Accordion Fold Paper Hearts – Easy Valentine’s Day Folding Craft for Kids
- Jessie
- Feb 6
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 7
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Get ready for a Valentine’s Day craft that’s sweet, simple, and perfect for little hands—Accordion Fold Paper Hearts – Easy Valentine’s Day Folding Craft for Kids! This charming paper-folding activity is a wonderful way to introduce kids to basic folding techniques while creating something festive they can proudly display. With just paper and a few simple steps, kids can make adorable accordion hearts that are full of texture, color, and Valentine cheer.
One of the best things about this accordion fold heart craft is how easy and inexpensive it is. All you need is paper, scissors, and glue—no fancy supplies required. That makes it ideal for classrooms, homeschool lessons, or quick Valentine’s Day activities at home. Because the steps are simple and repetitive, even younger kids can join in and feel successful, which makes this a great confidence-building craft.
These paper accordion hearts also double as beautiful Valentine’s Day decorations. Kids love knowing their artwork will be used to decorate the home or classroom, and it helps them feel more involved in the holiday celebration. Hang the hearts on windows, string them together into a garland, tape them to walls or doors, or scatter them across a bulletin board for an instant Valentine makeover. Handmade décor always feels extra special!
Creating holiday decorations together is a wonderful way to build excitement for Valentine’s Day. When kids take part in making the décor, they feel more connected to the celebration and proud of their contributions. This easy Valentine folding craft turns anticipation into creativity, helping kids channel their excitement into something positive and hands-on.
Another fun way to use these accordion hearts is by gluing them onto Valentine’s Day boxes or bags. They make the perfect 3D embellishment for shoeboxes, paper bags, or printable Valentine holders used to collect classroom Valentines. Adding a folded heart instantly upgrades any Valentine container and makes each one unique—no two boxes ever look the same!
Teachers love this Valentine’s Day paper craft because it’s quick to prep, budget-friendly, and adaptable for different age groups. Younger students can focus on simple folding, while older kids can experiment with patterns, layered hearts, or different paper sizes. It’s an easy win for classroom parties, art centers, or early finisher activities during February.
If your kids love this project, be sure to check out all the other fun Valentine’s Day crafts for kids on the blog! Favorites include Shaving Cream Marbled Hearts, Fork Painted Love Monsters, TP Roll Love Bugs, Heart Resist Q-Tip Painting, the adorable Valentine Robot Paper Bag Puppet, DIY Valentine Scratch-Off Cards, and cozy Valentine Scented Playdough recipes. There are so many creative ways to celebrate love, kindness, and friendship through hands-on art.
Whether you’re decorating for Valentine’s Day, prepping a classroom party, or just looking for a simple folding craft kids will love, Accordion Fold Paper Hearts are a perfect choice. They’re easy, affordable, and endlessly versatile—proof that a little paper and a few folds can go a long way in spreading Valentine joy. 💕✂️
Supplies Needed
Paper
Scissors
Pencil
Glue
Accordion Fold Paper Hearts
Step 1: Trace a Circle
Start by placing a bowl upside down on a piece of regular paper. Hold it steady with one hand and use a pencil to trace around the edge of the bowl. This creates a perfect circle and makes shaping the heart easy for kids.
Step 2: Cut Out the Circle
Carefully cut out the circle using scissors.✂️ Scissor Safety Tips for Kids:
Always sit down while cutting
Hold scissors with the blades pointing away from your body
Keep fingers away from the blades
Take your time and cut slowlyYounger kids may need a little help with this step—and that’s okay!
Step 3: Fold the Circle in Half
Once the circle is cut out, fold it in half to create a half-circle. Press the crease firmly so it stays folded.
Step 4: Fold Accordion-Style
With the circle still folded in half, begin by folding one half of the circle accordion-style (back and forth like a fan). Make small, even folds, pressing each fold firmly as you go.
Next, flip the paper over and fold the other half of the circle accordion-style in the same way. By folding one side and then flipping and folding the other, you’ll create an accordion pattern that runs through the entire circle. This step gives the heart its full, textured look once it’s opened.
Step 5: Fold the Accordion in Half
Now take the accordion-folded paper and fold it in half one more time. This creates the center point of your heart.
Step 6: Glue the Center
Apply a small amount of glue to the inside of the folded center, then press the two halves together.
Hold it for a few seconds so the glue can set. This step locks the heart shape in place.
Step 7: Fluff Out the Heart
Gently pull apart and fan out the folded layers on each side. Adjust the folds until the heart looks full and even. Watching the heart pop into shape is always the most exciting part!
Your Accordion Fold Heart Is Complete!
Your paper accordion heart is now finished and ready to decorate, display, or glue onto a Valentine’s Day box or bag. Simple, fun, and full of love—this is a Valentine craft kids will want to make again and again!
The fun doesn’t stop with these Accordion Fold Paper Hearts! Here at Artsy Kids Zone, you’ll find a huge collection of fun, creative crafts for kids that are designed to spark imagination and keep little hands busy. From playful painting projects and sensory activities to paper puppets, origami, and interactive crafts that move and transform, there’s always something new to explore. Every project is kid-friendly, easy to follow, and made with simple supplies—perfect for classrooms, homeschool days, or creative afternoons at home.
No matter what your child loves, there’s a craft waiting for them at Artsy Kids Zone. Kids can dive into magical fairy crafts, set sail with adventurous pirate projects, explore animal and dinosaur crafts, or celebrate holidays with fun seasonal art activities. Each craft encourages creativity, confidence, and joyful learning through hands-on play. Once you start crafting here, you’ll quickly discover that Artsy Kids Zone is a place where creativity never ends!
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