You will need: 

Strong paper, around 30cm square.

Scissors

Hole punch

Brads/split pins (alternatively glue or staples) 

Tweezers

If possible, your paper should be dark on one side & light on the other to provide a contrast. (Or use two different-coloured sheets!)

1: fold your paper into 3rds & cut into 3 strips, which should measure about 10cm x 30cm. 

2: fold two of the strips in half lengthways, i.e. now 10cm x 15cm

3: cut a shallow curve around the open ends, starting about 3/4 of the way up.

4: make 4 evenly-spaced cuts (2cm apart) from the folded edge up towards the curved top, to a little beyond the bottom of the curve.

5: holding the cut strips with the folded ends towards you, one on each side, weave the resulting 2cm strips from one side into the other, going inside then outside the opposing strips rather than over & under. Ease the strips up towards the curved top as you go. The last strip will be the hardest & shows why you do need strong paper! Use tweezers to pull it through if necessary. You should now have a heart shape which can open at the top.

6: cut the unused 1/3rd strip in half lengthways, then fold in 3 lengthways to form a handle. Punch holes in each end, and into the top centre of the heart, and attach handle to heart with brads/split pins. You can use the last strip to make any decorations you like – I’ve done simple flowers but anything goes!

You can scale this up or down depending on the effect you want to make and your resources; the ratios are more important than the actual measurements.

 You will need: 

Strong paper, around 30cm square.

Scissors

Hole punch

Brads/split pins (alternatively glue or staples) 

Tweezers

If possible, your paper should be dark on one side & light on the other to provide a contrast. (Or use two different-coloured sheets!)

1: fold your paper into 3rds & cut into 3 strips, which should measure about 10cm x 30cm. 

2: fold two of the strips in half lengthways, i.e. now 10cm x 15cm

3: cut a shallow curve around the open ends, starting about 3/4 of the way up.

4: make 4 evenly-spaced cuts (2cm apart) from the folded edge up towards the curved top, to a little beyond the bottom of the curve.

5: holding the cut strips with the folded ends towards you, one on each side, weave the resulting 2cm strips from one side into the other, going inside then outside the opposing strips rather than over & under. Ease the strips up towards the curved top as you go. The last strip will be the hardest & shows why you do need strong paper! Use tweezers to pull it through if necessary. You should now have a heart shape which can open at the top.

6: cut the unused 1/3rd strip in half lengthways, then fold in 3 lengthways to form a handle. Punch holes in each end, and into the top centre of the heart, and attach handle to heart with brads/split pins. You can use the last strip to make any decorations you like – I’ve done simple flowers but anything goes!

You can scale this up or down depending on the effect you want to make and your resources; the ratios are more important than the actual measurements.