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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.

Paper Reed Heart for Valentine's Day~Creative Craft Bloggers Challenge #ccbg~Life Beyond the Kitchen

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.

Paper Reed Heart for Valentine's Day~Creative Craft Bloggers Challenge #ccbg~Life Beyond the Kitchen

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.

Paper Reed Heart for Valentine's Day~Creative Craft Bloggers Challenge #ccbg~Life Beyond the Kitchen

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.

Paper Reed Heart for Valentine's Day~Creative Craft Bloggers Challenge #ccbg~Life Beyond the Kitchen

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.

Paper Reed Heart for Valentine's Day~Creative Craft Bloggers Challenge #ccbg~Life Beyond the Kitchen

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:

Paper Reed Embellished Mirror ~ Life Beyond the Kitchen


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

Paper Reed Heart for Valentine's Day~Creative Craft Bloggers Challenge #ccbg~Life Beyond the Kitchen

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

Paper Reed Heart {#CCBG}

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6 Comments

  1. What a neat project! I really like the idea of making those reeds. I have plenty of decorative paper or magazines that I could use.

    By the way, I love the Mod Podge Craft Mat. I use mine for just about every project. Last week I was painting and thought I didn’t need it….then spilled paint all over my desk. Lesson learned. =)

    1. lydiaf1963 says:

      I bought mine because you wrote a review on it. I wish it was a little larger, but it has been great otherwise.

  2. Wow! this is amazing! I love this heart! I have never done this craft but I think I should now that I see your tutorial! Love it!!

    1. lydiaf1963 says:

      Check out Paper Reeds on Pinterest for lots of ideas. 🙂

  3. This is fun and has so many possibilities- any color scheme you can think of, and any shape you want too. Thanks so much for sharing! Pinned!

    1. lydiaf1963 says:

      That’s for sure! I’m working on another project, too. 🙂

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