this is one of my students that i have the pleasure of working with on tuesdays. last week we made heart garlands, and she had the idea of making a heart necklace. so that was our project today.

of course i leave THE ENTIRE BOX of goodies i had put together for the necklaces at home: felt, pretty colored thread, large needles, buttons, and fabric. yep, today was one of those days. i keep a big box of extra art loot in the back of my truck just for this reason. because i am always forgetting something!

the impromptu project included: funky patterned paper, rub-ons (letters, etc,) scissors, a tiny hole puncher, and twine.

we cut the hearts out first. my little student got a bit frustrated at first because the hearts need to be on the small side. (she is 6) at one point she said, “my hearts are funny-looking and yours are perfect!”….

i explained that i have been obsessed with cutting hearts for 36 years, and to be patient with the process.

even when kids get angry i know it is tempting to do it for them, but i feel it is important to let them do it themselves.

if their motor skills are not fully developed enough to hold the scissors and make a heart, have them help you by putting their hands on the scissors while you cut. this way they feel a connection to the project.

like this little bug needed some help…but was very excited to be making a necklace too!

oh yes did i mention that it is very important that you eat dove chocolate fortune hearts and wear pink mary janes while doing this?

after you are done cutting the hearts, punch two holes in each one. we also embellished a little with the rub-ons.

and voila! your paper heart necklace is complete!

this is paper so it is not going to last forever. felt or fabric would have had a longer life. but, we had lots of fun making this and that is all that mattered. she was so, so proud when she finished!

creative assignment: make your own paper heart necklace