Dollar Store Decorating-Valentine's Day Version

I really hadn't planned on doing much decorating for Valentine's Day...HA...clearly I am obsessed.  Once I started posting my projects,  questions started coming in asking when I was posting my Dollar Store decorating for Valentine's Day.  I kept it really simple this time...

I purchased:  red doilies, heart table scatter, plastic heart boxes, cardboard heart boxes, and conversation heart candy.

I used the white tulle ribbon, white card stock, candles, and candle holders from my stash.

With this I made a simple heart garland and a cute table decoration.

For the garland...

I simply stapled the red doilies to the white tulle ribbon.

Cut out hearts from the white card stock and attached them to the doilies with a glue stick.

Attached the heart table scatter to the white hearts with craft glue.

And hung it on the stairs.

For the table decoration...

I filled the candle holders with the conversation heart candy.  I basically just repeated my candy corn idea.  I filled the cardboard hearts with the candy also, and arranged it all in the center of the table.  Now if I can keep my little people from swiping the candy!  I guess it is time to start the rumor that the candy is covered in glue.

These two projects were super easy and dollar store cheap!

  

Valentine's Day Countdown {Tutorial}

My brain has been on project overload this week.  Either I am really inspired, or I am still avoiding the laundry. Whatever the reason, I have been having a blast!  Valentine's Day has always been my favorite holiday, so why not countdown the days until February 14th?!?  Nothing better than getting your children all hyped up for the day...right?

Supplies you will need:

• 14 Valentine cards (the dollar store has a great selection)
• Ribbon (I found this ribbon at the Dollar Spot in Target)
• 16 Wooden clothespins (I used the small size)
• Red and white card stock
• Craft glue
• Number stickers (you will need enough to make the numbers 1-14)
• Hanging shoe organizer
• Various Valentine's Day treats

Attach a strip of ribbon to the front of each clothespin using craft glue.  I used the small clothespins, but the regular size will work too.  Let those dry while you work on the rest of the project.

Separate the Valentine's Day cards.  I laminated these to help them survive my toddler duo, but it is not necessary.

Use the number stickers to place a number (1-14) on each card. 

Make a pattern you like as you attach the number stickers.

Use the red and white card stock to make a Valentine's Day Countdown sign.  You can hand write it, use stickers, or print it from the computer.  I printed this one and backed it with red card stock.  I laminated this as well...just a little obsessed with my new toy!

This shoe organizer had six rows of four pockets.  I cut of the two bottom rows, so that I had 16 pockets total.

Hang on the back of a door.  I hung mine on the door leading to our garage, so we can countdown as we leave for the day.  I used the removable 3m hooks, so that I don't damage the door when it comes down after the holiday.

Attach the countdown sign to the top of the organizer using two ribbon covered clothespins.

Attach the Valentine's Day card with the rest of the clothespins.  I started with the #1 card in the top left corner.

Place the last two cards in the middle of the last row.

Yes, I chose a lot of candy for my treats.  To be honest, it was the most inexpensive and easiest to find.  Next year, I will plan in advance and pick some non-sugary items.

Place the treats in the pockets behind the Valentine's Day cards.  I placed enough treats to cover all three of my darlings.

Begin counting down the days on February 1st.

When you countdown a day, take of the Valentine's Day card and place it in the pocket, and let your little or big ones enjoy the treats!

My total cost for this project was less than $15.  Having the shoe organizer in my stash helped keep down the cost, but these can be picked up anywhere for a minimal price.

Now if I can just keep my children from swiping all the treats before we get to February 1st!

I am linked up to some great parties with tons of ideas....The Shabby Nest, Fingerprints on the Fridge, I Heart Naptime, and A Few of My Favorite Things.

Valentine's Day Chair Backer {Tutorial}

Now that Jack's birthday party is over, and the house is back in order...well almost back in order...I have moved on to some fun projects for Valentine's Day.
I have been dreaming about creating a knock-off of this...

I can use my sewing machine...I can even thread the bobbin!  BUT, I wouldn't claim to be a seamstress. Attempting this type of chair backer would be challenging, and at the moment I do not have the patience for anything challenging.  
So instead of attacking the mounds of laundry overtaking my house, I went to my #2 happy place...Hobby Lobby.  I {heart} that place.  After wandering the aisles a bit, I came up with an idea for a chair backer that wouldn't involve dusting off my sewing machine.

Supplies you will need:

• Small canvas tote bag
• Fabric (approximately a 12 in square)
• Coordinating trim or ribbon
• Coordinating embroidery thread
• Fabric glue (I used Fabri-Tac)
• Snap fastening kit
• Card stock
• Pencil
• Scissors and/or pinking shears

Cut out a heart from card stock large enough to cover most of the tote bag while leaving about a two inch border.

Turn the bag inside out and trace heart onto bag.

Cut heart out of bag using pinking shears or scissors.  I used pinking shears to give the edge a nice tattered look.

Fray the edges a little more if desired.

Use the same heart pattern and cut a heart out of the fabric square.  Leaving a border at least 2 inches wide.

Use fabric glue to attach the fabric (pattern side down) onto the bag.  I placed a very thin bead of glue along the edge of the fabric heart.

Once the glue is dry, turn the bag back inside itself and cut off the handle attached to the front of the bag.

Cut the handle attached to the back of the bag in half, but leave it attached to the bag.

Add trim to the top of the bag.  I attached my trim to both sides of the bag.

Use the embroidery thread to sew a simple running stitch around the heart.

Use the snap fastener to attach snaps to the two ends of the handle that was cut in half.

Attach the other half of the snap to the back of the bag.

Make sure it is lined up to snap together correctly.

Attach to back of chair and enjoy!

Delaney Bug has been SO into making cards for everyone lately...everyone gets a card...everyday.  Sweet Girl!  She is going to be THRILLED to make Valentine's and deliver them to her brothers in these bags...

Jude's bag.

And Jack's bag.

Even the boy versions are too cute!

I made all three bags for less than $20!  It also took me only about an 1 1/2 hours to make all three bags.  I am so pleased with how they turned out, and even more tickled that they took so little time and money!  I can't wait to fill these with Valentine's Day goodies for my little angels.

Check out other great ideas at these link parties: