Valentine's Day Mantel

 Paper Heart Chains are so fun and simple to make!

 Votive wraps from pink construction paper with heart punch. Pink jewels to add flair.

 My kiddo made these pink yarn pompoms. I set a timer and told her to wrap around a serving fork for 8 minutes. ;) We attached them to sticks in our yard. It's very Lorax.

Tissue paper pompoms on candle holders, hearts and doilies on jars with battery operated tea lights, and subway art.

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Whimsical Seussical Mantel

 

At last! Well, almost. I have one more piece to put together. It may be a little overwhelming but you can't possibly overwhelm an 8 year old with Christmas decorations. It melted my heart when she said, "Kort, you're the best at Christmas Spirit." Exactly what I was going for. But then she went on to tell me that the outside of a house is more important than decorating the inside...my measly strand of lights isn't cutting it.

State Pin Art

 There you have it, I'm an Arkansan. To be honest, I absolutely love Arkansas. I was talking with some people this weekend who are transports to the state who can't find anything to love here. I think it is what you make it. I can't seem to find enough time to do all of the things I want to do. I've been hoarding this idea that I saw here months ago. I purchased the supplies but never found time to complete it. It requires a lot of hammering of nails, and once you get those nails hammered, it loosens up all of the nails that you've already hammered...and once you wrap those nails, they get looser...and then you re-hammer those nails again. Endless loop of getting angry/getting your anger out. ha. It was definitely a fun project. I think my little one will be able to make one of these with some help. My wife talks about all of the cool things her dad taught her to do when she was little and I joke that my dad gave me a hammer, a board, and a hand full of nails and told me to keep busy. ;) I can't tell you why I chose these colors, looking at the photo all I can think is "why did I choose those colors?" I guess they just spoke to me. I printed an outline of the state and cut it out and then hammered my nails around the perimeter. I free-handed the heart, which is never a good idea. The tutorial I read said to be sure and use as many nails as possible for the heart, I didn't. It would have looked a lot better if I did. Note to self, listen. I think that's about it. Not bad for a quick gift.

DIY Felt Heart Hand Warmies

How cute are these? I love to keep these handy in the mornings for the little one. They are so quick and easy to make. I'm always looking for beginner sewing projects to do. I don't think I mentioned before but I'm an Occupational Therapist. Last year I had some of my older students working on fine motor skills with stitching these warmers up. I found this idea on Etsy. I decided to make mine bright fun colors with wool felt. They don't stay warm for too long but definitely long enough to get to school. I chose to fill mine with rice and little lavender petals for a little scent.