With Valentine's Day wrapping up yesterday, I snapped a couple pics of projects that got completed this year that I never got around to posting.
AND, have to admit a big mistake I made.....I didn't bake hubby the choc chip cookies I intended to. See, that's his fav-O-rite cookie - at least when I use my secret recipe. And every time here lately I make cookies with the kids and we try a different kind of cookie, although he enjoys the new or different things, he tells me he knows those weren't made with him in mind simply because they aren't HIS chocolate chip. Fine. Fast forward to yesterday - the plan was to make a big heart cookie cake for the man. But after picking up the kids from school and Ehren from the in-laws, my MIL comes out and says here, you all eat this (pic above). She gave it to Charles earlier in the day and he wouldn't touch it, it's not on her diabetic diet, so we should take it and eat it. Well, why would I bake a cookie cake if one (albeit a small one) was just given to me? So, instead, I was kind of re-gifting a cookie cake from the cookie store in the mall. Cutely decorated and all, it had to be superior, right? *sigh* That was a Major faux pax! It was as hard as a rock! And we didn't know til time to cut after dinner. OOPS! lol Sorry honey! I'll have to make that one up to you!
I DID buy us 2 tickets on a Groupon offer last week to go on a zip-lining trip in Southern Indiana as soon as the weather gets a little warmer for a daytime date. That's gotta count for something! We'll drive 90 minutes, zip-line for a couple of hours, get dinner, might even camp JUST THE TWO OF US. Tell me THAT'S not romantic. Sort of. Minus the mosquitos and ants and dirt.
Ahem. Gathering my thoughts again........
His gift to me wasn't perfect either..... although a beautiful bouquet and crystal vase surprised me on the kitchen counter when I got home, the lillies never opened like the lady told him they would once they warmed up. Maybe today!?!?But the sweet words he wrote me on a piece of notebook paper and slid into my Valentine's chair envelope are priceless! I'll keep that paper forever! He also wrote each child a meaningful note and put into theirs, noting things they've recently done to make him proud, or things they do together that make them a team to be feared. He's a wonderful Dad and a sweet Valentine!
Now, onto some more decorations that I added to the house this year that haven't yet had their chance on stage here in blog-world......
These Sweetheart Blocks are sitting on the corner of the mantle. Totally got the idea to do these from another blogger out there somewhere, so not an original idea. Had 3 leftover 4x4" wood blocks (previously cut from a fence post) already painted red, and they came in perfect for this quick project with some cute graphic scrapbook paper, a piece of 1/4" May Arts pink ribbon, a Stampin Up Caramel ink pad for distressing, my ATG gun for adhesive (would have preferred to use Mod Podge but loaned my bottle out and can't remember to whom and when!) and some Heidi Swapp chipboard letters (which I'm going to have to glue down because they keep falling off and we find them on the hearth! grrrrr).
I'm totally planning on decorating the 2 opposing sides for summer to get double use out of the blocks. Fun idea, huh? Probably 4th of July themed since the wood is painted red!
These 3 cuties were GOING to be a stacked snowman at one point. But that never saw completion, so they were re-directed to a lovey dovey purpose. Just some red Bazzill Basics cardstock and pattern paper scraps from my scrapbook stash (the polka dot is one of my all-time faves.....I think it's from Doodlebug), a Maya Road chipboard word from the Family ring, my ATG gun for adhesive (again, still need to go over all with Mod Podge when I get another bottle), and some miscellaneous May Arts ribbon.
Again, the backs of these will also be decorated for another holiday....already painted white, so I'm thinking St. Patty's Day! Can't ya just see a similar style with cute shamrocks & green cardstock & the word 'Lucky'? And maybe some felt - I LOVE felt! Can't wait to get started on those....March is right around the corner!
This project (which has also been well copied out in the blogosphere this year in various ways) started with a stack (around 75) felt circles. Approx 3" ones, I just traced a kids' cup from the cabinet, so never actually measured. Ella Grace cut them all out - so you know it was made perfectly imperfect, and with tons of LOVE! Also, 2 styrofoam heart forms from the craft store (Michael's had them on clearance for $1.25 ea), and a pack of straight pins from Walmart for about $1.
I folded each circle in half, then in half again, and using a straight pin, just stuck it to the styrofoam form. Nothing to it....it goes super fast, especially if you do it while watching Cupcake Wars like I did!
The only tricky part is making sure the point at the bottom of the heart, and the indentation at the top of the heart are relatively profound. Otherwise, you lose your shape and intention.
I just pinned both hearts to a piece of ribbon, and then used a thumbtack to attach it to my 6-pane window that hangs in my dining room for now. That I found. For free. On the side of the road. In someone's TRASH PILE! Can you believe they'd throw this baby away! I didn't have to paint it or anything....just brush off the leaves and Windex the glass. I love how it turned out for February decorations! (pun intended) Am thinking about how I'm going to permanently use it for the rest of the year.
Til next time, people!
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