Felt Valentine Pin

This little Valentine pin is just right for your blouse, as a package trim or to pin on a pillow. It measures approximately 2.5" x 3.5". Below are my supplies and instructions. A friend told me one time that my perfectionism gets in the way of my creativity. I remembered that when making this little guy; you'll notice the quirks & character in the uneven stitches and placement. She was right, what only took about 30 minutes to make could have taken me hours if I had been concerned with it being perfect. The end result is still cute!

Supplies:
felt scraps

embroidery thread

scissors (fabric, paper, nippers)

needle

straight pins (just a couple will do)

small safety pin

template board (I use cereal boxes for templates)
pen (I used a Sharpie)

chalk or marking for felt

Draw your pattern on the back of the cereal box. I used a fat Sharpie so I could see it well. I highlighted the pieces in pink so you could see them better. I didn't know there would be a game on the inside!

Assemble your pattern and supplies. Trace the pattern onto your felt using a soft writing tool or chalk. Cut out your pieces. Now, you are ready to begin!

I blanket-stitched around one heart (front). You can use any stitch you like. I sewed little dots in fun colors on the front. You could also sew beads, sequence, or dingle balls on. Set this piece aside for a bit.

Grab the other heart and sew the little safety pin on it.

Sew a border around the scalloped edged heart. I just did a straight stitch. Take the back piece that you put the safety pin on and sew it to the back of the scalloped edged heart. I used a black thread so it would show nicely on the front side.

I simply sewed the front heart right down the middle so it would have some dimension. And there you go! A felt Valentine pin.

Until Next Year

Whoever came up with the idea to decorate the drab winter months with tinsel, glitter and lights was brilliant. For years I have been collecting vintage ornaments and Christmas decorations. I hold them in my hands as if they are new born chick precious, delicate, and all mine! I often wonder when I find these treasures at tag sales and thrift store who could have possibly have parted with them. I feel blessed to be the rescuer of these magnificent thrill makers.

Each year I treat myself to a new-to-me vintage ornament. Okay, you busted me...I treat myself anytime I find one, but each year I do go scrounging to the depths of what others might call trash to find (rescue) a vintage holiday ANYTHING.

This year I found the most lovely of lovelies, a velvet vintage bell music box with wonderful ornate trim. You can see it here in my bedroom on my loveseat with the sweet baby deer. The vintage wool felt and sequence candle pillow I also purchased this holiday season at a nearby thrift store for $2. She looks so happy to be at my house!

How can I possibly think of putting these diamonds of the past away until next year? Below are Christmas items I leave on display inside a curio cabinet in my living room all year.

These next photos are of my bathroom. Again, I keep these goodies out all year...can't help it.

The cutie-pie with the feather skirt is a find from this season. Isn't she adorable?

I love my flour sack Santa, he's so friendly. I probably won't keep him out all year but he is a nice surprise every late November when I unpack him. So, until next year.