Instructions

1. The first supply which you need for this project a simple cardboard, like that from a box. You do not need to invest in any sort of high-quality cardboard. You will not see it in the finished result. Begin by drawing the shape of a heart on the cardboard. You will need to make a larger heart shape enclosing a smaller one, because you're going to cut out the heart like you would a wreath, with a hole in the center (in fact, you could call this a DIY wreath project). You can attempt to eyeball the shape, or you can use drafting tools to assist you with this step if you want a more precise result.
2. Next, use a precision cutting tool to cut out the heart. All you need to do is follow the lines that you have drawn carefully. Take your time with this step so that you get tidy results.
3. Now it is time to use the pistachio shells. After you have removed the pistachios from the shells, break the shells in half so that they are ready to use.
4. Use hot glue to create however many rows of pistachio shells you need to cover the shape of the heart. In my case, I used two rows to do this. How many you require will depend on the width you decided on for your heart decoration. I highly recommend that you start your rows at one of the points (I started at the top point). In order to make your rows of pistachio shells look nice and neat, make sure that you angle them in some consistent fashion. I chose to angle the shells in each of my rows outward and upward. So while they are angled differently in each row, they achieve a symmetrical effect, and there is no variation in how the shells are angled within each row.
5. Remember how I mentioned that I angled my pistachio shells outward and upward when working from the top point of the heart? You will notice in this photo that I did this on both sides. I worked on each side separately to create a mirror effect in the symmetry. I did not simply start at one point and then work my way all the way around. I worked from the top to the bottom of the heart on one side, and then did the exact same thing on the other side. It is best if you simply look at the photos and watch the video to try to understand what I'm saying here. It is much easier to show symmetry than it is to describe it.
6. After you have glued the pistachio shells in place around the heart, wait for the glue to dry.
7. Once the glue is dry, the next step is easy. Simply get a can of red or pink spray paint and use it to paint the entirety of the heart. There are two good reasons for using spray paint instead of regular paint and a paint brush. The first is that it saves time. The second is that it makes it much easier to get full coverage of the pistachio shells. With a brush, it would be difficult to get into the small spaces between the shells.
8. Wait for the spray paint to dry completely.
9. The next step is to hot glue some faux pearls between the pistachio seeds all the way around the heart. This really glams up the project and gives it an elegant look.
10. Finally, use ribbon to create a bow at the top of the heart, and to make a loop to hang it by. Display it anywhere to celebrate Valentine’s Day!