Here’s a compact Valentine’s Day decoration that can stand on its own anywhere. Made in minutes out of any empty cereal box. And as if that wasn’t clever enough, it also has a secret: the inner heart hangs on a clever hidden hook so it tips and turns as if it’s floating on air. Make it plain, decorated, or with the original printing facing out - all how-to’s follow.
Steps At a Glance:
Ready? Here’s how:
1
You’ll need:
any empty cereal box
scissors
tape
pencil
two regular-size paper clips
a pushpin
2
Open the bottom and the side seam of the box. It’s okay if the paper peels; if the glue is stubborn try starting from the other end.
Draw two heart shapes on the box leaving about 3/4” of space all around the hearts.
Cut the hearts out. You can use the pushpin to make a starter hole for your scissor tip, close to (but not on) the pencil line.
Cutting tip: Most people usually cut with the scissors on top of the paper, but did you know you can cut with the scissors underneath? Try cutting this way if your scissors feel awkward at any point.
3
Cut a smaller heart out of one of the hearts you cut out of the box. Trim about 3/4'“ all the way around. The smaller heart might need a little more trimming to adjust the shape.
With the pin, make a hole and push the end of one of the paperclips through. Turn the paperclip to get the heart into the center of it.
4
Set the box flat and fold the sides so that they meet. Tape the whole side seam closed.
I like to have the small flap underneath, like this.
Tape the bottom flaps closed.
5
Take the second paperclip and pull the center loop out and down to make an S, then straighten out one leg so it looks like this.
Tape this hook onto the underside of one of the top flaps. You want the leg going lengthwise with the flap like it is here.
6
Close the hook flap, then the other flap, and tape them closed.
Hang the small heart on the hook.
Your HeartMobile is finished! Give the heart a tap and see it dance around. It will move on its own with any little breeze.
Questions
What’s the best way to add decoration to the brown paper?
Markers and colored pencils work great. See this post for more ideas.
and try this:
Decorated HeartMobile
You can decorate the box while it’s still flat if you like, or after it’s assembled. You can unhook the heart any time to decorate. See this post for tips on decorating brown paper.
Stained Glass HeartMobile
Cut a small heart shape out of the hanging heart. Tape a piece of tissue paper (any color) on the back, to cover the opening. Looks amazing set on a windowsill or anywhere it can catch the light.
Printed HeartMobile
If you like the look of the box printing on the outside (I do!), just assemble the box right side out. Less work, looks great.
Thank you for reading! If you have questions, please drop me a line.