January 28, 2012

5 DIY Whimsy Heart Dangles



Hi again everyone! Are you getting in the Valentine's Day spirit? I love that there is an excuse during the long winter to decorate again and celebrate love. I have a confession: I used to think of it as a "Hallmark Holiday" with too much pink everywhere, and I didn't really get into it.

But on a personal note, it is a special time for our family, because Feb.14th was the day last year that we adopted our youngest son! A significant reason to celebrate and remember our own "Love Day" every year from now on!

Ok, now onto the craft I want to show you:

You might remember seeing my "Whimsy Heartfelt Ornaments" from Christmastime.
 I had a lot of fun coming up with these and I decided to repost because they are so pretty to
display in my windows and on doorknobs for this season, too.

And, I made a few new ones in cream with vintage lace and different rolled felt designs, with yellow ribbon, for a twist on the traditional reds, pinks, and purples you usually see this time of year.



Pin It So, are you curious? Want to see how I made them? Click Here

Warning: Before you read any further, you need to know that this  is not a craft for perfectionists. (I am not good at perfect and I don't even worry about trying).
It's my opinion that any "imperfections" add to the handmade charm.
Ok, onto the tutorial for the felt ones:
Click here to view tutorial.






Pin It   And, a photo stream of all of them so you can see the different ways to roll the fabric.




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If you want to try the rolled lace hearts, it is just a little bit different than the felt ones.
I used a single long strip of lace that I rolled slightly tighter than the felt ones. It is more
delicate to handle so I would suggest using a cookie cutter 2-3 inches wide.

First,  I rolled the lace into two separate long strips and pieced them together inside the heart, 


Then, I soaked the heart inside the liquid starch. 
I allowed to dry on a baker's rack (about a day).

Then, I brushed a generous amount of sparkle Mod Podge 
(actually, more like soaked it) onto the dried heart to 
add stiffening power and pretty sparkles to the ornament. 

I allowed to dry completely (a few hours).




To finish, I hot glued the yellow loop of ribbon into the center of the ornament
then hot glued these two pieces together and glued ribbon all around the edges.



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And I was done! My experiment with the lace hearts turned out well!

I am really proud of how these turned out--a little bit of whimsy, a little bit vintage and romantic.
What do you think?

I'm so glad you stopped by today, and I hope you come back again soon!

P.S. I have a few really exciting giveaways planned for the next few weeks, as well as some Anthropologie-inspired projects to reveal! Stay tuned, until next time...

Linking up with these parties and this party.


12 comments:

  1. Very cute! I might try making some of these today (the felt version).

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    1. Thanks, Emily! I'd love to see how it comes out-feel free to let me know/share a photo!

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  2. Fun! How cute are these! Have a great week!...hugs...Debbie

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  3. These are too cute. And thank goodness it isn't a craft for perfectionist, just my type!!!

    A few blog friends and I are hosting our first link party tomorrow to finish off the Imagine the Impossibilities Challenge, we go live at 7amET. Today I revealed my project for the challenge, a gallery wall with only one screw in the wall. I'd love if you could come by to check it out and link up! http://thespacebetweenblog.wordpress.com/2012/01/30/the-one-screw-gallery-wall-is-here/
    Karah @ thespacebetweenblog = your newest follower

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the invite, Karah-sorry I'm a little slow at responding to comments! And thank you so much for following-I will try to link up next week and will stop by to say "hi" !

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  4. These are really cute! I think these would be fun to do with my kids, too!

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    1. Thanks, Amy-my kids are too little right now, but I'm sure it would be fun to try with kids!

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  5. These are just so pretty!!! I love this idea... I bet they would be cute with paper too!!! Thanks for the great idea!!! I have a link party if you would like to join here: http://www.bubblynaturecreations.com/2012/02/project-party-weekend-and-printable-1.html

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  6. Oh wow, that is SO clever!! I love them. You're getting some good use from those heart shape cookie cutters!! :)

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