Woven Paper Heart (Happy Anniversary, Steve!)

I recently noticed two pieces of patterned paper in my stash with a copyright date of 2004. While I probably have papers that are even older, the first thing that came to mind was, "Wow. These papers are the same age as my marriage." Steve and I got married on May 30, 2004, making today our 18th anniversary. In honor of our special day, I made this woven heart. I like the symbolism. While we were both fine separately, our lives are better woven together and complementing each other.  

I recently shared paper weaving that I did for a scrapbook layout, but turning woven paper into a shape like a heart requires an extra step. Read on for how to make your own. 

Woven Paper Heart

Materials:

• two different papers
• paper trimmer or scissors
• washi tape
• contact paper (affiliate link)
• scissors
• Sharpie
• craft glue

Steps: 

Cut your papers into strips. I made some 1/2" strips and some 1/4" strips, each 6" long. I lined up the pink strips next to each other and used washi tape to secure them to my desk. Then I started weaving in the green strips. I alternated the 1/2" and the 1/4" pink strips, but used the two different widths of green randomly. It all works. 

Continue until you've woven in enough strips for the size you want your finished piece to be. Cut a piece of contact paper slightly larger than your finished weaving. Remove the liner, then gently lift up your weaving (keeping the washi tape in place) and slide the contact paper underneath, sticky side up. Press the weaving onto the contact paper, making sure it is firmly adhered. This will ensure your weaving doesn't fall apart when you cut it.  

Turn your weaving upside down and use a Sharpie to draw or trace a heart. 

Cut along the lines. Turn the heart right side up and put a tiny dab of glue under the end of each strip that doesn't touch the contact paper. 

Happy anniversary, Steve! I'm so glad my life is woven with yours.