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Valentine’s Day Crafts
Decorate with love, do-it-yourself style.
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, what better way to say ‘I love you’ than with a little homemade handiwork? We asked our favorite craft designers to come up with some fun and creative projects that will allow the whole family to embrace the spirit of this heartwarming holiday.
Heart-Shaped Wreath
Not so fond of last year’s wool sweaters? Give them a new life as whimsical heart-shaped wreaths, says craft designer Linda Permann (lindamade.com). First, felt the wool in the washing machine by running the sweaters through the warm/cold cycle and then through the dryer. (This will tighten and shrink the fibers so you won’t need to sew any edges.) Then, cut multiple three-inch squares from each sweater and ask the kids to help you string the squares onto a 20-inch length of floral or craft wire. Keep stringing the wire until it’s chock-full of felted pieces. Next, bend to form a heart. A heart-shaped wreath “is a cozy, cute welcome for all of your guests,” Permann says.
Hanging Heart Banner
This project is a great family-night activity. All you need are paper, crayons and ribbon. First, cut out a dozen or so large paper hearts and invite each family member to decorate them. Punch a hole into the sides of each heart and string them onto the ribbon, one after another until the bunting reaches the desired length. “Hang these banners around your house for a festive touch,” Permann says, in the same way you might display holiday bunting. For instance, drape your banners over a mantle or up the staircase.
Valentine’s Day Tree
Just because the Christmas tree is packed away doesn’t mean all the ornaments have to go too. With just a few branches you can create a chic Valentine’s Day “tree” to serve as a cheery winter centerpiece. Gather sticks and branches from outside and spray paint them white. (For a glitzier look, Permann suggests coating the branches in glue and sprinkling on a little glitter.) Once the branches are dry, arrange them in jars or vases on your mantle or dining room table. Hang your favorite heart ornaments, cards and candies from the larger branches.
Heart-Patterned Pillowcases
Hand-stamped heart pillow covers are an easy way to add a little love to any room, says Christina Batch-Lee, marketing and blog coordinator for Etsy.com, which features handmade gifts from more than 200,000 independent designers. Start with a basic pre-made cotton pillow cover in a light color, available at any home store. Place cardboard between the layers of fabric, then use a simple foam heart-shaped stamp and fabric paint (available at craft stores) to create your own design. Let dry and follow manufacturer's instructions to set the paint so it's safe to wash. The result will be seasonal and stylish, Batch-Lee says: “I love the modern look of basic shapes.”
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Pictures of the projects would be helpful.
Not sure if there are pictures to help see how to to these projects
Needs pictures