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More Inspiration!
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Wednesday
Jan282009

Molly's Sketchbook: Valentines!

When I was a child I always loved Valentine's Day. I relished picking out which paper valentines and candy hearts I would give to each of my classmates and I loved making valentines out of construction paper, paper doilies, and lots of glitter. Best of all, my dad always bought me a heart shaped box of See's Candy!

As I got older, I grew less in love with Valentine's Day. It seemed complicated by expectations and less like a great excuse to pull out my craft supplies. But last year I really enjoyed making and giving a bunch of handmade valentines. I realized that I didn't need to fret about the parts of Valentine's Day I didn't enjoy, and that it could be the perfect occasion to do something creative and fun.  It is in this spirit that I approached these latest projects,  Sewn Paper Valentines and Valentine Pins.

The Sewn Paper Valentines are so satisfying, quick and easy to make. Its really fun to sew into paper with a sewing machine and adds a special accent to the cards. For me, Nancy Gere's Pink Chocolate collection is the perfect Valentine's Day fabric, its romantic and pretty without being cloying. I used a a few of these for the heart shapes as well as some lovely little scraps I had been saving for a special occasion. These cards are also a great way to use up some of the half spools of brightly colored thread you might have lying around.

The Valentine Pins are also very quick and easy to make. I think they are a wonderful project to do with kids for their class valentine exchange. The wool felt they are made with doesn't need to be hemmed and it comes in the the richest most saturated colors. They are so little and cute I just wanted to eat them when saw them all together! 

If you'd like to make some of these valentines yourself, you can find complete instructions here:

Happy Valentine's Day! --Molly

Reader Comments (31)

molly and the purlie bunch ... a heartfelt thanks for the inspiration ... i just got done sewing up some paper journals ... it's fun fun fun ... happy days ...
January 28, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterina and gumby
oh my goodness. these are so cute i almost threw up when i saw the photo. i will be buying felt today and making a million of them to go somewhere in our currently being remodeled, super messy house.

xo
January 28, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterjen
Those pins are so cute! I can't wait to make them!
January 28, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterMeg
These are lovely and absolutely adorable! I agree with you about Valentines' Day turning into a rather stressful day filled with expectation and consumerism. I love the cards and I think I'll be sending some out this year to some unexpected loved ones.

Thank you again for sharing and have a wonderful Valentines!!
January 28, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterSalihan
So sweet! I have two little girls that will love this.
Thanks!
January 28, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterLisa
so very cute...love it that you can add a creative twist to such a "done" holiday
January 28, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterdarlene
These are one of my favorites!! I'm so going to make them!
January 29, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterLenny
I am loving those love pins. Wow - I need to track down some pretty wool felt! Thank you for those lovely ideas.
January 29, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterCat
What fabulous ideas! My Dad used to give me Sees Candy Heart Boxes too! And notes in my lunch that day at school...
January 29, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterJamie
how lovely this post is! Love your valintine ideas!
January 29, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterheleen
oh, the pins are very much adorable, specially with their "sawed" edges.
January 29, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterNana
You guys never disappoint - these are delightful.
January 29, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterAli
I just love those pins and can imagine being in a room full of friends surrounded by all that colorful 'love'.

Thanks again for another inspiring project. Love you ladies!!
January 29, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterKim @ Inspired Goodness
Oh, I love all the yummy colors.
January 30, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterIsadora
I'm a regular reader of Molly's sketchbook, and it always makes me wish I lived closer to Purl....................... I love Molly's sketchbook, and I thought as its nearly Valentine's day, it would be in the right spirit to tell you! Thank you so much for all your wonderful ideas and cheering colour..................
January 30, 2009 | Unregistered Commentervanessa
Y'all have the best ideas. I can't wait each month to get your e-mail. Love the Valentine Hearts, they look so special.

Thanks for all of your wonderful ideas.
January 30, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterBrenda
Those little hearts are the cutest things I've ever seen! Love them!
January 30, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterSteff
These are lovely!!
January 30, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterJessica
Thanks for the hearts and valentines. Loving all of them!
January 30, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterAnnie Pazoo
So cute!!!!!!
January 31, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterLoralee - No Fuss Fabulous
i love your valentines! those little hearts are just adorable :) i think i may have to make some now!
January 31, 2009 | Unregistered Commenteralycia
I love this idea!
February 1, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterNicole J
I have always wanted to try my hand at sewing on paper. Is there a needle that is better to use for that?
February 3, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterTiff@Three Peas
Hi Tiffanie-
I have always just used my normal thin quilting needle when sewing paper. I'm not sure if it dulls your needle or not. If you're worried about that you could have a needle you devote entirely to sewing paper.

Here is a link to the needle I used (it's the Quilting 11/75):

http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/accessories_notions_list/147

Thanks so much for your comment,

Molly
February 3, 2009 | Registered Commenterpurl bee
Those felt hearts are so simple but look so effective. They're a lovely idea.
February 4, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterValerie
I spent my weekend making both the cards and pins for some of my co-workers and friends. They turned out so cute and were so much fun to make. Thank you!!!
February 8, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterNancygirl
Thank you for the inspiration! I love the heart pins. My daughter is 3 so I decided to make the pins into magnets instead so she could give them to her friends.
February 16, 2009 | Unregistered Commenteraurelia
Thank you for these hearts. I made about 15 and gave them all away--- to my yoga group, my mom and her hospital roommate, my son's friends, my daughter, my husband--yes he loved his and is wearing it again today! And of course, one for myself. I received more joy from giving these simple gifts, especially in hugs and kisses! Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!!
February 16, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterPatrice
Those pins are so so so cute! Love it!
February 17, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterAmber
how do you make the hearts in the first picture?? i love those!
January 20, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterVicky
Hi Vicky-

You can see how to make the felt hearts in the first picture by clicking here:

http://purlbee.squarespace.com/valentine-heart-pins/

Thanks for your comment!-

Molly
January 20, 2011 | Registered Commenterpurl bee

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