Stitched Canvas Heart Valentines

Sometimes I get asked what other blogs I keep up with and I like that.  My time is somewhat limited on the computer and that's generally a good thing.  The bulk of my time is spent editing photos but I do like to peek my head into the windows and doors of other people's lives and take a look around.  Something I also say often is that I "pay attention who I pay attention to" (or should it be "whom?").  The point is, too much looking around can lead to wild comparisons and big inadequate thoughts.  But just enough sends a spark of inspiration through my mind.  Isn't is great to appreciate and value other people and their gifts, instead of envying them or being jealous?  

 And the choir said "Amen!" I didn't mean to preach. I just mean to be honest.  And this idea honestly came from the talented, incredibly inspiring Rae. She's a stay-at-home mama like myself and someone I quietly admire.  She posted these fabulous fabric valentines last week and I just knew I had to make them. As with most ideas I let this one sit in my mind for a few days, deciding how I would construct my valentines, rosy style.

 And this is what I came up with!  I bought these canvas hearts at a craft warehouse one time for about 10 cents each.  I didn't have a purpose for them at the time but knew I'd struck crafter's GOLD when I saw how cute they were.  I mean seriously, there are like a million things you can do with a canvas heart, right?! They ended up working out perfectly for this little project! 

 Here's how I made the hearts…

I layered the canvas heart with scrapbook paper and my own watercolor, with some fabric tucked in behind.  Then I simply stitched around the hearts (both paper and canvas) and stamped the word "happy" on the side! Last, I punched a hole through the canvas (using a regular paper hole punch..maybe not the best idea but it's what I had!) and added some clearance ribbon from Target a while back.  Ta-Da! Done :)

 Perhaps one of these days I'll get around to being one of those good, professional bloggers who actually takes pictures of each step of the process. Doesn't that sound lovely? In reality, I got up way before everyone else and was still in my leggings and Razorback t-shirt trying to finish these before everyone woke! :) :) So my point..no time for step-by-step photos most of the time around here.  Hopefully the photo will spark your imagination! 

Just as I was photographing these and finishing up my sweet Anna Ruth came in to see what I was up to!  Her Daddy had woken her up and she can smell a craft a mile away. 

I think I'll whip up the fanciest valentines I can think of for my giggly gals this week! 

The happy hearts were handed out to my home church friends today and they were a hit! 

Do you squeeze in a few Valentine crafts at your house? 

I'd love to know what you're up to! 

(there's still time to order one of these 5x7 art prints from the shop for your Valentine, or one of the many 8 x 10 art and photography prints! Shop here.)