Starched Hearts

I wanted to make some burlap heart ornaments for Valentines Day, but didn't want them to unravel when handled (I'm putting these in my store). I also wanted them to be simple and easy.
 

I just made paper templates of the size heart I wanted, these are 5 1/2" high and about the same at the widest. The top heart is actually cut from a remnant of 2 1/2" wide lace edging. Under that is a layer of iridescent sheer fabric. 
 

The following tutorial (my first) is how I went about it.

Line a cookie sheet with plastic wrap, this really helps with removal and best done before you have starchy hands. I poured a very small amount of liquid starch into a pie dish, just use something that is big enough to hold the heart. Dipped both sides, used my fingers to squeegee the excess off. Laid them each one by itself on the prepared cookie sheet and then dabbed more excess starch off with paper towels. I let these dry overnight.

I used Liquid Stitch to adhere the layers together. Then used a piece of unraveled burlap string threaded through a tapestry needle to secure the button. I sewed front to back then to front, tied a knot at the button and held both pieces together and tied another knot at the top end.

I am going to make more using eyelet, lace and muslin with the burlap.  And the very cute bird fabric (that I've been hoarding forever) is going to be the top layer of burlap and ticking hearts. These can be made bigger, smaller, more embellished. Whatever YOUR HEART desires!!!

There are other products out there that could be used - this is what I had on hand when inspiration struck at 10:30 PM.

 

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Happy Hunting and Gathering!!!

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PHOTO ARRANGING

Black & White Photo's, Pin Frogs & Glitzy Buttons

I don't recall where I seen this idea of using florists pin frogs as photo holders, but I did store away the idea and piece by piece it has come together.

 

First it was the truck pics (I love old trucks) and just two pin frogs.  When I was growing up dad had an old 1949 Chevy truck and a 1951 Ford truck.  So when I seen these truck photos at a garage sale I had to bring them home with me.

Some where along the way I collected this picture post card of a group of men and women on a nature hike through an orchard. A popular pastime in the Victorian Era of the late 19th  and early 20th century.  I like the un-posed scene and the dress of the men and women. It's a sepia tone photo and the length fits quite nicely on this frog.

I unearthed  this treasure amongst a box of family photos from days gone by...an old black and white photo of my mom and her good  friend Lillian (mom is on the right).  I have so many fond memories of Lillian"s visits with mom. 

And by this time I had also found a few more pin frogs.

One day I was adding some glass and glitzy buttons to my stash and as sometimes happens I found myself at the wrong place...But at the right time...I was standing in front of the photo of mom and Lillian. I looked down into my hand and chose the big black button with rhinestones and slipped the shank over a pin in the frog. Then came the smaller black faceted one and small leather covered button.  I instantly knew this was right, it gave the ensemble a shabby elegance...JUST MY STYLE. 

Neither women would have worn such an overstated rhinestone button...but both would have stopped and picked it up. It's so fitting to be placed at there feet.  

And that's how the glitzy buttons got involved!

This is just a very small collection...I really don't see it getting any bigger...But the pleasure will always be great!

Hope this gives you some ideas to contemplate...

Thanks for popping in~~~

Happy Hunting and Gathering!!!