heart garland is complete, it’s time to showcase it! Hang it over a doorway to greet guests with a warm, homemade touch. Drape it across your fireplace mantle or a kitchen window for a cozy country vibe. It also makes a thoughtful handmade gift for birthdays, anniversaries, housewarmings, or holidays.
The beauty of this craft lies in its simplicity and personalization you can change colors, ribbons, or even add embellishments like glitter, names, or tiny stamped messages to make each version truly your own.
Final Thoughts
This charming wooden heart garland is more than just a decoration it’s a creative expression of warmth, love, and the joy of handmade craftsmanship. With just a few materials and a bit of time, you can create a heartfelt piece that brightens up any room and celebrates the seasons in style.
