Heart Burlap & Felt Rosette Wreath

Who doesn't love Valentine's Day? Well, apparently a lot of people! I, however, am hopelessly devoted to the traditions of the holiday. Never one to hate Valentine's Day (a.k.a. "Single Awareness Day"), I'm totally stoked to decorate for it each year!

I've proudly jumped on the burlap bandwagon, and love the organic-chic look of it! I know this stuff has a loyal following in many places. However, St Louis is not one of them, so this stuff is way hip to me!

So, for my first official burlap decor project, I made this ca-ute heart shaped wreath, inspired by this one on Craftaholics Anonymous. I wanted to add a splash of color with the felt rosettes. Here's what you need to make your own:

• wire (I used a wire hanger)
• wire cutters and pliers
• 1/4 yard of burlap (there are many color choices)
• 4 pages of felt
• ribbon
• scissors
• hot glue gun

Cutting burlap can be tricky, so I learned a lot from this link, also from Craftaholics Anonymous.

Step 1: Using pliers, take your wire (or hanger) and form into shape of a heart. Leave a little extra for twisting it closed when you're finished placing the burlap. The closure can be at any spot on the heart.

Step 2: Cut your burlap into several 2 1/2 inch strips. I used 6 strips for mine. Take the strips, and thread them (accordian style) onto the wire as shown below.
Do that for all the strips, and choose how full you want your wreath. After you've added the burlap you want, arrange it and decide where you want your rosettes. The rosettes will be placed permanently in their spots, so keep that in mind.

Step 3: Begin making your rosettes by taking one piece of felt, and cutting it into a large circle, using most of the rectangular sheet of felt. Then take that circle, and cut the edge into a random wave-like pattern all the way around. After you make the whole circle wavy, begin to cut about a half inch strip inside the circle, following the outside of the circle (only no waves this time). You'll cut the circle into a spiral. When you approach the end, stop cutting and leave a small circle of felt attached to the spiral.

Begin rolling the top of the spiral as shown below, and place dabs of hot glue along the way. Note that you have a wavy side of the spiral strip, and a flat edge. Be sure to line up the flat edge, as the bottom of the rosette.
When you get to the end (or desired size) of the felt, you'll come upon the circle you left uncut. Flap that over the bottom of the rosette as a cover.
Step 4: Spread the burlap flat on the desired spot of the wreath, and hot glue the rosettes to the wire and flat strip of burlap.
Step 5: Twist the wire closed, and wrap ribbon around the top of the heart, tie a bow, and hang up your wreath! Quick, easy, and fun! I linked up to Craft-O-Maniac, so check out the other great stuff over there!

"Family" Blocks with Tutorial

We made these letters for a Super Saturday, and I LOVE them! There really are so many options for these. My good friend, Amy, saw these somewhere, and figured out all the measurements. They're just 2x4s and 2x6s cut into different widths and heights, then using a Cricut, I cut out each letter with the following cartridges: Winter Wonderland, Plantin Schoolbook, George and Basic Shapes, Jasmine, and Wild Card. Mod Podge some of your favorite paper on the blocks, let that dry, then Mod Podge the letters on top (see detailed instructions below)!

Supplies used:

• one each of 2x4 and 2x6 board
• saw (we used a chop saw)
• patterned paper of choice (for background)
• solid paper of choice (for letters)
• Cricut and cartridges
• Mod Podge and sponge brushes
• Black acrylic paint
• embellishments of choice

Adding ribbons and embellishments really finishes off the set beautifully. {I forgot to take a pic of the above blocks with the brown ribbon and embellishments}

A super fun and classy looking home decor piece!

Here's the cut list for the wood:

• "F"- 2 x 6 board cut 6.25" high
• "A"- 2 x 6 board cut 4.25" high, then cut in half, vertically (half the width of a 2 x 6)
• "M"- 2 x 4 board cut 5.25" high
• "I"- 2 x 6 board cut 6.5" high, then cut in half, vertically (half the width of a 2 x 6)
• "L"- 2 x 4 board cut 4.25" high
• "Y"- 2 x 4 board cut 6.25" high

Step 1:

Measure out all the measurements for 2x4 and 2x6. Cut. Be sure to measure again after each cut, as the saw takes a bit off each time you cut.

Step 2:

After cutting all 6 blocks, sand smooth and prepare for painting.

Step 3:

Paint all 6 sides of each block. Decide which side you want to be the "face" of the block, and you can just paint the outsides of that face (the part that will show around the patterned paper). Let sit to dry completely (about 2 hrs.)

Step 4:

While paint is drying, cut paper to fit the blocks. Decide how much of the black wood you want to show as a border on the "face" of your blocks. It's up to you.

Step 5:

After paint has dried, paint a layer of Mod Podge onto the "face" of the block. Quickly lay the corresponding paper onto the layer of Mod Podge, and set straight and flat onto block. Take a credit card or a ruler and slowly and firmly scrape over the paper to flatten any air bubbles and evenly distribute the Mod Podge. Do the same to all blocks.

Step 6:

Prepare to glue the letters on! Do same as in step 5, where you paint a layer of Mod Podge to prep surface of paper (don't worry, the Mod Podge dries clear, so just paint in even strokes the same direction, and it'll look beautiful). Place corresponding letter on block, align, and the press onto prepped patterned paper using your fingertips or a pen cap (or something like that). After the letter is pressed down, and set (about 2 mins), layer one final coat of Mod Podge onto the face of the block. Repeat for all blocks.

Step 7:

Add embellishments with hot glue gun, and presto! It's done, and oh so classy!