Random "Hearts" of Kindness

Years ago while working with a group of young woman we made colorful clay hearts for them to give to friends. We all had a lot of fun but then I didn't do it again. Last year I decided to try it again just for myself. I wanted to leave them around for people to find like when rocks are painted and left for others to find. I love the idea of someone finding one right when they need to feel a little more love.

I decided to start bringing a bag of them to work at The Gallery at Creative Pinellas. I meet so many people of all ages at the gallery. I would radomly give them to visitors and their reactions are so heartwarming. I then started pulling the bag out and letting the kids that visit pick two hearts. One to keep and one to share. To see them light up as they think about who they want to give it to or where they want to hide it for someone to find. It warms my heart everytime.

If you want to make them yourself it's easy to do and fun for all ages.

What you will need:

1. Polymer Clay (You can choose your own colors or buy a multipack)

2. Rolling pin/clay roller

3. A nonstick surface

4. Heart shaped cutters

5. Baking sheet

6. Parchment paper

What you do:

1. Choose the colors of clay for your hearts. I usually use multiple colors to give a tiedyed/marbled look. This will be the example I document.

2. Knead your clay a little to soften it. Different brands may be easier to soften then others.

3. Roll each color out like a snake.

4. Take two colors and twist them together. If using multipe colors twist two colors together at a time. Then continue by adding those combinations together until all colors are twisted together.

5. Spiral the roll from step 4.

6. Using a rolling pin and gently roll the spiraled clay flat to about 1/4 of an inch.

7. Using the heart shaped cutter cut heart shapes in the clay. I try to cut as many hearts as possible in the clay.

8. Lift the hearts and put on parchment covered baking sheet, smoothing out edges as needed.

9. The excess clay can be rolled together to repeat steps 6-8. Try not to over mix to keep the marbled look. This step can be repeated till all clay is cut out.

10. Bake. Follow baking instructions included with your purchased clay. Once they are cooled they will be hard.

11. Hand out and/or hide for others to find and feel the love.

A little love goes a long way! Random acts of kindness can be contagious.  I wonder how far it will go.

Spread the Love,

Katie