Go Back

DIY Heart Garland

Learn how to make a DIY heart garland with our free printable and Cricut file. Perfect for weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, and Valentine's decor!
Yield: 8 strands
Author: The Bluebonnet Farmhouse

Equipment

  • project file
  • Cricut machine
  • Cricut Design Space

Materials

  • paper (scrapbook, cardstock, or wrapping paper)
  • twine
  • tacky glue
  • cutting mat
  • scissors

Instructions

Step 01 - Plan the Garland

  • Determine the number and length of your garland. I made a total of 8 strands of garland and each strand at 6′ 8″ long.
  • Next, plan out how many hearts you want on each garland. I placed 7 hearts on each and alternated their locations every other strand.
  • Calculate how many pieces need to be cut. If using one-sided paper, each 3D heart will need 4 pieces in order to make them double-sided. Only two hearts are needed for double-sided paper.
  • If making the hearts by hand, you can download your free printable on the blog post and simply skip Step 2 and Step 3 below.

Step 02 - Set Up the Cricut File

  • Open the Cricut Design Space app and connect your Cricut machine to your computer.
  • Download the custom images from the project file in the blog post.
  • Begin by opening a blank canvas and clicking upload > upload image > browse > and find the downloaded file on your computer.
  • Here you can choose whether to upload the preset file for a 12″x12″ mat or the single heart for editing size and quantity.
  • After uploading the file, select image type “simple” > apply & continue > cut image > upload.
  • Select the uploaded image under “Recent Uploads” and click “add to canvas”.
  • If choosing the single heart, duplicate or resize any hearts needed to fit on your paper size and arrange on the canvas.
  • Press the “Make It” button in the top right corner.

Step 03 - Cut the Design

  • Select your material size in the left margin. You may have to rearrange the final cut layout on this screen. Press “Continue” in the lower right corner.
  • Follow the prompted instructions on the screen to ensure your machine settings are ready.
  • Place the paper on the machine cutting mat and load the mat into the machine by pressing the double arrow button on the machine.
  • Press the Cricut logo button on the machine to begin the cut.
  • After the cut is complete, unload the mat with the double arrow button and load a new sheet of paper onto the mat. Continue cutting the design until you have all the pieces required.
  • Once you have enough hearts cut out, unload the mat and press the “Finish” button in the bottom right corner.

Step 04 - Assemble the Hearts

  • It takes two hearts to create one 3D heart. If using one-sided paper, paste together two matching pieces to create a double-sided heart.
  • Mix and match the hearts to find combinations that you love and place them into pairs.
  • For every pair of hearts, cut a line down the center from the top to the middle of one heart, and the bottom to the middle of the other heart.
  • Slide the two hearts together to form a 3D heart and place a string of glue down the seam. Place the 3D hearts upside down to dry.

Step 05 - Make the Heart Garland

  • Once the glue dries, lay the hearts along the twine to determine placement. I placed each of my hearts 8″ apart and shifted the pattern down by 4″ for every other garland.
  • Lastly, attach the hearts to the twine with glue at the seam and let dry.
  • Hang up the strands of hearts and enjoy your new DIY heart garland!