December 10 window – Julehjerte, Danish Christmas woven paper heart

The Danish woven paper heart is a 100% original Danish tradition and in Scandinavia “julehjerter” have a romantic history. The Danish fairytale writer, Hans Christian Andersen, created the very first woven heart in the mid 1800s. This original woven heart still exists today, exhibited in its home country for all to see; reminding us of the power of love.

Families in Scandinavia would sit down and weave these lovely paper hearts in the days leading up to Christmas. The woven hearts would then be hung up on their Christmas trees, with some bearing gifts of candies or cookies to surprise their children.

This woven heart is easily made by cutting two patterns, one from red and one from white. The pattern is folded in half and cut up the center in three places.
Hold one pattern in each hand. Carefully weave the first loop of the piece in your right hand, under and over the piece in your left hand. Weave each of the loops in the same way.
It will look like a checkerboard. Staple a handle to the top of the woven heart and fill with goodies.