Welcome to my blog!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Monday, January 12, 2015

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!

14 comments:

The Bear's Blog said...

Very pretty. I have a heart shape for my die cutter, that would make it super easy and fast to cut out hearts. So many projects - so little time.

Have a wonderful week crafting. Hugs to the Katie Bug. ♥

Trisha said...

Gosh I really need to figure my sewing machine out because this is way too cute and I want one! I love the paper you used as well...way too cute!

~Trisha

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

This is so cute, Donna...and your hints are great, too...that would be a lots of hearts to cut out by hand lol!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Donna, it is adorable! Looks great on your hutch. I'm so not thinking about Valentine's day yet!
hugs,
Linda

Little Miss Maggie said...

I LOVE your sweet heart garland, Donna. If you hadn't pointed out the flaws we would have never known. This is so cute and perfect to enjoy for the next month.

Ordinary J said...

Lovely garland. This is great for Valentine's day:)

Tete said...

I have that idea stuck in one of files. I love the look of the 3D hearts. I probably wound have all sewn them the same way, but will remember to change them on the other side.
I think this would be cute with stars, too. What do you think?
Oh yeah, where's the glitter?

Musings from Kim K. said...

Absolutely adorable! It looks wonderful on your hutch. I wish I liked sewing and actually owned a sewing machine!

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Donna, What a wonderful creation. I love your sweetheart garland. The papers and patterns are wonderful no matter which way they go. You would never see it. It looks terrific on your hutch against the dark wood. Your hutch vignettes are gorgeous too and I love the bird silhouette. What a great gift to receive.
Hugs

Debbie said...

What a sweet idea! Love the papers you used for this project, Donna!
Turned out so pretty. Your hutch looks great!
Debbie
xo

Tete said...

OH DONNA! You have to check out this website! Craig found it this morning...I can't stop laughing and had to share this with you! See- I am not the only one with a glitter phobia.
https://www.yahoo.com/diy/website-will-glitter-bomb-your-enemies-for-8-108007543220.html

john said...

Hello ! I too have been thinking of Valentines day...haven't decided what to make yet though ...love your garland so nice and cheerful!
Gail x

NanaDiana said...

Just darling, Donna. I made some of these a couple of years ago for a Valentine tree. I just love them and I love it in garland form. That's a lot of cutting and gluing there!

Love your new header! xo Diana

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Love your garland - it's terrific.
Your really did a lot of cutting and putting together. Look really good on your hutch.
Have a great weekend.
Hugs
Mary