I never used to think much of Valentine's Day. I never used to decorate much for it or celebrate it much more than a romantic dinner out with Jorden. But now that's all changed. And not just because of blogging, but also because, as my kids get older, it's more and more fun to get ready for holidays! They are interested in how I decorate and how they can help me, how we celebrate and who we invite. They care about eating fun foods and having fun parties and, maybe most importantly, they love having something to look forward to.
Since Valentine's Day is all about LOVE, the kids can really get into it. And so I decided to get my Valentine's decorations up early this year. (I find that the decorations help us get in the spirit of the season...)
I started with my living room vignette and worked my way out to the mantel in the family room. Have I mentioned how much I love having a mantel?? I've decorated it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and now Valentine's Day... Jorden says he can't even remember what our "normal" decorations look like! That's okay - they're not nearly as fun as all this holiday decor :)
I was inspired by the neutral colors in our new fireplace and wanted to incorporate simple, natural materials into the design. It took some time, but eventually I got it just right... except.... something was missing!
I've never made garland before, but I love the way it completes a look. So I rummaged through my art supplies and found these simple materials:
The paper didn't come pre-cut, but I just cut a wide triangle out of small pieces of cardstock and glued a small doily (Target $1 section) onto each one. I used the same red cardstock for the hearts.
I punched 2 holes at the top of each piece and strung them together with heavy twine.
They are the perfect finishing touch for the mantel!
Pretty.
Simple.
Pretty Simple.
Thanks for taking a peek inside my Lemon Tree Dwelling!
I hope you feel right at home :)
-Cathy
*Linking up to many wonderful sites this week, including:
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The garland looks so pretty, and the colors really match your decor.
ReplyDeleteThanks - that's exactly what I wanted!
DeleteCute! Oh man! I need some of those doilies for photo props!
ReplyDeleteYou know where to get them...! :)
DeleteSo cute! I noticed those doilies in the dollar section but didn't pick any up because I wasn't sure what to do with them.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I am constantly passing up cute things because I don't know what to do with them...but it's always fun to see what other people do with them!
Deletelovely and easy garlands! So simple and beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLove
Lauren
currumichuti@gmail.com
Thanks Lauren! I appreciate your comment! :)
DeletePretty! Simple! Just like you said! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Rita! Thanks for your comment :)
DeleteSo sweet!!!Love this project! Thanks so much for sharing the great tutorial!
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day!
Hugs from Portugal,
Ana Love Craft
www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com
Thanks, Ana! Glad you like it! :)
DeleteVery pretty, pinning!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kirstin!
DeleteI like your garland! I did some around the same time as you--I like how you strng yours up better. I think I'll do that next time! Thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeleteOh good - glad I could inspire! :)
DeleteI love how rustic this looks with the twine. It looks perfect on your mantle and gives a cozy, family feel.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Betsy! What a sweet comment!
DeleteThank you so much for linking up to Monday Funday :) Love the heart day garland!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jamie! And thanks for the party! :)
DeleteSo cute! I love your garland. You did a great job. Thank you so much for sharing at A Bouquet of Talent!! I love seeing all of your awesome projects. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathy - so nice :)
DeleteWhat a sweet Valentine garland! Hugs, Penny
ReplyDeleteThank you, Penny!
DeleteSo simple but so sweet!! I also love all things Target $1 spot haha. Found you from Lady Behind the Curtain, would love for you to link up at my Pin It Thursday party http://www.sweetbellaroos.com/2013/01/17/pin-it-thursday-18/
ReplyDeleteThanks, and thanks for the invite! :)
DeleteHI Cathy I'm over from The Shabby Chic Cottage from Transformation Thursday. I love the simplicity of your garland. It's easy, inexpensive and so very cute and perky. Think I have all the supplies already to make so will be getting onto it most likely tomorrow (maybe even start on it later tonight). Should clean the bathroom but might have to postpone that to make the garland. Shame on me. I love making garlands. If I can find where to subscribe I'll be a new admirer. Love what I see so far.
ReplyDeleteI've been making Valentine decos but was waiting til I found the just right garland idea. Thanks for the inspiration. I don't have a mantel but do have a shutter shelf (idea off a blog also) hubs made for me late last year which I love decorating. To decorating and having fun doing it with what you have. I love shopping in my own stuff. Happy weekend.
Thanks so much for your nice comments. Cheers to using what you've got and having fun doing it! Hope to hear from you again, and I'll stop by to see you too :)
DeleteVery Cute! I'm stopping by from Dear Creatives Link Party. ~Erin
ReplyDeleteThanks, Erin!
DeleteSuch a pretty garland!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Katie! :)
DeleteHi Cathy! I'm your newest GFC follower ~ just found you through the Pin Me Link Party :)
ReplyDeleteI love banners and thought yours was really cute so I stopped by to let you know..I also pinned it :)
Paula
lifeasweknowitbypaula.blogspot.com
Thanks so much, Paula! I really appreciate it! :)
DeleteThis is a wonderfully cute project! visiting thru Life on Lakeshore Drive.
ReplyDeleteJoAnn
Thanks, JoAnn! I appreciate it :)
DeleteThis is so cute and simple! I love those kinds of projects. :) Thanks for linking up to our Pinteresting Link Party!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Liz! Thanks for hosting!!
DeleteI love garland! Especially one that's super cute and easy to make. Love it! Thank you for sharing at our Pinteresting Party!
ReplyDeleteThank you, and thanks for hosting the party! :)
DeleteSo pretty. I love the colors you picked. I like simple pretty garlands like this!
ReplyDeleteKaren
Simply pretty! Thanks for linking up at my Pin Me Linky Party.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Diana :)
DeleteThanks so much for the feature, Danielle!!
ReplyDeleteThis is so cute! Love it! Thanks for linking up @ Inspiration Spotlight on DearCreatives.com Hope to see you again this week. xo
ReplyDeleteThis is so cute!! Hope you can link up at my Trendy Tuesday party!! http://www.sweetlittlegals.com
ReplyDeleteFeaturing YOU today!
ReplyDeleteGinger @ GingerSnapCrafts.com
http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2013/01/take-look-at-you-my-favorites_24.html
Awesome! Thanks, Ginger!! :)
DeleteSo cute and simple- Love it! Following back :)
ReplyDeleteJen
I really like the shabby chic look of this banner...well done! Thanks for sharing at the Loving Valentine's Day Party!
ReplyDeleteMarilyn