DIY Sprinkle Heart

I am here to announce, that it is okay to play with your food.

Unleash your creativity with this little mixed media craft project that combines the charm of abstract painting with the sweetness of sprinkles.

I made this for Valentine’s Day, but this would be perfect for Mother’s Day, birthday gift or a just a weekend project with friends and family (or by yourself with a cup of tea)

You need absolutely ZERO artistic talent for this project. So don’t psych yourself out.

Follow these easy steps to create your own unique masterpiece – a wooden panel adorned with a dazzling sprinkle heart encased in resin. This art and crafts activity is not only easy but also perfect for spending quality time with family and friends, especially during the holidays. Let's dive into the colorful world of artistic expression!

This step is all about having fun and expressing your artistic vision,

This project is perfect for adults and kids. If you are doing this with kids, then use…..

It will look delicious by the time it is done, but I feel like I need a disclaimer “please don’t eat paint, glue, resin, etc”

Materials

• Wooden panel

• White gesso

• White acrylic paint

• Acrylic paints in various shades of pink and white

• Paint brushes of various sizes

• Pallet or paper plates

• Bowl of water for cleaning paint brushes

• Paper towels

• Elmer's Glue

• Rainbow Sprinkles

• Resin Kit or Mod Podge

• If you use Resin, then you will also need:

  • Heat gun

  • Sandpaper

Materials

Step 1: Prime with White Gesso

Start by priming your wooden panel with white gesso. This creates a smooth, blank canvas for your artwork to come to life.

Recommendation: use a large paint brush

Allow the gesso to dry completely before moving on to the next step. Remember to clean your paint brush so you can reuse it.

Step 2: Colorful Abstract Shapes

Once the gesso is dry, grab your acrylic paints and let your imagination run wild!

Squeeze the paint onto your palette/paper plate for quick access and to mix the paint to create new colors.

Paint colorful abstract shapes onto the gessoed wooden panel. I used mostly pink and purple with a little yellow, but use whatever colors your heart desires.

Recommendation: Play around with different paint brushes and create layers to add depth and texture.

It is okay if it looks chaotic and messy. Embrace the chaos.

Step 3: Transparent White Layer(s)

When the colorful layers are dried, then mix white acrylic paint and water so it is very liquid (like the consistency of watercolor paint).

Paint 1-3 thin white layers over the colors, and let the paint dry in between layers.

The transparent white layer(s) will ensure that there is contrast between the background and the sprinkle heart. BUT if you want the sprinkle heart to be camouflaged, then go easy on the white transparent layers.

Step 4: Create the Sprinkle Heart

Using Elmer’s glue create an outline of a heart shape in the middle of your wood panel.

I recommend starting small because it is easier to make the heart bigger than to make a big heart smaller.

Fill the heart with glue generously, creating a raised surface. This will be the base for your sprinkle heart.

Step 5: Sprinkle Magic Time

While the glue is still wet, carefully pour sprinkles over the glue-covered heart until it's entirely covered.

Gently shake the panel to allow loose sprinkles to fall away.

If there are any gaps, add more glue and sprinkle until the heart is filled with sweet goodness.

If you are doing this project with kids, this step should be heavily supervised by adults.

Step 6: Seal the Magic for a Unique Holiday Gift

Once the sprinkle heart is dry, it's time to seal the magic with resin. Follow the instructions on your resin kit to mix and pour resin over the entire wood panel. Use a heat gun to pop any bubbles that may form on the surface. Ensure proper ventilation during this step. This unique creation can also make for a wonderful holiday gift.

Step 7: Patience is a Virtue for a Relaxing Weekend Project

Follow the resin instructions to determine the curing time. It's crucial to exercise patience during this step to allow the resin to fully set and create a glossy, durable finish. Embrace the relaxing nature of this project as you wait for your masterpiece to come to life.

Step 8: Finishing Touches for a Crafty Weekend

After the resin is cured, check the edges. If they are rough, use sandpaper to smooth them out, creating a polished and finished look for your sprinkle masterpiece. This easy and unique craft project is the perfect way to spend a relaxing weekend with loved ones, creating lasting memories and beautiful art. Enjoy your Sweet Sprinkle Delight!