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Hanging Pocket Hearts is inspired by Cornelia Parker’s artwork Hanging Fire (Suspected Arson), which represents the vulnerabilities of being human and the challenges of our time. Focus on hope and joy by creating one heart or a collection of hearts. Hang somewhere special to inspire you each day.

This activity is designed for children ages 5 and up and their grownups to work on together at home.​

Materials:

Icon of paper

Paper
(8.5” x 11” sheet)

Icon of pencil

Pencil

Icon of rule

Ruler

Icon of scissors

Scissors

 

Icon of string

String or yarn

Icon of glue stick and tape

Glue or tape

Icon of crayon and paintbrush

Drawing materials:
crayons, markers, paint, etc.

 

 

Art Lab Play Date Hanging Pocker Hearts Step 1. 4x6 blank piece of paper.

1.
Using a pencil and ruler, measure and cut your paper into a 4″ x 6″ rectangle. Save the rest of the paper for step 4.

 

Art Lab Play Date Hanging Pocker Hearts Step 2. The paper has been folded and a semicircle has been cut from the top of the folded paper to create an

2.
Fold the paper in half, bringing the long edges to meet.
Cut a semicircle at the top as shown.
Reopen the paper and lay it flat on your work surface.
 

Art Lab Play Date Hanging Pocker Hearts Step 3. While unfolded, each bottom corner is folded inwards to align the bottom edge with the middle fold. A folded heart is made

3.
Fold the bottom edge of the paper up to the base of the semicircle. Take the bottom left corner and fold it to the center; do the same with the bottom right corner. Then fold the remaining strip down. Tuck the corners of the strip to the back side of the heart to secure the pocket.
 

Multicolored folded paper heart icon hanging on a string with

 

4.
Decorate using drawing materials. On small pieces of paper, write or draw what you are thankful for or the emotions you are feeling. Tuck these into your heart or attach to the string. Glue or tape your heart to your string and hang it somewhere special!

TIPS: To make a precise heart pocket, fold slowly and thoughtfully. Use your fingernails or the edge of a pencil to firmly crease your folds. You can make smaller or larger heart pockets by keeping the same measurement ratio. Try working with a piece of paper that is 2” x 3” or 8” x 12”. 

This activity was created by Sergio Salicio-Lupiañez, Visitor Assistant.

Share your art with friends and family and on social media with #ICAArtLab or email us at familyprograms@icaboston.org.