DIY Jumbo "Faux Candy" Conversation Hearts

Everyone loves those little candy conversation hearts you can find everywhere around Valentine's Day (although the messages sure are different these days then when I was young lol!). I'm sharing how to make your own jumbo version for Valentine's Day decorating or just for a fun gift for someone.

Materials:
1 x 6 x 12 Smoothfoam(TM) sheet (or pre-made Smoothfoam hearts - but I wanted to make my own to get just the right heart shape to mimic the candy!) - Find these at www.Smoothfoam.com
DecoArt(R) Americana Decor(TM) Chalky Finish Paints - Smitten, Escape, Refreshing, Nostalgia, Innocence (www.decoart.com)
Craft Attitude(TM) Printable Craft Film (www.craftattitude.com)
Computer and printer
Glue stick, cardstock, craft knife
Pencil, sandpaper, paintbrush, scissors





Instructions:
1. Cut out a heart template from cardstock approximately 2-1/2 across at the widest point and trace as many hearts as you can fit onto the Smoothfoam sheet.





2. Cut the hearts out with a craft knife, cutting away foam from the top and bottom of each heart to slightly round the edges. Gently sand cut areas to smooth.





3. Paint the hearts in various colors of Chalky Finish paints and let dry. I used the Chalky Finish paints because they give a matte effect and truly look much more like the real "chalky" candies!





4. Spell out the text for each heart on your computer and print on Craft Attitude film using red ink following manufacturer instructions - be sure to REVERSE the text before printing.
5. Cut around the text, peel back the paper liner and adhere the film to each hearts with a glue stick.






Original article and pictures take http://www.hometalk.com/13543626/jumbo-faux-candy-conversation-hearts site