Art has always been a profound means of expression, allowing kids to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and creativity. When it comes to kids, engaging them in art projects not only cultivates their artistic skills but also provides a platform for self-discovery. In this blog post, we delve into the world of heart art projects for kids, exploring the rich history behind heart symbolism, the benefits of engaging in creative endeavors, and the significance of hearts in the context of Valentine’s Day.
The Significance of Hearts on Valentine’s Day:
Valentine’s Day celebrated on February 14th, is dedicated to expressing love and affection (kindness too). During this celebration, the heart symbol takes center stage, adorning cards, gifts, and decorations. The connection between hearts and Valentine’s Day can be traced back to the medieval belief that this day marked the beginning of birds’ mating season.
Over the centuries, the heart has become synonymous with love, making it the perfect emblem for expressing feelings of both love and friendship. Whether it’s the exchange of heart-shaped cards, the gifting of heart-themed chocolates, or the display of heart decorations, this symbol has become an integral part of celebrating Valentine’s Day.
Heart Art Projects for Kids
Below is a fantastic collection of our favorite heart art projects ranging from STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) to famous artists to process art and crafts! Click on the links to learn more, and most have a free printable to get started.
TIP: Check out all the different techniques below and make them your own. Mix and match, choose your own colors or papers, and use the supplies you have on hand to create a unique piece of heart art.
Watercolor Hearts
Explore a fantastic watercolor technique for this unique heart art that you can use to decorate or turn into cards.
Heart Zentangle
Zentangles, like doodling, are meant to be relaxing and calming. Take a stress break and try a zentangle. You’ll find a helpful free printable filled with information.
Stamped Heart
Learn about famous artist Alma Thomas and make a stamped heart to explore her artistic style.
Fizzing Hearts STEAM (Science + Art)
Combine science and art for STEAM with a chemical reaction painting project for an exciting heart art project everyone can try!
Mondrian Heart Art
Piet Mondrian had a particular style that lends itself to very unique heart art with a geometric, bold look!
Quilled Paper Heart Art
Paper quilling is not a new technique! You can create ver intricate patterns with tight and loose paper curls.
3D Paper Hearts Project
A simple STEM project is creating 3D hearts with a free template! It’s fun to make and can be turned into a Valentine card or decoration.
Paper Flower Heart Card
Use our free template to create paper flowers to add to this heart card template or use for any special heart art projects.
DIY Heart Luminary
Shed some light on Valentine’s Day or any day with a paper heart luminary.
Kandinsky Hearts
Collage with Kandinsky and hearts!
Pollock Hearts
Try out the unique paint splatter style of Jackson Pollock and create these painted Valentine hearts.
Picasso Hearts
Our popular Picasso project for Valentine’s Day! Explore the cubist style of Picasso with a heart!
Lichtenstein Heart Cards
Create Pop Art heart cards in the unique style of Lichtenstein.
Additional Heart Art Projects
Collage Hearts: Provide kids with various materials such as colored paper, fabric, buttons, and beads. Let them cut out heart shapes and create beautiful collages. This project encourages creativity and helps enhance their cutting and pasting skills. You can even use a unique surface for glueing such as a cereal box!
Heart Symmetry Painting: Fold a piece of paper in half and draw half of a heart on one side. Have the kids paint one side of the heart, fold the paper and press down to create a symmetrical heart shape. This project teaches symmetry and introduces the concept of mirror images.
String or Yarn Wrapped Hearts: Using a pre-cut wooden heart shape or cardboard cutout, provide kids with colorful yarn and string. They can wrap the material around the heart, creating patterns. This project enhances fine motor skills and also introduces kids to the concept of patterns and geometry. Here’s an example of yarn wrapped projects.
Salt Dough Heart Ornaments: Mix salt, flour, and water to create salt dough. Cut out heart shapes and let them dry. Before they dry, use a straw to make a whole if you want to hand them as ornaments. Then let your kids paint them! These hearts make beautiful keepsakes or gifts. This project combines sensory play with artistic expression.
See our Salt Dough Recipe here.
Heart Bubble Wrap Printing: Paint a heart onto bubble wrap (bubble side up), and add as many colors or patterns as desired. Press a piece of paper on the heart and carefully peel it away. Alternatively, you can draw a large heart on paper and press sections of painted bubble wrap onto the heart outline like a stamp. Here’s an example of bubble wrap printing.
Printable Winter Holiday Art Projects Pack
Celebrate the Winter season with themed art, including Valentine’s Day!
Everything you need is included. Just add art supplies! Perfect for kids of all ages to enjoy with a variety of techniques. Whether in the classroom, at home, or with groups, there is a fantastic variety of art activities to try!
Find all the instructions and templates necessary for over 40 art projects this Winter.
Snowflakes, Solstice, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Lunar New Year, and Valentine’s Day
Explore process art, STEAM, and even famous artists with these very doable art activities that won’t break the budget or the time you have available!
