Ribbon Collage Heart Frame

Hey, Creative Friends, I am so excited to share this new crafty tutorial with you, making a Ribbon Collage Heart Frame! I will be using a heart frame from the Dollar Tree, and some of my favorite trims and ribbons.

I think you’ll love it! Scroll down for the supplies list and then a full step-by-step description of how I made this beautiful Valentine’ s Day decoration.

I’ve also included a video towards the end of this post, so you can watch AND craft with me! (are we doing this?)

This post may contain referral links to products used. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only refer products I use & love

Supply List:

• Heart Frame from Dollar Tree (THIS ONE is similar but bigger)
• Folk Art Craft Paint “Prarie Sage”
• Thin Cardboard
• Ribbons/Trims (all from Hobby Lobby)
• SHARP Scissors (Like THESE)
• Hot Glue Gun (Find it HERE on Amazon)
• Glue Gun Stand (Handmade & Sold HERE)
• Silicone Finger Protectors (Dollar Tree)
• Burlap Ribbon (Hobby Lobby SKU: 321067)
• Gator Zip Sander (Find it HERE on Amazon)
• Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Find it HERE on Amazon)
• StazOn Black ink (Find it HERE on Amazon)
• Osnaburg Muslin (Hobby Lobby SKU: 676262)
• Sprigs of greenery
• Tag from my Loving Essence printable bundle
• Mini Button

Step 1 – Paint the Heart Frame

Paint the frame in whatever color you prefer. I used a green gray color for this example, but also used a pink color on a different version…scroll to end to see both pics!

Step 2 – Make a Heart Template

To get started with the heart collage, make a heart template using the photo that comes in the frame with the packaging. I cut out a heart using thin cardboard from some packaging. Make sure that the heart fits in the frame once you’ve cut it out of cardboard.

Step 3 – Gather Ribbons and Trims

Next, start gathering ribbons and trims for this project. Keep in mind you can choose any ribbons to your liking, and any colors that go with your Valentine’s decor. I love black and white and cream, so I gathered some of my favorite trims that have a bunch of different textures and patterns.

Once you’ve gathered a variety of ribbons and trims, without trying to overthink it too much, start by laying the ribbons out on the cardboard heart. Make sure to cut the ribbons a little longer than you think you’ll need, so you don’t end up cutting anything too short.

Step 4 – Glue the Ribbons and Trims

Your next step is super easy – just glue down the ribbons and trims, completely covering the cardboard heart. The most challenging part is to make sure you keep the ribbon pieces straight on the heart, because once you put it back in that frame, it could look crooked or off-centered if you accidently slant your ribbons as your glueing them.

Other than that, this is a pretty simple concept and you can have fun layering any kind of little ribbon trims that you want. And if you don’t have ribbons and trims in your craft stash, it could be fun to go shopping for some! Most, if not all of what I used, came from Hobby Lobby.

Step 5 – Trim the Ribbons on Heart

You’ll need a good sharp pair of scissors for this, especially with the layered sections. Flip over the heart so you can see the shape. Then trim the excess ribbons and trims all around the heart edge. It’s a good idea to double check those edges once you’ve finished trimming, to make sure everything’s glued down nicely.

Step 6 – Distress The Frame

Here’s where we can put some great finishing touches on the project! Before popping the heart collage back into the frame, use sandpaper and distress the edges a little bit. I distressed all around the outer edge of the frame and the heart edges as well.

Then you can also use some distressing ink and add some shading and some interest along the edges, to help the shape stand out a little bit more. And of course, if you want to do any kind of extra faux finishing, do that before you put the ribbon heart back in the frame.

I used a combination of the Tim Holtz distress ink in the color walnut stain, and then I used some StazOn Black ink just for a little bit of extra depth.

Step 7 – Extra Embellishment

After putting your trimmed out heart collage piece back in the frame, you could add even more embellishment!

I use my wired burlap from Hobby Lobby and use my favorite Osnaburg muslin. To make a similar bow, you’ll want to cut strips of the burlap and rip pieces of muslin and layer them together.

I made my bow to fit in the bottom left hand corner of the frame. And I really liked that placement because it doesn’t really compete with the beautiful ribbon design in the heart. You could embellish this any way you like. Or you could stop right here, because it is really beautiful without any embellishments too!

I certainly have found over the years, as I’ve shared craft ideas with y’all, that we all have a different idea about embellishing.

Step Eight – Greenery, a Tag, and A Button!

Once you’ve finished making your bow, hot glue it in place.  You can also add some greenery to dress it up a little bit more, if you like that look.

Finally, I added a little tag from my Loving Essence printable bundle. I used the “Love Is In The Air” tag (I decreased the print size a bit to make tag smaller), and used the same distressing ink around the edges of the tag that I used on the frame. This just gives it that great rustic look. I glued that tag in place, and then added my signature touch – a little button. I think buttons always just give it a finished look! I just love how pretty it all turned out!

Other Inspiration!

If you are more into pinks or reds, here is a photo of a variation I did on this with a pink heart frame. I hope this inspires you. It is such a fun and budget friendly craft!

Thanks for reading! I hope you’ll tag me or send me a photo if you decide to craft this Ribbon Collage Heart Frame! In case you’re looking for more Valentine’s Day inspiration, check out these fun crafty posts: Heart Floral Pocket Valentine’s Craft, Dollar Tree Valentine’s Envelope Makeover, and Rustic Hymnal Heart Craft.

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