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:

• Sewn Paper Valentines Project Journal
• Valentine Pins Project Journal
  

Happy Valentine's Day! --Molly

Comments

[ina and gumby]

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 ...

[jen]

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

[Meg]

Those pins are so cute! I can't wait to make them!

[Salihan]

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!!

[Lisa]

So sweet! I have two little girls that will love this.
Thanks!

[darlene]

so very cute...love it that you can add a creative twist to such a "done" holiday

[Lenny]

These are one of my favorites!! I'm so going to make them!

[Cat]

I am loving those love pins. Wow - I need to track down some pretty wool felt! Thank you for those lovely ideas.

[Jamie]

What fabulous ideas! My Dad used to give me Sees Candy Heart Boxes too! And notes in my lunch that day at school...

[heleen]

how lovely this post is! Love your valintine ideas!

[Nana]

oh, the pins are very much adorable, specially with their "sawed" edges.

[Ali]

You guys never disappoint - these are delightful.

[Kim @ Inspired Goodness]

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!!

[Isadora]

Oh, I love all the yummy colors.

[vanessa]

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..................

[Brenda]

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.

[Steff]

Those little hearts are the cutest things I've ever seen! Love them!

[Jessica]

These are lovely!!

[Annie Pazoo]

Thanks for the hearts and valentines. Loving all of them!

[Loralee - No Fuss Fabulous]

So cute!!!!!!

[alycia]

i love your valentines! those little hearts are just adorable :) i think i may have to make some now!

[Nicole J]

I love this idea!

[Tiff@Three Peas]

I have always wanted to try my hand at sewing on paper. Is there a needle that is better to use for that?

[purl bee]

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

[Valerie]

Those felt hearts are so simple but look so effective. They're a lovely idea.

[Nancygirl]

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!!!

[aurelia]

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.

[Patrice]

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!!!

[Amber]

Those pins are so so so cute! Love it!

[Vicky]

how do you make the hearts in the first picture?? i love those!

[purl bee]

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