Simple Valentines Tree & Burlap Wreath

Sunday, January 20, 2013



My Christmas decorations are all down, and have at least made it as far as the garage.
And my house is somewhat in order, at least it appears so on the surface (closets don't count! ha).
That's a good thing, right?

But I still can't quite get into the swing of things,
like organizing (closets, attic, laundry room, garage, etc.)
or remembering where everything is, or should go!

It usually takes me until February each year to get my bearings!  

So, what does this rambling have to do with this post...

I can't find my Valentines Decorations!
nada...nowhere...

And I just refuse to go buy more,
'cause eventually they will show up,
maybe by Easter, or Fourth of July,
but eventually...



So, what's a girl to do in the meantime...
Use what she has on hand ...be creative,  be frugal!



From a large supply of scrap book paper,
I cut simple hearts, and used fishing line to hang them from branches 
spray-painted with leftover white paint.



The "base" of the Valentines Tree was from my Collection of Ironstone Pitchers.
I purchased the one below, at a yard sale of an elderly lady friend,
who said the pitcher was her mother's and well over 100 years old!

The red raffia filler was left over from my Dollar Tree Candlesticks Project.
{previous post}






Next on my agenda for Valentine Decorations was a wreath for my Pantry Door...



For the form of the wreath, I started with Foam Pipe Covers.
{Four in a pack, for less than $3.00}



One foam cover wasn't long enough, so I added about 2/3's of another piece.

I tried hot-gluing the ends together, but the hot-glue literally ate away the foam.
I connected the pieces and secured them with duct tape,
which was probably a better choice all around.

After I completed the form,
I cut long strips of burlap to wrap around it to "pretty it up."
I used Aleene's Clear Quick Dry Tacky Glue to secure the ends,
and did two layers of burlap to cover the foam form well.



Gathering strips of burlap to make rosettes was really easy!
I selected a strand of "string" about 3 up from the bottom of the burlap strips,
and pulled to create gathers.
But beware, pull the string very slowly and gently, or it will break!

Once gathered, I rolled the strips into the shape of a rosette, securing them with hot-glue.



The open-grid burlap ribbon, below, was left over from Fall projects.
The rosettes were hot-glued, along with the bow, to the form.

(The red burlap and ribbon was found at Hobby Lobby.)



Sisal Twine was used to hang the wreath,
and being that the wreath is so light,
the twine was just draped over the door, and duck taped to the back side.






Just in case you're new to my blog,
I'll round up pictures later in the week of last year's decorations and share them.

But in the meantime,
I'm actually quite pleased with my simple, cheap frugal ones!  :)
My search has been suspended and I'm enjoying what I have!



_______________________________________


Linking Post To:
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm
Tabletop Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life
Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style
Be Inspired @ Elizabeth & Co
Be Inspired @ Common Ground
Open House Party @ No Minimalist Here

12 comments:

  1. Clever girl! I love frugality and I love that wreath so much that I pinned it. (If that's a problem, please let me know.)

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  2. Hi Rhonda! Oh, I just love that beautiful white pitcher you found and like the way you made a little Valentine tree with the hearts in it. You're so smart! Look at the darling little wreath you made. I love it. I'd never think of using the foam for your base but I do love me some duct tape! :)
    Be a sweetie and sorry you can't find you Valentine decorations.
    Shelia ;)

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  3. Rhonda,

    They look lovely. Very clever ideas on using things you had around the home.

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  4. I'm always amazed when stuff goes missing in my house. I just lost my wire cookie rack. You know, the big thing you cool cookies on. It's big.... like your Valentine's decor ....where the heck are they? LOL!
    I love your Valentine tree and your burlap wreath. They look very pretty. I guess not being able to find the decor pushed you to create- and that's a good thing. Take care! Have a wonderful week Rhonda!

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  5. LOL, I know the feeling, my house is in a jumble right now. It's a shame that you have to make things worse to make them better. You did a good job improvising, love the Valentine wreath and tree.

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  6. I love both heart tree and wreath. You are very creative!..Christine

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  7. Love your sweet Valentine's touches. I keep wanting to make a "tree" like this, but keep forgetting! I know what you mean about it taking a while to back into the swing of things after Christmas. For some reason, I've struggled more than usual this year.

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  8. So glad all of your decorations are down...wish I could say the same!...love the wreath Rhonda...what a clever way to make the wreath form!...and the heart branches are just so cute!!
    Have a great week!

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  9. Thank you for visiting my blog and taking the time to leave a comment! It's given me the opportunity to discover your beautiful site....I just love your ironstone pitcher with the heart covered twigs, and the burlap wreath! Well done!

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  10. Love your twig valentine tree. How fun. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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