Valentine's Charms Tutorial + Template

I haven't sewn much since Christmas...house building and all.  But today (yes it was today) I wanted to make something lovey dovey.  Similar to the Love Where You Live Ornament, these little beauties are a combination of applique, embroidery, and scraps.  Would you believe these are made with used canning lids?

I thought these would look really fun hanging from a branch or in a shadowbox frame.  Maybe next year.  The best part is that if you sew much and ever home can, you probably everything you need to make these right now.  Want to whip some up for your family?

Valentine's Cuties

I totally forgot to post these. A few of you asked what I put in those Valentine's pouches. I made four little coin purses, using Anna's fabulous Lil' Cutie Tutorial. I love that pattern!

I was keeping to things I had on hand, and so no key chain fob, but I did applique a little heart inside each of them.

Now each child has a place to corral their loose cash. Between birthdays, they generally carry more cash on hand than I do.

Sharing with Along for the Ride, and Tatertots and Jello.

Valentines decor and a sneak peak

First off, I wanted to show off how the Valentines decor turned out.  For those new here, I shared my Valentines Pouches and Banner Wreath earlier this year. 

A few years ago, I cut out several hearts out of vellum.  They've been taped to windows previously, this year they were turned into simple mobiles and hung from the chandelier and branches.  I used skinny pink grosgrain ribbon and my glue gun.

Valentines Mini Banner for your Wreath, with free template

I'm not sure if any of you have started banner wreaths, but I thought I'd modify my Valentines Ruffle Banner for my wreath, and share the how-to.

To simplify things, I didn't add ruffles to these hearts, but used the easier method I showed, utilizing your pinking shears.  Let's begin, shall we?

Valentines Bookmarks

Since making the Valentines Pouches, I got into a small panic about what to put inside.  The budget wouldn't let me go out and purchase a bunch of stuff...nor do I want to give my kids a bunch of crap stuff to just toss later.  I ran across this site via One Pretty Thing, and knew I had to try their bookmark idea.  My oldest girl is a voracious reader, and we require  encourage all of our kids to read daily.  Bookmarks were a perfect fit.

I whipped these up tonight after the kids went to bed.  I used gray felt with maroon for my boys.  I thought adding the white cross-stitches made them look masculine.  

I pinked the edges of my girls' bookmarks.  The center is sewn on with jumbo french knots, made with four-ply floss.

 

I think I'll add a few more little handmade goodies, like hair clips and goodie bags.  I also plan on writing notes.  My kids had a ball on Tuesday writing notes to each other.  They actually used up a whole notepad, and filled the pouches! 

If you've made Valentines pouches, what types of things are you putting into them?


UPDATE:
Here's my big girl...her bookmark has already found a place to keep.

Sharing with:
Kojo Designs, Freckled Laundry, Creation Corner, Tatertots and Jello, and Treasurista's Treasures.