Paper Heart Garland

One of the benefits of all the frigid temps and snow that we've been having is being able to stay indoors and create!  I've been getting so many fun and inspiring ideas from Pinterest lately. Wow, it's way too easy for me to spend far too much time there looking at all of the amazing ideas!

So today I thought I'd share with you my paper heart garland that I made the other day, inspired by those spotted on Pinterest.

I know, I know, we are not even half way into January, and here I am thinking of Valentine's Day already!

 I had so much fun with this project, and in the process learned what I would and wouldn't do the next time!

I used a large heart punch to cut out all of the shapes, from both scrap booking paper as well as vintage sheet music.

The fun part is that the garland is stitched on the sewing machine!  Yep, that's right, you can indeed sew paper!

 Each heart is three different layers, folded to give dimension and interest.

 I was having a total brain freeze when I made it, though!  I knew that I wanted to drape or swag it over something. What I hadn't thought of was that I should have had the hearts on one half of the garland facing the other direction!  Instead, I goofed and sewed them all going the same way. That would have been fine had I just hung the strand up vertically.  But to drape them, one side of the hearts would be upside down.  Phooey!

 So, I fudged a bit and cut one end off, and taped it going the right way on the side of my hutch.

(ooops!)

I also would punch my hearts from double sided paper next time.  I thought about that, but really wanted to use the paper that I did, as the colors and patterns were just what I had in mind.

All in all I am happy with how it turned out, though!  You could use different shapes or sizes of punches of course.  I think the garlands could be used in so many different ways.  At birthday parties, bridal or baby showers, or just fun accents for your home!

 Oh, while we are here looking at my hutch, I wanted to show you this adorable bird silhouette, below.

 It was given to me for Christmas by a friend who knows my tastes so well, and I just love it!

The silhouette is mounted on a vintage French book page. So me, and so tres chic!

I just so happened to have the perfect frame for it in my stash, this beautiful vintage metal filigree frame that I'd already painted cream.  Love the contrast with the black.

And here's one final look at my hutch with the heart garland.  I can't wait to make more, and this time I'll be sure to remember what not to do!!

Thanks so much for stopping by, have a great week!