The enchanting world of Disney’s Frozen continues to captivate hearts, young and old alike. From the iconic songs that echo through our homes to the beloved characters that inspire imagination, the magic of Arendelle is truly timeless. For parents and guardians of dedicated Frozen enthusiasts, finding new and creative ways to celebrate this cherished film is always a joy. This year, we wanted to craft something truly special for Valentine’s Day – a heartfelt token that combines the frosty charm of Frozen with the sweet delight of a classic treat. Drawing inspiration from our popular DIY Frozen Christmas Ornaments, we’ve designed an even sweeter version: adorable Frozen-themed fillable hearts, brimming with “kisses.” These delightful creations are not just simple gifts; they are a tangible expression of love, perfectly suited for spreading warmth and cheer, especially during the frosty months or for a themed celebration. Let’s dive into how you can make these charming “A Kiss for Your Frozen Heart” treasures!
Crafting “A Kiss for Your Frozen Heart”: A Step-by-Step Guide
Before embarking on this enchanting craft journey, gather all your materials. Having everything at hand will make the process smooth and enjoyable, especially if you’re crafting with little helpers. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need to bring your “Kiss for Your Frozen Heart” to life:
- 100 mm Acrylic Fillable Heart Shaped Ornaments: These clear plastic hearts are the foundation of your project. The 100mm size is ideal for holding a generous amount of candy and providing ample space for decoration. You can often find these in the craft aisle of major retailers like Hobby Lobby and Michaels, particularly around Christmas and Valentine’s Day. For year-round availability or if you plan to make these as bulk Frozen birthday party favors, online craft suppliers are an excellent resource.
- Martha Stewart Pearl Craft Paint in Splash and Mother of Pearl: The shimmering, iridescent quality of pearl craft paint perfectly captures the icy magic of Arendelle. “Splash” offers a beautiful, clear blue reminiscent of Elsa’s powers, while “Mother of Pearl” provides a delicate, snowy white. These specific hues were chosen for their authentic “Frozen” feel, but feel free to experiment with other cool-toned pearl or glitter paints if desired.
- Blue and White Ribbon: A simple, elegant touch that enhances the Frozen theme. You can opt for satin, sheer, or grosgrain ribbon in varying widths. A thinner ribbon (around 1/4 to 1/2 inch) works well for delicate bows.
- Mod Podge: This versatile crafting essential acts as both an adhesive and a sealant. It’s crucial for securely attaching your character images and providing a protective, slightly glossy finish. Ensure you have the glossy finish Mod Podge for that extra sparkle.
- Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks: A hot glue gun is invaluable for quickly and firmly attaching the ribbon bows to your finished hearts. Always exercise caution when using a hot glue gun, especially with children, or opt for a low-temp version.
- Inkjet Printer: Any standard inkjet printer will suffice for printing out the character images. Ensure your printer has sufficient ink for vibrant colors.
- Hershey’s Kisses: The namesake of our craft! These iconic chocolate treats are perfect for filling your Frozen hearts. With their distinctive shape and variety of wrappers, they add a delightful surprise. Consider different flavors and wrapper colors to match your theme.
Step 1: Painting the Inside of Your Acrylic Hearts with the Shaking Technique
Achieving that stunning, even coat of color on the inside of your acrylic hearts is surprisingly simple and incredibly fun, especially for kids! We utilize a technique often referred to as “shaking” or “swirling.” Begin by separating the two halves of your clear plastic heart. Into one side, pour a generous dab of your chosen Martha Stewart Pearl Craft Paint – we recommend starting with “Splash” for the blue hearts. Don’t be shy; you’ll want enough paint to coat the entire interior surface. Once the paint is inside, carefully snap the two halves of the plastic heart back together, ensuring they are securely closed. This prevents any paint from leaking out during the next step.
Now comes the satisfying part: start shaking! Gently but consistently shake the heart, rotating it in various directions. The goal is to encourage the paint to spread and adhere to every inch of the inner surface. You’ll observe the clear plastic gradually transforming into a beautiful, opaque, shimmering color. Keep shaking and tilting until you’re confident that the entire inside is completely covered. This isn’t just a craft step; it’s a fantastic, light upper-arm workout, as one might jokingly discover!
It’s truly amazing how effective this method is. Even if a small section initially seems reluctant to take the paint, a few more shakes and a shift in angle will usually do the trick. You should rarely, if ever, need to add more paint once you’ve started. The key is thorough and varied shaking until you achieve a uniform, luminous coating inside. The result will be a beautifully colored heart, ready for the next stages of decoration, radiating that perfect Frozen sparkle.
Step 2: Draining Excess Paint for a Smooth Finish
Once you’ve achieved full coverage on the inside of your heart, carefully open it. You’ll notice a pooling of excess paint at the bottom of each half. This is perfectly normal and expected. If left to dry, this excess paint could create an uneven, thick layer or even cause the heart halves to stick together permanently. The next crucial step is to allow this surplus paint to drip out, ensuring a clean, even, and professional-looking finish.
To drain the paint effectively, place each half of the heart upside down on a protected surface, such as a paper plate or a sheet of wax paper. Allow them to sit for several hours, ideally overnight, or at least 24 hours. Gravity will do the work, slowly drawing out any remaining liquid paint. You might occasionally shift the hearts slightly to ensure all areas are draining properly. The remaining thin layer of paint will then dry to a beautiful, pearlescent finish. Patience during this drying stage is paramount for the best results!
Step 3: Repeating the Process for the “Mother of Pearl” Hearts
Just as you created your vibrant blue “Splash” hearts, you’ll follow the exact same process for the “Mother of Pearl” white hearts. This snowy, iridescent white paint perfectly complements the blue, evoking images of fresh snowfall and Elsa’s ice palace. This dual-color approach adds depth and variety to your collection of Frozen hearts, allowing you to create a beautiful assortment.
Pour a good amount of the “Mother of Pearl” paint into one half, snap the heart closed, and shake, shake, shake! As noted before, don’t worry if a small area seems stubborn; consistent shaking and rotating will ensure full coverage. The beauty of this technique is its simplicity and the stunning, even finish it creates. Once painted, remember to drain the excess paint and allow them to dry completely for 24 hours, just like the blue hearts. The combined effect of these two colors will be truly magical, setting the stage for your beloved Frozen characters.
Step 4: Preparing Your Beloved Frozen Character Images
Now it’s time to bring the stars of Arendelle to your hearts! The most beloved characters from Frozen—Elsa, Anna, and Olaf—are perfect for personalizing your creations. We sourced high-quality images of their faces from Google Images. When searching, look for clear, vibrant images that will print well. Once you’ve selected your favorites, print them out on standard printer paper using your inkjet printer. The ideal print size for these 100mm acrylic hearts was approximately 1.3 inches by 2.5 inches. This size allows the characters’ faces to be prominent without overwhelming the heart’s surface.
After printing, carefully cut out each image using a sharp pair of scissors. Precision is key here to ensure a clean outline. If you’re working with children, this step might require adult supervision or assistance, depending on their dexterity. Take your time to snip around the edges of each character. Consider printing a few extra copies in case of any mishaps during cutting or application. These charming cutouts are what will truly transform your painted hearts into identifiable Frozen treasures.
Step 5: Applying Character Images with Mod Podge for a Flawless Finish
With your painted heart halves dry and your character images ready, it’s time to combine them. Mod Podge is your best friend for this step. Apply a thin, even layer of Mod Podge to the back of each cutout image. Carefully position the image onto the flat surface of one of your painted heart halves. Gently press down, working from the center outwards, to smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles. Take your time to ensure the image is perfectly centered and adhered. The beauty of Mod Podge is that it allows for a little repositioning before it sets.
Once the image is in place, and you’re satisfied with its positioning, apply another very thin layer of Mod Podge directly over the top of the image. This topcoat serves multiple purposes: it seals and protects the printed image from moisture and wear, and it adds a lovely, subtle shine that enhances the overall appearance of your Frozen heart. Allow this layer of Mod Podge to dry completely, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes, though it’s best to let it cure for longer for maximum durability. This step ensures your characters look vibrant and are securely fixed, ready to bring joy.
Step 6: Adding a Decorative Touch with Ribbon
To complete the charming aesthetic of your Frozen hearts, a delicate ribbon bow adds a perfect finishing touch. We chose a simple blue and white ribbon to echo the iconic colors of the film, but you could easily experiment with glitter ribbon or ribbons featuring snowflakes for an extra frosty touch. To create a small bow, cut a manageable length of ribbon – typically around 6-8 inches, depending on your desired bow size. Tie a simple knot or a small bow, ensuring it’s neat and proportionate to the heart’s size. You want it to be a subtle accent, not overpower the character image.
Once your bow is tied, apply a small dot of hot glue to the top of the heart, just above the character image. Carefully press the knot of your ribbon bow into the hot glue. Hold it in place for a few seconds until the glue sets. The hot glue gun provides a quick and secure bond, ensuring your ribbon stays perfectly in place. This small detail elevates the craft, giving it a polished and professional look that truly enhances its appeal as a gift or decoration. Always exercise caution when using a hot glue gun to avoid burns.
Step 7: Filling Your Frozen Hearts with Delicious Hershey’s Kisses
The final and most anticipated step is filling your beautifully crafted Frozen Hearts! True to our “A Kiss for Your Frozen Heart” theme, we opted for classic Hershey’s Kisses. These delightful, bite-sized chocolates are not only delicious but also come in a variety of foil wrappers that can perfectly complement your theme. We selected the traditional Milk Chocolate Hershey’s Kisses with their classic silver wrappers, which add a touch of sparkle. Additionally, Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme Kisses, often found in a pretty blue wrapper, were a perfect choice to enhance the “Frozen” color scheme.
Carefully fill each half of your heart with your chosen Hershey’s Kisses. Depending on the size of your hearts, you can fit a surprising number of candies! Once both halves are adequately filled, gently snap the two halves back together, ensuring a secure closure. The weight of the candy will help keep them sealed. You could also include other small, individually wrapped candies, trinkets, or even a personalized note. This step truly brings the “treat” aspect to your craft, making it an irresistible gift that combines visual appeal with a delicious surprise inside.
Presenting Your Adorable “A Kiss for Your Frozen Heart” Creations!
Behold the enchanting results of your crafting efforts! These “A Kiss for Your Frozen Heart” creations are truly adorable and guaranteed to bring a smile to any Frozen fan’s face. Let’s admire some of our finished pieces:
Here’s the charming Olaf, everyone’s favorite hug-loving snowman! His cheerful face brings a whimsical touch to the cool blues and whites of the heart, perfectly capturing his endearing spirit. Imagine the delight of discovering his happy grin peering out from a shimmer of pearl paint and a flurry of kisses!
And then there’s brave and optimistic Anna! Her warm smile provides a lovely contrast to the icy backdrop, symbolizing her unwavering love and determination. A heart bearing Anna’s image is a wonderful way to celebrate friendship, sisterhood, and unconditional affection.
Finally, the majestic Snow Queen herself, Elsa! Her elegant presence graces a heart that perfectly embodies her frosty powers and graceful beauty. This Elsa-themed heart is undoubtedly fit for royalty and will be cherished by anyone who adores her journey of self-discovery and strength.
Versatile Uses for Your Frozen Heart Creations
The beauty of these DIY Frozen Hearts lies not only in their charm but also in their incredible versatility. While conceived as a sweet Valentine’s Day gift, their applications extend far beyond a single holiday, making them a truly rewarding craft project for any time of year.
Perfect Party Favors for a Frozen Birthday Bash
Imagine a “Frozen” themed birthday party where each guest receives one of these unique hearts as a party favor. Instead of generic goodie bags, these personalized keepsakes filled with treats will leave a lasting impression. You can easily create a batch of these for a larger group, featuring various characters or alternating blue and white hearts. They add a magical touch to any celebration and serve as a delightful memento of the special day.
Enchanting Ornaments for a Frozen Themed Christmas Tree
Building on the idea of our original Frozen Christmas ornaments, these candy-filled hearts can effortlessly transition into stunning tree decorations. Simply attach a loop of ribbon to the top before gluing on the bow, and they are ready to hang. A Frozen-themed Christmas tree adorned with these shimmering hearts will be an absolute showstopper, adding a touch of Arendelle magic to your holiday decor year after year. The pearlescent paint catches the light beautifully, creating a truly festive and enchanting display.
A Cherished Keepsake Long After the Kisses Are Gone
One of the most wonderful aspects of this craft is its enduring value. Even after all the delicious Hershey’s Kisses have been enjoyed, the Frozen Heart itself remains. It transforms into a beautiful, personalized container where children can hide their tiny treasures, special trinkets, or secret notes. This functional aspect ensures that your thoughtful craft will continue to be loved and used, fostering imagination and providing a special spot for cherished items. It’s more than just a gift; it’s a piece of decor, a toy, and a memory, all rolled into one shimmering Frozen heart.
Whether you’re crafting for a special loved one, preparing for a party, or simply adding a touch of Frozen magic to your home, these “A Kiss for Your Frozen Heart” creations are a delightful and rewarding project. Easy to make, beautiful to behold, and filled with sweet surprises, they are sure to warm even the most frozen of hearts!