DIY Valentine's Day Heart Garland

Today I'm so excited to share with you a DIY that I've been working of for a year.  No, the project isn't a year long extensive project.  It's just that I didn't finish any part of it to this year.

One of my favorite things about the holidays is decorating and making an blank space new with fresh elements.  Since Valentine's Day is the next decorating friendly holiday I decided to get a head start and finish this project that I started last year.

Here's what you need:

 The first step is to create the hearts that form the garland, so we are going to need to cute 3 different size felt hearts and nested them in each other.

I've found it best to use the pattern on the felt like this...

After you've cut all of the heart pieces affix them together with fabric glue or hot glue.  I chose hot glue because it dries very quickly.

After you've nested the three size hearts I think it looks nice to add little adornments.  If you wanted, this craft could be vamped up by adding lace or glitter around the edges.

For my office/bedroom that style doesn't work in the space, so instead of making this project "frilly" I dressed the hearts with a button or two.

After your hearts are finished we need to affix the hearts to the twine or ribbon.  I, again, used hot glue.

After everything is dry your garland is ready to hang.  I chose to hang two garlands together for a great impact.  (For a tutorial on the accordion garland visit here.)

There you have it ladies...or gentlemen...or whoever.  It's your finished Valentine's Day Heart Garland.  

Have fun and be creative!

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The Desktop

In the new year, I'd say that most people (especially ladies) plan how they are going to clean and organize there life.  Is that just me or is it true?

Anyway, I'm one of those ladies.

I started out my new year organizing my desk.  Unfortunately for me my home office is in by bedroom.  It's a necessity.

While I'm fairly happy with the results I do wish that I could create more room to house all my creativity.  Obviously, that's impossible.

I've collected a few looks for you to view.  Hopefully they will help you as
you organize.  I know they will help me as I continue to re-organize my creative space.

all taken from House Beautiful

all taken from MarthaStewart.com

all taken from Fancy Home Designs

What organization ideas are you working on?

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Holiday Cones

Today I'm guest posting for Kenzie at Life and Lemons.  It's her birthday week.  Stop by or tweet her.  I'm know it'd brighten her day to see a happy birthday wish from you.

This is a guest post that I wrote last week while she had company.  I thought that you might like the opportunity to read it too.  Stop my Jessica's blog The Lily White English Rose.  She has some really great reads.

Hello there.

My name is Danette and I blog at All My Love for All My Days.  Jessica asked me a group of us to guest post for her while she was hanging out with her friend and I was happy to post.  

Thank you, Jessica, for the opportunity.

Today I want to share a craft with you that can be used for many different occasions.  With the holidays quickly approaching this I know this could knowledge could really come in handy.  It seems to me that the little details are what make events over the top special.  This one will help put your table scape or party favors or guest rooms over the top.

Here's what you need.

• random but coordinating colors/patterns of 8 1/2 x 11 scrapbook paper
• glue
• scissors
• hole punch
• embellishments
• juke, yarn, or ribbon

Step #1--Line one side of the paper with glue or double side tape.  I chose Elmer's Glue Spots.  They're permanent and very convenient.  There's no dry time.

Step #2--Roll the paper, starting on the corner opposite your tape.  Roll into a cone.  It will be very similar to an ice cream cone.

Step #3--At this point we need to clip the tail off of the cone.  If you would like, leave the tail on and fold over the opening of the cone.  This might would come in handy if you are filling the cone with small objects such as nuts.

Step #4--Punch holes on the side and run your jute/yarn/ribbon through.

Step #5--Personally, I find this last step to be the most fun.  Embellish your cones.

And voilà!  There you have it.

Thank you again, Jessica, for the opportunity to guest post.  I know I appreciate the opportunity.  If you're looking for more ideas on Holiday entertain read here, here, and here.  Oh, and I have a giveaway happening right now.  Enter here.

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Front Porch Problem Solving

My house is in a state of total upheaval.  We're remodeling.  This presents several problems.  Here's a list of a few of the problems and the solution that I decided to go with.

Problem:  There's NO place to seat or talk or entertain.

Analysis:  This is not good especially with the holidays approaching.  Guests will be coming.

Solution:  Create a warm and inviting outdoor environment outside the home.

Problem:  It has the potential to be a little chilly.  

Analysis:  There's no guarantee on the weather.  This is Oklahoma.

Solution:  Add candles, pillows, quilt, and rug.  If their needed, great.  If not, they look good.

Problem:  Just because these guests may choose the quieter location to gather does not mean that they wouldn't love a beautiful and inviting place to visit.

Analysis:  Because it's Oklahoma, planting flowers can present a problem.  There's always a chance of frost.

Solution:  Choose a flower, plant, or bush that is resistant to low temperatures and add a banner because everyone knows that a banner just makes everything prettier. 

Results

I'm in a mad rush to get as much done as possible.  For now, Jackson and I are enjoying the front porch.

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Color Inspiration: Jewel Tones

I never get tired of these rich colors.  Let their richness inspire you.

 from left to right:

1/2/3

from left to right

1/2/3

If you're looking for more inspiration check out these pinterest  boards.

Jewel Tones/Pops of Magenta/Black & White

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Sister Talk

Well, it's that time again.  Time to start another work week.  Time to get back to the trenches.  Time for Sister Talk.  I hope that you enjoy this vlog.  We love recording it. :)

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Fall Decorating: Pumpkins and Other Things

It's that time.  Yes, grab those kiddos and head to the pumpkin patch and apples orchards.

Traditionally, we would just grab a few pumpkins, gourds, hay bails, and cornstalks and call it good.  But that simplicity is a thing of the past.  I recently heard that, with the exception of Christmas, people spend more money on Halloween than any other "holiday."  I, personally, am not into Halloween.  I prefer to just decorate for fall in general, but it all goes hand in hand.

In a effort to save money, buy transition pieces that could work for eitherHalloween or Thanksgiving.  For example, I picked up this little beauty at a craft supply in town.  The colors work with my decor in the room and will work for any season.

But everyone knows if you're serious about fall decorating you must have pumpkins.  

Here are a few examples of some very beautiful, interesting, or just plain fun pumpkin decorating ideas I found to share with you today.

1.  Unexpected Colors

source

2.  Unique Idea

source

3.  Add Some Sparkle

source

4.  Light up the Night

source

If you're looking for inspiration, check out this pinterest board.  I'll be added more pins to it all season, I'm sure. 

Have a pleasant day and get out there and have fun with your family.  While you're at it, why not make your life more beautiful in the process?

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