Valentine Crafts:
How to Make a Styrofoam* Tin Heart Ornament

By Kathleen George

Faux "Tin" hearts are made of styrofoam*...but who would ever guess?

Download Tin Hearts PDF pattern

Faux Tin Hearts
Materials List: STYROFOAM* Brand Foam:
Heart, 3" x 1/2"
*Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company

Other Materials:
Smooth-surface finish for plastic foam
Faux finish of choice (pewter and silver blue shown)
Dimensional paint, any color
Small plastic squeeze bottle, 1/2 oz., with 7mm stainless steel tip (optional)
Sheer silver wire-edged ribbon, 1/2" x 1/3 yd.
Sheer white ribbon rose with leaves, 3/4"
Silver cord, 8" length
Pencil
Ruler
Wooden skewer
Craft stick or palette knife
Disposable sponge brush
Disposable palette
Water basin
Paper towels
Scissors
Transfer paper (optional)

Styrofoam "Tin" Hearts
Instructions:

1. Insert skewer into center top edge of heart. Holding heart by skewer, follow manufacturer's instructions to apply surface finish to all sides of heart. Let dry.

2. Use pencil and transfer paper to transfer pattern to both sides of heart, or sketch own design. Use dimensional paint to outline designs. Outline heart edges with series of tiny dots, painted very close together. Note: Greater control and thinner lines can be obtained by squeezing paint into plastic squeeze bottle, then using narrow metal tip to draw. Let dry.

3. Follow manufacturer's instructions to apply two coats faux finish to all sides of heart. Let dry.

4. Knot cord ends; glue knot into skewer hole in top of heart. Tie ribbon into bow. Glue bow and ribbon rose at base of cord.

Project reprinted courtesy of The Dow Chemical Company, Manufacturer of Genuine STYROFOAM(R) Brand Foam.

For more free project ideas, please visit www.styrofoamcrafts.com