Valentine Mantel 2011

So this ended up being the final result of our mantel for this year.  I had a lot more I planned on doing, but the kids got sick for over an entire week straight so decorating had to take a back seat.

Fabric Boxes

 Made these to match the theme in the nursery and broke 4 needles in the process!  They will hold diapers and wipes and what not.  Found this awesome tutorial on how to make them.  Also, if you want to make your own biased tape to sew onto the box(es) here is a tutorial for that as well.

Topiary

This is a super fast, affordable craft.  I used chopsticks from Panda Express and painted them black then used them as the "stem".  I also used conversation hearts as the filler.  Underneath the hearts I had a small block of floral foam.  follow this link for a tutorial:
http://brandyscrafts.blogspot.com/2011/01/simple-valentines-day-topiary.html

Valentines Door Wreath

 Saw the idea on pinterest.  I really like how the burlap looks, so that's the route I went.  I added some embelishments and sewed a couple fabric hearts together, stuffed them, and sewed them to ribbon.  I tied them in the center of the wreath from the top.  I like how it turned out.

Conversation Heart Pillows

Cute, right!?  I love them. Go here to make your own. 

"Every Love Story..." Picture Frame

 First off, let me appologize about the glare from the flash on my camera.  Still trying to figure that one out.  I did take a second picture at an angle to avoid the glare, but I like how it looks better front facing, so I decided to post the one with the glare anyway.  Okay, how to make it!

I went to the dollar store and bought an 11"x14" picture frame.  Removed the glass and cardboard backing from the frame and proceeded to paint the frame with black acrylic paint.  I used my cameo to print off the vinyl lettering in a font I found endearing (LD Petticoat Black) and then made sure to clean the glass really good.  After the glass was completely dry, I carefully placed the vinyl in the desired location and applied it.  Be very careful when placing vinyl on glass, it sticks like crazy!  For the back ground, I used the cardboard backing that came with the picture frame and just taped patterned paper of my choice to it.  I used three different patterned sheets and layered them.  Once the frame is finished drying, you can put the frame back together.  On a side note, once the frame is put back together, the vinyl lettering should be on the OUTSIDE of the picture.  You should be able to touch it with your hand.  I left a gap between the phrases so that I could add some embelishments.  I wrapped pink crochet thread around the entire frame, taped it to the back and then taped a little heart to the thread on the left hand side.  I LOVE how it turned out.  So does the hubby.

Burlap Banner

 If you like what you see and want to make your own, go here for a tutorial.  All this project requires is cardstock (for the hearts), burlap, ribbon, scissors and a hot glue gun.  Honest.  Oh, and some sort of measuring tool so that you cut your burlap to the right size of course.