Art with Alyssa: DIY Wire Hearts

Unique DIY wire hearts make perfect decorations for Valentine's Day (or any time of year). These beautiful custom hearts can be hung up around the house, placed on a decorative themed tree or given as gifts to friends and loved ones. Get creative and have fun making wire hearts with beads or buttons (or both). 

SUPPLIES

14- or 16-gauge aluminum crafting wire 

30-gauge beading wire 

Scissors

Beads and buttons in various colors

Wire clippers, nail clippers or sturdy scissors

Optional: needle nose pliers

I always start by covering my workspace with an opened large paper bag, placemat or plastic cloth.

DIY WIRE HEART DIRECTIONS

Beaded Hearts

1. Cut a length of aluminum crafting wire about 10 inches long. Fold the wire in half and pinch the center of the wire to make the point of the heart.
2. Curl each open end of the wire and continue until you have two spirals at the top of the heart (see photo). 
3. Cut a 10-inch piece of beading wire. Secure one end of the wire to the top half of the heart, then weave the wire in and out of the top coils to close the heart and create a decorative pattern.
4. Add 3-4 beads to the beading wire and stretch it across the bottom half of the heart, looping it across both sides. Add up to 10-12 beads as desired. 
5. Secure the end of the beading wire by twisting it several times around the large gauge wire. If there is extra, snip it off. 
6. Add a loop of beading wire to the top for hanging, if desired. 

Button Hearts

1. Cut a length of aluminum crafting wire about 10 inches long. Fold the wire in half and pinch the center of the wire to make the point of the heart.
2. Bend each open end to make a heart shape. Where the ends meet at the top, twist together to close the heart. Adjust the shape as necessary. 
3. Cut a 10-inch piece of beading wire. Secure one end of the wire to the heart, add a few buttons, then weave the wire around the large gauge wire, adding buttons as you go. Fully wrap the heart in buttons. 
4. Secure the end by twisting it several times around the heart. If there is extra, snip it off. 
5. Add a loop of beading wire to the top for hanging, if desired. 

Alyssa Navapanich is an award-winning art educator who teaches art to elementary school kids in East San Diego County.

Find more fun projects (and recipes) in our Valentine's Day Round-Up at https://www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/seasonal-happenings/valentines-day-round-up.