Good Morning! I’m back from my weekend in Arizona but I am seriously missin’ that squishy little niece of mine …

For any new readers, my family’s very first grandchild (i.e. my first niece) was born two weeks ago and oh, gracious. She is delectable. Her name is Laela Carolina (isn’t that the cutest?!) and We. Love. Her. A. Lot. You can see pictures of her here. Do it. Follow the link. Seriously. You know you want to. (I never thought I’d be “that” kind of an auntie … but I am. Unabashedly. I am.)

But OK, enough about Little Laela Lou (maybe). You’re here for the tutorials right? Some say garlands have been way over-done. And it’s true. They have. But I still love them. They’re such a fun, bold, whimsical way to decorate for any holiday, party, dinner, or special event. They take your decorations to a whole new level, lifting the eye and completing a look. (And they’re usually so easy!)

So. For instructions on the felt polka-dot/heart garland, click here. Oh! And before I forget, I mentioned on air today that on Feb.1 (one week from today) I’ll be emailing a free e-book to my mailing list subscribers, chock-full of Valentine’s Day crafts and ideas. So if you want to get that free e-book, fill out the form below.

Now. Onto the Valentine’s Day Flag Bunting … Supplies: fabric (mix it up–go with a modge podge of designs and colors!) . scissors . double fold bias tape . sewing machine & thread Steps:

1. Cut fabric. For the bunting pictured, I cut mine into 5″ x 7″ rectangles, but you could easily make yours bigger or smaller. Just make sure you have enough to fill your bias tape.
2. Take one rectangle and fold/iron the 3 edges that will be exposed 1/4″. Sew in place close to edge. Repeat with remaining rectangles. *Note: If you don’t want to finish your edges, you could also cut the fabric with pinking shears to keep them from fraying, or if you don’t mind the slight fraying, leave them raw.
3. Insert the raw edge of the rectangles into the bias tape opening and pin in place. Make sure the rectangles are centered along the bias tape and that you have enough tape on each end to use when hanging the bunting. Laying your rectangles out on the floor first helps. *Note: I left about 1″ space between each of my rectangles, but if I made one of these again, I would only leave about 1/4″ space.
4. Once pinned, begin at one end of the bias tape and sew a straight line to the other end, being sure to catch your rectangles inside the seam.
5. Trim loose threads and hang!

Variations:

• Applique hearts or X’s and O’s on each “flag.” Or maybe even the word “LOVE.”
• OR … Paint a message/saying on them rather than applique.
• Instead of rectangles do triangles or squares.

So there you have it. Two really simple, totally cute Valentine’s Day garlands. And don’t forget … for more crafts and ideas, sign up for the free e-book. xo!
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