How To Make A Heart Out Of A Gum Wrapper

Ever been bored and needed a quick way to impress your friends? Or maybe you just want to keep your hands busy while waiting for the bus? Learning how to make a heart out of a gum wrapper is a classic skill that’s surprisingly easy to master. Plus, it’s a great way to recycle and turn something ordinary into something a little bit special.

I remember learning this trick from my older cousin when I was little. He always seemed so cool and collected, effortlessly folding those shiny wrappers into perfect little hearts. It felt like magic! Now, I’m going to share that “magic” with you, so you can create your own tiny treasures.

What You’ll Need

The best part about this craft is that you probably already have everything you need! All you need is a gum wrapper. Foil wrappers, like those from Wrigley’s or similar brands, work best because they hold their shape well. Paper wrappers can work in a pinch, but they won’t be as sturdy or shiny.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get started! Here’s how to turn that boring old gum wrapper into a cute little heart:

Step 1: Flatten the Wrapper

Carefully unfold your gum wrapper. Try to flatten it out as much as possible, smoothing out any creases or folds. A flat surface will make the following steps much easier.

Step 2: Fold in Half Lengthwise

Fold the wrapper in half lengthwise, creasing it firmly. This will create a long, narrow rectangle. Open it back up. You’ve made a crease down the middle that you will use as a guideline.

Step 3: Fold Edges to the Center Crease

Now, take each long edge of the wrapper and fold it towards the center crease you just made. Make sure the edges line up as closely as possible with the center. You’ll now have a thinner rectangle, with the original edges meeting in the middle.

Step 4: Fold in Half Again Lengthwise

Fold the entire rectangle in half lengthwise again, along the same center crease. You should now have a very narrow rectangle.

Step 5: Fold in Half

Fold this narrow rectangle in half to create a distinct crease in the center. Unfold it. This will mark the center point for the heart’s bottom point.

Step 6: Shape the Top

This is where the heart starts to take shape! Take each top corner of the open end of the rectangle and fold it down towards the center crease, creating two triangles. These triangles will form the top curves of the heart. Try to make the folds as symmetrical as possible for a balanced heart shape.

Step 7: Round the Point

Now, fold the bottom corners of the rectangle up. These folds don’t have to meet at the center crease. They just round off the point of the rectangle. This completes the heart shape!

Step 8: Refine and Press

Take a moment to look at your heart. Are the sides even? Are the curves smooth? You can gently adjust the folds to refine the shape. Once you’re happy with it, press all the creases firmly to make sure the heart holds its shape.

Tips for Success

Here are a few extra tips to help you create the perfect gum wrapper heart:

• Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t get discouraged if your first heart isn’t perfect. Like any craft, it takes practice to get the folds just right. Keep trying!
• Use a Flat Surface: Folding on a flat, hard surface will help you create cleaner, crisper folds.
• Be Precise: The more precise your folds, the more symmetrical and professional your heart will look.
• Experiment with Different Wrappers: Try using different gum wrappers to see how they affect the final result. Some wrappers are thicker or thinner, which can make a difference.
• Take Your Time: Don’t rush through the steps. Take your time and focus on each fold.

Creative Uses for Gum Wrapper Hearts

Once you’ve mastered the art of making gum wrapper hearts, you can use them in all sorts of creative ways! Here are a few ideas:

• Jewelry: Attach a small jump ring to the top of the heart and string it onto a necklace or bracelet.
• Gift Toppers: Use a heart to decorate a gift package.
• Party Favors: Make a bunch of hearts and give them out as party favors.
• Scrapbooking: Add a heart to your scrapbook pages as a fun embellishment.
• Just for Fun: Keep a few hearts in your pocket or purse to give to friends or family as a little surprise.

Alternatives

While gum wrappers are a classic choice, you can also use other types of wrappers to make hearts. Candy wrappers, foil wrappers from chocolate bars, and even strips of paper can be used. The key is to find a material that is flexible enough to fold but sturdy enough to hold its shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my wrapper is too small?

Smaller wrappers will create smaller hearts, which can be trickier to fold. Try using a larger wrapper, or carefully trim the edges of your small wrapper to make sure they’re even.

Can I use paper instead of foil?

Yes, you can use paper, but it might not hold its shape as well as foil. Thicker paper, like cardstock, will work better than thin paper. You can also try spraying the paper heart with hairspray to help it stiffen up.

My heart keeps falling apart. What am I doing wrong?

Make sure you’re pressing the creases firmly at each step. Also, ensure that you’re folding the edges precisely and lining them up correctly. A little bit of glue can also help to secure the folds, especially if you’re using paper.

Is there a way to make a bigger heart?

Absolutely! You can create a bigger heart by using a larger piece of foil or paper. Experiment with different sizes to see what works best for you.

Learning how to make a heart out of a gum wrapper is a fun and easy way to pass the time and impress your friends. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create perfect little hearts every time. So grab a gum wrapper, get folding, and start spreading the love!