Thursday, February 2, 2012

DIY: Valentine Decor

Ok, I'll admit it, it took me awhile to figure out what d.i.y. meant.
What do you mean they were a diy bride? 
Diy ideas for Easter, what's that?
So, here's a definition of d.i.y. for any of you who are like I was.
D.I.Y.
[from the Greek, for, do it yourself.]
All that said, I love diy crafts and projects!
Even if I could buy a said object I would still rather make it, just for the fun of it.
Within reason of course, I don't think I'd be very good at making a camera lens.
I've always wanted to be surrounded with unique things.
Ever since I was young I would buy perfectly good clothes and modify them just to have something no one else had.
I get a thrill from making stuff or finding used things and making new things!
Which is technically called "upcycling" I guess.
'upcycle' [Latin for 'the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value']
Anyways, whether you call it upcycling, diy or something else, I love it!
I thought I'd show you a few projects I've been working on recently.
I actually made these decorations for a birthday party but I'm sharing them now to give some Valentine's Day inspiration.

For this garland all you need is an old book, heart shaped punch from a craft store, staples, and twine.

And here, just a book, scissors, and staples.
Just cut six strips two short, two medium and two longer.
Bend them into a heart and staple the bottom. This would also be cool with sheet music.

All you need is colored paper (or you can do what I did and use paint samples and a book), a heart punch, a heavy duty needle, and string or embroidery floss.
I hand sewed two paint chips back to back and then spaced them how I wanted them on the floss. 
This one did take quite a bit of time but it was worth it.
So simple, but I love how they turned out!
Next up, the birthday party and how I used these decorations.

5 comments:

  1. These are so pretty! I love upcycling too! It's just so fulfilling :)

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  2. Yes, fulfilling and somewhat addicting ;)

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  3. I am definitly trying the heart made out of the 6 strips of paper! so beautiful. the possibilities with paper are endless..

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  4. Oh my word! Same here about the DIY. I was totally clueless until I made this connection between DIY and "crafty looking creative stuff." :P Love the blog, btw.

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