Thursday, January 26, 2012

Valentine Debacle

Yes, this is my post about the "debacle on the front door."  If you don't know what I'm talking about then you didn't read my first Valentine's day posts... which, by the way were really cute, inexpensive projects anybody can do!

I have to admit when I put this "thing" up on the front door (and yes it is still there) my husband actually laughed out loud. If you know anything about him, he typically is very encouraging and complementary of my handiwork. However, when I heard him laugh, I had to laugh too because it is NOT what I had pictured in my head.

It is a very sad attempt at a unique V-day wreath...

You will need:

  • Scrapbook paper
  • Adhesive Spray
  • Hot Glue Gun
  • A clear plastic plate (as I later discovered) 



Begin by using your spray adhesive to glue two pieces of scrapbook paper together. 


Once it is dry, cut 2 inch strips.


I ended up making about 20 because I really wasn't sure how many I would need. 


Fold each strip in half.


Fold the ends into the center and pinch together. 


Use your hot glue to hold it in place.


Cute right?!  Just wait to you see the "wreath".... not so cute!



So, at this point I was excited because it was coming together.  Lay out your hearts and glue them together. Silly me realized once I pick up this circle of hearts (made of paper!) it would not hold this shape...



Hence, the plastic plate...


So, with lots of hot glue and red ribbon to hold it all together... Here is the finished product.
Not too bad from this point of view, but I promise straight on... well let's just say this isn't my best stroke of genius.


I did, however, find a great use for the hearts...
cute little place cards perfect for any Valentine's Day dinner party. 

Celebrate your successes and celebrate your failures!

~Happy Debacles~

love,  Kristy

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Valentine's Treats...

So, this will be one of a few Valentine's day tutorials.  

Yes, some might say this is a trivial holiday and yes I agree that Americans spend way too much money on such a silly holiday. However, it is a colorful and over-the-top holiday that is fun to decorate for... especially if you can do it for just a few dollars. Did you catch that?! AND in this post you will get two for the price of one! Just because I love my readers!! On a side note, I can't wait for you too see the debacle that is on my front door, but for now I am celebrating my successful projects: Valentine's Day Garland (that was free!) and i heart you frames. Let's get started...


V-Day garland

Here is what you will need:

  • Several shades of paint swatches (these are free)
  • Yarn that you probably have laying around the house
  • Heart shape (I used a cookie cutter as a template) 
  • Hole punch and scissors
Begin by cutting out as many hearts as you will need. I used 15.
Then you will need to punch two holes near the top of each heart.


Cut small pieces of yarn for each heart. Loop the ends thru the holes and tie a bow.



Repeat until all of your hearts have bows.

You will now take one long piece of yarn that will run the length of your mantle. On the back of each heart will be a loop; I used a large needle to thread each heart onto the long piece of yarn.  


As you thread each heart on... 


slide them down and spread them out.

Now hang your ends and style it to your taste! 


 Ta-dah... cute garland!!


And it's even better that it was free, right?! 


Alright, as promised lovely readers... treat #2.  This one was not free, but it cost less than $5.

 I heart you Frames

You will need:
  • 3 wooden frames from Wal-mart/1 needs to have the heart shape (each frame was .97!)
  • Scrap Valentine's day fabric (gotta love that remnant bin)
  • Spray paint 

Spray each frame with a few coats of paint.


Once it is dry...


Pick a cute font and print the words "i" and "you." As you can see, this is a really easy project.  Once you have printed the words, cut them to fit into the back of each frame.  Do the same with the fabric.

And one more look at everything all put together...


~Happy Valentine's Day~

love,  Kristy


Linking to: 
Frugal Days
Kurtz Corner
my 1929 Charmer

Saturday, January 21, 2012

it is a NEW year!

Is it really January 22, 2012??

Well, it really does seem that every year I get a little bit older, time flies a little bit faster.  Here is what we have been up to in 2012... This is the first year we did not sit down and write out a specific resolution. This year I thought it was more important to have some general goals that I really want to accomplish.  Instead, of one resolution... I chose to focus on 12 in 12...  Here are just a few I'd like to share.

More family time!



  

Becoming more healthy!


Fresh starts and organized spaces!



Enjoying our city...



Going on adventures...





Taking time to relax...


and more Craft time!


which also includes...
(sneak peak! stay tuned this week for Valentine's Day treats)


more blogging! 

So, yes this year has already started to fly by. However, as you can see we have been busy spending time doing what is important.  We know that this is the year of change... and we know that we will be ready for it!  We are excited about our future and we are excited about 2012!

Happy New Year!  a little bit late I know

love,  Kristy