felt Valentine tutorial

by Whitney on January 24, 2011

All the holidays have taken on bigger meaning since having kids; they’re a fun way to mark the passage of time, and to celebrate in the traditions that move us from one season to the next.

February is a big month for us–Papa G’s birthday, mine, our anniversary, and in the midst of it all, Valentine’s Day. This time last year, we also had a new baby and a new home. V-Day was way down the priority list, but Goose was newly conscious of the progression of holidays, and very much into any reason to celebrate. I knew that without a little pomp and circumstance she’d be sad, which is not how I wanted her to remember her earliest days in this, perhaps our final, family home.

As a testament to my priorities, the first boxes to be sorted were filled with food and crafts. Around 11:00 p.m. on February 13th, I poured a glass of wine and sat down with felt, needle, and thread.

The above photo is what became of that. Gosling didn’t get one, on account of the late hour and her lack of interests at that point . . . in retrospect, a buxom silhouette (a la big-rig mudflaps) would have been perfect.

Simple, quick, and creative stitching is fun and rewarding for me, and the kids treasure the acknowledgment of their interests. I plan to make new hearts each year, featuring the loves of the moment. Maybe one day we’ll string them into garland, and set them forth with little birds leaving the nest, reminders of how some loves come and go, and some grow to eternal passions.

The Super-Simple How To:

  1. Cut felt hearts. (Use a template or freehand–I just fold the felt in half for symmetry.)
  2. Draft line drawing or find one in a book or online to reference (e.g., Search google images: “how to draw robot”)
  3. Thread needle with embroidery thread, or triple fold single thread for bolder lines. (I used three colors at once for some details, like princess hair.)
  4. Stitch longer lines for that sketch-book look.
  5. Add any desired text.

Optional:

  • Attach a back heart with stitching or fabric-glue. (Makes it harder for little hands to rip out your stitches.)
  • Stuff between front and back hearts.
  • Attach a pin for wearing or posting on bulletin board.
  • Attach an adhesive magnet sheet.
  • Connect hearts into a garland featuring multiple loves or multiple children, to spell a word . . .

linking to Sew Can Do, a great source of crafty inspiration for Valentine’s Day (and everyday)

{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }

Sofia's Ideas January 27, 2011 at 9:26 pm

Unbelievable! You were one of the ones that disappeared from my Reader! I just resubscribed…

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Whitney January 28, 2011 at 12:40 am

Thanks, Sofia!

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Dakota Gal January 28, 2011 at 12:39 pm

You are exactly right about kids and holidays. Suddenly each one becomes a potential for new traditions, celebrations, a break in the monotony, the marking of passing time. I love these hearts. And I love the idea of making a garland out of them. I love garlands, in general. Might have to start making some!

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Whitney January 28, 2011 at 8:39 pm

I love garlands in general, too. :) Come back to share if you make any.

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Sofia's Ideas January 28, 2011 at 8:21 pm

I’m back to let you know that I gave you an award… http://sofiasideas.com/2011/01/26/who-knew-2/

xoxo

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Whitney January 29, 2011 at 10:37 pm

Thank you so much, Sofia! What an honor! I’m still nursing sick children back to health, so it may take me another week to respond and pass it on, but I am so grateful for the opportunity to do so.

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