Valentine's Decorating

I happen to be one of those people that decorate for Valentine's Day. 

February can be a gray, dreary, cold month in the Midwest.  Valentine's Day gives me an excuse to add some happy, cheery bright colors, flowers and a heart or two to my decor and, in turn, it brightens my mood.

An easy and inexpensive way to change up decor is with pillows.

I whipped up some pillows, in less than an hour.  Using some heat transfer vinyl I customized each with LOVE and a heart.

And, those pillows are getting love...

From the dog.  Sigh.

Valentine's Day and flowers (ok, and probably chocolate) go hand in hand.

I've become a sucker for the $3.99 bouquet of roses at Aldi.  Such an inexpensive way to add some color and a good reminder that spring will eventually return.

I'm slightly obsessed with all things letter related.  I went through my collection of letters and was inspired to add an XO (hugs and kisses) for another subtle Valentine's touch.

Rustic coasters are scattered about. 

Herman, the head that usually wears my eye glasses, is donning a heart shaped eye patch...he obviously doesn't mind making a spectacle of himself for the sake of Valentine's.

Not only do I decorate the house...but I also make sure that Grace gets 'decorated'.  She has lots of heart sweaters and pretty hair accessories to wear.

Which reminds me, I need to make sure she has a chance to show off her LOVE dress before Valentine's day.

 And, though I wish this weren't the case, our front yard is still decorated with some ice cold hearts. 

Here's hoping we get some warmer weather soon and those cold hearts melt.

Do you decorate for Valentine's Day?

Watercolor Hearts

Watercolor hearts make beautiful decorations for Valentine's Day.  Not only are they quick and easy to make, even the youngest of crafters can make these.  Use them as decorations or pass them out to your favorite Valentine.

Go grab some watercolors, paint brushes and paper hearts (or love birds).

Starting at the top of the heart, apply watercolor which has barely been diluted with water.  As you continue working down, add more water diluting the color as you finishing painting the rest of the heart. 

Use whatever colors speak to your heart(s).

 Allow your painted hearts time to dry.

Personalize your hearts with love messages.

I've decided to write something I love about Grace, on these hearts. 

I'll add a new heart, to Grace's door, everyday leading up to Valentine's Day.

Or, if you prefer to be more pure of heart, leave your watercolor hearts as is. 

Watercolor hearts.  They kind of make my heart skip a beat.

How To Embroider Wood Tutorial

I used a power tool for the first time, completely unsupervised and I survived.  All my fingers are intact.

What does one do, after they've used a power tool?  Embroider something of course.

Ever wonder if wood could be embroidered?  The answer is YES!  And, I'm about to show you how.

First, you'll need some sort of wood to embroider (driftwood, barn wood, wood coasters).  If you want to use slices of a log, like I've used, check out my wood coaster tutorial for full directions.

Next, lightly sketch out the shape you want to embroider in pencil.  Once you have your shape drawn, again, in pencil, mark approximate location for the holes to be drilled.

Using the smallest bit on your power drill, begin to drill holes through the wood.
*Place a thick board beneath the piece of wood you are drilling.

Make sure the drill goes completely through the wood.

Once you have completed drilling your holes, you can start embroidering your wood.

Thread an average sewing needle with embroidery thread, knot the end of the embroidery thread.

Start embroidering.

Come up through the back of the wood (point a).  Your knot should hold in the back of point (a) (if the knot comes through the front, simply make your  knot larger).  Bring your needle down through point (b), pulling the thread taunt as you go.  Come back up through point (c), continuing to pull the thread taunt.  Return the needle to point (b), going back down.  Come back up at point (d) then go back down at point (c). 

Continue until you have completed embroidering your shape. 

Whatever shape that might be.

What more fun could you possible have using power tools and embroidery thread?

These would make great coasters, ornaments, home decor, art or the sweetest Valentines.

Of course, if you decide to use them as Valentines, make sure you include a card that says something like:  

Wood you be my Valentine?