Finally... Quilted Hearts

So I have been working on this for a few weeks. I couldn't find a pattern of what I wanted, so I finally just drew one up and then had to call my sister-in-law for her expertise. It turned out exactly as I wanted. It's finished measurements are: 29" x 15". I'm thinking I will leave it up for another week so I can enjoy it for a little bit.

Charming Photo Frames

Charming little photo frames for everyday. I found these little 3x3 frames at the dollar tree the other day and knew they would be just perfect for filling in the little spaces in my home decor.

Here is the 411 on how to make your own. First pick out the colors you want to use and cut them just a little bigger than needed. Then cover you first section with mod podge and place your paper on so that it hangs over all edges. I had to finger press all the bubbles out because the frame is arched and the credit card was not working for me.

Next you have to cut down the paper so you can fold it around the edges. place more mod podge and finish working out your bubbles on the edges. Once my edges were dry, I folded in my corners and pressed them down making a good crease. Then I flipped the paper back over and made my cut on the angle. Now it is time to add another color. I chose to go with the opposite side to give the other piece more time to dry. When all four sides are done apply a coat of mod podge and let dry.



After all sides are done if you have a corner that did not turn out so well, I did on my first two. Just apply some ribbon to cover it up. Place a glue dot on back and pull ribbon through the frame opening, then in order to get the corner to lay flat I twisted the ribbon over so that made like a bow tie look on the corner. Then fastened it to the back with another glue dot and cut off the end. Add any other embellishments and you are done.




And since they are frames you can change what goes inside. From holiday to everyday. I just love how they turned out.

Linking:

The Creative Girl
Sumo's Sweet Stuff
Creations By Kara
The Persimmon Perch
Cottage Instincts
The Thrifty Home
A Soft Place to Land

Burlap Heart Wreath

Have you seen all the gorgeous wreaths out there for Valentine's Day? Well, I wanted them all but...but...but I really only need one. A couple of my favorite are: The Fabric Rose Wreath over at smashed peas and carrots, and the burlap wreath found at Craftaholics Anonymous. There was also an entire heart wrapped in jute but my patience is too limited for that. So I combined them all and this is what I came up with.

I also used the rushing technique I learn at SEW4HOME to gather my burlap. It gives the gathers the curvy "S" look. However, I did not use the bias tape technique I just left my edges raw. I cut my burlap into 3" strips that were 45" long and sewed them together. After I gathered (rushed it) I hot glued it onto a wire coat hanger that I bent into a heart.

More Hugs & Kisses

When I originally went to Hobby Lobby to buy X's and O's this is where my thoughts were leading me. But I also picked up the wooden X's and O's that I made in a previous post. This is what I have so far. I am not sure that I won't add more to them in the future but for now here they are..

These letters are the hollow ones that look like they are made out of kraft paper. I painted them black and white, added rhinestones and stenciled hearts on with glitter. The stencil was made on my cricut using a sheet protector that I cut up. Let me know what you think or suggestions you might have.

What is Love...

Looking for new ways to display photos of the kids. Came up with these little photo stands.

My intentions were to use wire. Looked in my craft boxes - couldn't find it, looked in the garage - no such luck. I know I have some so I'll be asking hubby next if he used it and forgot to put it back where he found it. Anyhow, what I used instead are the little spiral paper clips. I just took the needle nose pliers and held on tight and bent about a 1/2" down. It did take a little bit of gusto.

Let me know what you think.

Be Mine

Thanks to Lindsey @ Inspiring Creations
I now have a "be mine" sign.

Yes, I know mine is almost identical to hers but when
you see something you love why deviate.
And I absolutely Love It!!

XOXOXO

To match my heart garland, I just had to have some hugs and kisses.

I bought my X's and O's at Hobby Lobby, they are 5 1/2". Then I added decorative paper with mod podge and then used a distressing pad on the wooden areas not covered by paper.

In order to get them to stand I hot glued a piece of black ribbon on the top and bottom of each pair of XO's. I tried hot gluing together but it just didn't look right. If anyone has a better solution I would love to hear it. For now at least they will lay flat for storage.

Valentine's Day Pillow

Made this adorable Valentine's Day Pillow by following the tutorial at Sew4Home.

Close-up of the ruched heart.

Heart Garland

After seeing and trying so many wonderful crafts, I decided to design one of my own.

Here is how I did it:
First I picked out 6 colors of fabric. I used about 1/4 of a yards for each. I ripped it into 1 1/4" strips and then cut into 6 1/2" pieces. (My garland is about 54" long.)

Next I took 4-ply (#72) jute and tied a knot at one end and then started tying on the fabric strips. The first few will be tied over double the jute to cover the end of the jute. Once I reached close to my desired length, I tied another knot, cut the jute and covered the end the same way.

Then I made my hearts. First I designed them on paper. Once I had my desired shapes, I traced them onto 1/4" wood and cut them out on my Dremel scroll saw. Sanded and applied decorative paper with mod podge. Then I cut around the edges with a blade and sanded the pieces again. Next I applied distressing ink, and then applied a coat of mod podge to seal. Once dry I drilled my holes and tied the hearts onto the garland.

Another picture a little closer up.

Linked:

A Soft Place to Land