Valentine Gift

I wanted to create a valentine for someone special but I didn’t have much time today so it needed to be something quick and easy...and as always, made from what I already have on hand.  This is where a good stash comes in handy! I think I always say that, don't I?
I chose a 7gypsies Ruban book cover for the base (you only need the front cover).  This one is embossed so it adds a bit of dimension.  I cut the book cover so that it is about 5” wide but you can leave as is, if you like.  I used the Binderie Punch to quickly make two holes at the top of the book cover.  Set aside for now.

At CHA last week, our friend Tim gave Deb and I a set of the new Distress Stains which are fluid, water-based dyes for paper and other porous surfaces, FABULOUS STUFF I might say.  In fact, we love them so much will be using them in at least one of the classes we will be teaching this year.

 

I decided to use Spun Sugar (you might notice the color names match up with Distress Inks), since it's for Valentines Day, to dye some vintage crepe paper.  I cut about 20” of crepe paper and laid it out on a craft mat.  A word of caution here...these WILL stain your fingers so I just made sure not to touch the crepe paper too much when I was working with it.  Pink is an easy color to start with, it’s when you move on to blue and green that your finger tips start changing colors.  Good stuff!

The nylon dabber top has a built-in spring valve. This allows for controlling the release of Distress Stains from the bottle.  By pressing the dabber top down onto surface, the valve opens and fluid releases.  Lift dabber away from surface to stop fluid flow.  It's that easy.  So, since I am working on stretchy surface I kinda 'pounced' my way down the crepe paper.

I moved the bottle down the center of the crepe paper strip so I could leave the edges natural.   The crepe paper will stretch and bubble when it becomes wet from the stain but not to worry, it will all work out in the end.

Dry with a heat gun to save time.  Love this one from Ranger.

This is what it looks like when it's dry

 

Once dry, cut the edges with some kind of decorative scissor.

Now move to the sewing machine to run a basting stitch for gathering.

Gathered crepe paper (can’t tell it ever bubbled up, can you?).  Tie a knot at one end to stop the paper from unraveling.  Set aside for a moment.

Now back to the book cover.  Add a strip of ThermOweb Super Tape across the front.

Add gathered crepe paper starting with the edge you tied the knot.  When you get to the other end, cut 1/4 longer than the cover and tuck end under.

Use an X-Acto knife to cut a notch in the book cover (I cut all the way through).  It does not have to be perfect (mine's not) because it will be covered up in the next step.

I added a rubbing to an optical lens.

Then wedged the rings on the lens into the hole I just cut.  No glue needed!

I just want to say here that I can find more ways to use optical lenses in projects than I ever thought possible.  Now, I just can't get enough of them! 

 I added some grey seam binding (because I can't make something without it) and a brass charm that I found in my junk drawer.  The letter M is from an old 7gypsies rubbing and is the initial of the person I am making this for.

 Add some Scotch Quick-Dry Adhesive along the crepe paper for a piece of vintage crocheted lace.

 Now to add some ribbon for hanging...cut about 18" of seam binding.  I used the grey again but you could change it up and use another color.  Thread the ribbon through one hole so that it is even.  Then thread both ribbons through the second hole and tie a knot.  Trim ends.  Easy!

 Almost done...but I think she needs just a little something more.  Maybe a bit of vintage flowers and my "go to"clear stamp, Avignon.  If you don't own this one, you should.   So, one large stamp at the bottom and one small stamp at the top above the optical lens.

Done.
I love it.

I admit took me longer to write this blog post than to make the project!

Some of our blogger friends have been sharing their Valentine ideas with us this week.

When Shawna K. saw the post we did on this, she changed it up a bit to make these for Valentines day. Darling!   Shawna, we hope these hearts are keeping you warm up there in Canada...burrr!!

photo frame from Jessica Sprague

And from our friend Bobbie W...She decided to transform her Advent Calendar burlap board into one she could use for Valentines day...just look at all the tags! Great use of the board after December (mine is just sitting behind a desk).

 

How about some easy cards?  

They don't have to look just like these that Debbie made, but we thought you might need some inspiration to get you started.  My personal favorite is 'Pitter Patter' with the double photo holder.

"smitten"

1.  To make this card start by sewing a piece of patterned paper to the front of the pre-folded card.

2.  Find a fun old photo or even better use one of your own. Tape photo to card with small strips of gaffer tape.  

3.  Attach small arrow pointing to "smitten" person and cut tiny heart from red gaffer tape and place above other person in photo.

4.  Type and print tiny word (I used smitten) and place inside Mini Label Sticker and apply to card.

5.  To line envelope, use the top half of the envelope with flap open as your pattern.  Trace around edge, cut out just inside your tracing line so it fits inside envelope and adhere.

6.  Print another word to be attached to the inside of your card and stitch a frame around it.

"Pitter Patter"

1.  Start by stitching around the front of a pre-folded card.

2.  Use a sturdy wire (about 20 gauge) to make wire piece.  Cut an 8" piece of wire.  Leave about 2 1/4" straight section in the center and wrap ends around a 1/2" dowel a couple of times.  Make sure the wire loops on end are "tight" to each other so it will hold the items inserted in place.  Trim excess on ends with wire cutters.

3.  Attach wire piece to card by making two small holes on each side of the wire and tying it on with ribbon.

4.  Copy old photo onto cardstock, cut out and distress edge.

5.  Cut mini heart out of red gaffer tape and place on photo.

6.  Stamp word onto a jewelry tag and tie to wire.

7.  Print sentiment on cardstock.  Leave a space for a paper(or gaffer tape) heart to be applied.

 8.  Place picture and sentiment in between wire loops on each end of wire piece.

9.  Line envelope as described in previous card.

"Amore"

This is actually a little book with a box inside.  I found a small book at a thrift store that was only about a half inch deep.  

1.  Take out all the pages in the book, just leaving the cover.

2.  Cover the outside of the book with paper, layering paper and embellishing with metal pieces and ribbon.

 3.  Cover the inside of the book cover with a piece of paper slightly smaller than the book cover.

4.  Out of book board, create a box that is slightly smaller than the books dimensions.  Allow space for the bulk of several layers of paper.  Score folds into the chipboard and reinforce corners.  Cover box with printed paper and glue to inside back cover.  Add your own special "love notes".

You might also like these past projects...
Love Jar and  Love Book
See you on Friday with more!