Easy-to-Make Valentine's Day Paper Chain Countdown Calendar

Count down the days until Valentine's Day with a handmade paper heart chain.

Heart Shaped Garland for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day Heart-Shaped Garland

Use strips of colored paper to create a heart shaped paper chain.

Photo by: Rennai Hoefer

Rennai Hoefer

Using supplies you probably already have around the house, this Valentine's Day craft is a quick, easy and interactive way to get the kids excited for the holiday. Customize the chain by adding love-themed quotes, phrases or even an activity to accomplish on each paper heart. Then, starting on February 1st, remove a heart each day to count down to the 14th.

Materials Needed

  • colored cardstock
  • scissors
  • stapler
  • ruler

1. Cut Card Stock

Using a ruler, cut pieces of card stock into 1" x 11" strips (Image 1). You'll need 16 total strips. Set aside two red strips for the top heart. Then, cut the rest of the strips in half (Image 2).

2. Create First Heart

Staple two strips of the same color together on one end (Image 1). Form a heart shape with the two unstapled ends of the first heart. Before stapling, tuck in two strips of another color for the next heart (Image 2). Staple all four strips to form the first heart and to start the second heart (Image 3).

3. Continue Hearts

Continue the steps until you have 14 hearts. Add the two long red strips to the top, creating a larger heart to represent Valentine's Day.

CI_Kim-Stoegbauer-heart-paper-chain-create-heart-chain_s4x3

Photo by: Rennai Hoefer

Rennai Hoefer

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