A Timeless Valentine Heart with Vintage Charm

Have you ever started with something simple and watched it slowly turn into a piece that feels truly special?
This Valentine heart project is all about transforming plain MDF shapes into a romantic, layered wall hanging filled with texture, depth, and vintage charm. Using velvet powder, crackle finishes, molded clay roses, and thoughtful antiquing, this tutorial shows how small details can turn everyday materials into something that feels treasured.

Be sure to watch the full video tutorial below before starting.

Step 1: Preparing the Hearts

This project begins with a set of two MDF heart shapes in different sizes. The larger heart is painted with Pentart Gold, creating a rich base layer, while the smaller heart is painted white using Dixie Belle Chalk Paint in Cotton to prepare it for decoupage.

Once the gold paint is dry, the larger heart is sealed with two coats of Polyvine Heavy Duty Varnish, allowing one hour of dry time between coats. This creates a smooth, durable surface and prepares the piece for the next decorative layer.

Step 2: Adding Velvet Powder Texture

To create a soft, romantic texture, a stencil is applied to the gold heart using a repositionable adhesive spray. A transfer gel medium is spread over the stencil with a palette knife, then scraped smooth. This adhesive layer dries clear and tacky.

Once fully dry, Pentart Velvet Powder is sprinkled generously over the adhesive, pressed gently into place, and tapped off. The result is a rich, velvety surface that adds instant depth and elegance—perfect for a Valentine-themed piece.

Step 3: Decoupaging the Script Heart

The smaller heart is decorated with a vintage-style script rice paper that resembles a handwritten love letter. Using Polyvine Heavy Duty Varnish as the decoupage adhesive, the paper is applied smoothly over the white base.

After drying, excess paper is removed by sanding downward along the edges, creating clean lines without lifting the design. Another coat of varnish is applied to seal the surface before moving on.

Step 4: Creating and Attaching Clay Roses

Dimensional detail is added with air-dry clay, pressed into rose molds. After smoothing the clay, the pieces are placed in the freezer briefly so they release cleanly without damaging fine details.

While still slightly damp, the clay roses are attached using Aleene’s Tacky Glue, allowing them to naturally conform to the surface as they dry. Any excess glue is removed right away, and the piece is left to dry overnight.

Step 5: Painting, Antiquing, and Shading

Once dry, the clay roses and leaves are painted using thinned washes of red and green paint. The color is applied loosely and wiped back to create a worn, vintage appearance rather than a solid painted look.

A custom antique mixture is created using glazing medium and paint, then brushed on and wiped back over a satin-sealed surface. This highlights all the cracks and details without overpowering the design. Soft brown ink is added around the edges to give the heart a gently domed look and subtle shadowing beneath the clay.

Step 6: Crackle and Final Embellishments

To achieve a porcelain-style crackle finish, Pentart Fineline Crackle is applied in two steps. Once the crackle forms, antique paste is rubbed into the cracks and wiped back, revealing beautiful vintage texture. A solvent-based glossy varnish is used to seal this layer safely.

Finishing touches include pearls around the edges, metallic wax highlights on the roses and trim, and layered assembly of the two hearts. The piece is secured, clamped, and left to dry thoroughly.

Step 7: Hanging Details

A wire hanger is added and threaded with beads for a decorative touch. Satin ribbon, tiny bows, and a red tassel complete the piece, tying together the romantic Valentine theme with softness and movement.

The finished wall hanging feels timeless, detailed, and made with care—perfect for seasonal decor or gifting.

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