Paper Reed Heart {#CCBG}

Last Updated on January 17, 2019 by lydiaf1963

Got paper? Somewhere along the way I picked up several packs of lightweight, decorative papers. I used a few sheets for other projects (like these recycled boxes) but the rest of the papers waited for the perfect project to come along. I think I found it in my paper reed heart.

The reeds are quite satisfying to make. It’s just a matter of rolling strips of paper around a small round skewer or similar object (I used a 5mm knitting needle). As you roll, the paper turns into a hollow reed or straw which can be used for a variety of craft projects.

You don’t have to use decorative paper to make reeds. Depending on the project, strips of newspaper or magazine pages could be used instead. My objective was to make use of the stuff I had on hand. I only have room for a small stash, and it was getting out of control!  No matter which you choose, cut the paper into strips at least 2 – 3 inches wide.

When you have cut a good number of strips, place one pretty side down and at a 45 degree angle away from your body. It can angle to the left or the right, whichever is more comfortable for you. Use a glue stick to apply glue to the short side closest to you and along the top long edge.

Start rolling the paper around the skewer, continue rolling until you reach the far edge. You will need to adjust the position of the skewer in order to keep it from being contained inside the reed. Apply a liberal amount of glue to the end of the paper and finish rolling. A little practice will help you find the best position for the skewer to get a nice tight reed. I got good results from holding it parallel to the edge of my work surface. Applying the glue to the long edge will help prevent the paper reeds from opening up when they’re cut.

Once all the reeds have been created, set them aside while you cut out a heart shape from a piece of thin cardboard, a panel from a cereal box would work great! Squirt a generous amount of white glue on the heart shape and fix your paper reeds into place in a manner that pleases you.

Allow to dry overnight. Then trim the ends of the reeds to fit the heart shaped base. Glue a ribbon loop to the back of the heart and hang it on the wall or your door. Wherever you like!

Here’s another craft which makes use of paper reeds:

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The rest of the Creative Craft Bloggers Group has been working on their projects for this month’s challenge, too.

Home Crafts by Ali – Mini Heart Garland Valentine Card
Try It Like It – Heart Origami Valentine Banner
Life Beyond the Kitchen – Paper Reed Heart
DIY Crush – Sewing Machine Valentine Card
2 Dishing Divas – Valentine’s Day Hug Card & Gift Box
Al Things Beautiful – DIY Valentine’s Day Ornament