How to Make an Inflatable Heart

Hearts are meant to be broken. This device is daring but delicate - capable of making a bold statement but only when risking explosion. It is versatile in use, exposing the flighty triumphs and frustrations of contact with a prospective other or expressing anxiety, admiration, or pride.

Start by gathering all the parts you need.

(1) smallish red balloon
(1) blood pressure bulb
(1) small piece of white or sheer fabric
(1) piece of 3/16" plastic tubing
(2) small rubber bands

You can probably find most of these materials at home or at your local store.

Trace a heart pattern twice onto your piece of fabric. Your heart should be around 4" tall and 3" wide, with an tail at the bottom that is at least 1" wide. Cut out your heart shapes, leaving a half inch margin around the edge of your lines.

Lay the two hearts on top of each other. Using a sewing machine, sew along the line, leaving the bottom tail of the heart open.

Attach a safety pin to the back layer of your heart.

Cut the flexible plastic tubing to your desired length.

Insert the nozzle of the pump into one end of the plastic tubing.

Attach the balloon to the other end of the tubing with one of the small rubber bands.

Use the heart to encase the balloon. Attach to the tubing with the second rubber band.

Your Inflatable Heart is now complete! Attach heart with the pin.

Grasp bulb in hand.

Squeeze to inflate.

Press button to deflate.

Use heart in place of words to express yourself.

Give to a friend.