Happy Valentine's Day

I went a little OTT with Valentine's Day this year. I'm not normally a Valentine's sort of girl - except for the chocolate - but something this year made me prepare three separate craft projects and a yummy treat. I think I failed to satisfy my crafting needs over the Christmas holiday. I didn't do any baking (well not really) or any crafts with the boys. I had a brand new baby, a house full of grandparents and a husband so busy he didn't even stay home when the baby was born. With its emphasis on red and baking, Valentine's Day has stepped in to fill what was missing from my Christmas.

First up was this fun little project I've wanted to make since I saw it on the Purl Bee last year. It wasn't until recently that my local fabric shop started carrying wool felt and it wasn't until I felt (sorry) it for myself that I was convinced of its superiority to the ordinary kind. I suppose I've now been bitten by the felt bug because as I made these, I realized how fun it is to do little sewing by hand without edges to finish. Then I started thinking about other things I could do with felt. I think there might be more felt projects coming. It makes such a nice break from my "serious" sewing. I made a few of these and gave them to some other little girls I know. And I have to confess I've been wearing a red one all day myself.

Here is an action shot of one of the barrettes. Do you know another three month old with enough hair to actually wear a barrette? 

The boys saw these on Martha Stewart one day and desperately wanted to make them. I'm not sure why I thought mice were appropriate for Valentine's Day, but the boys wanted to make them at Christmas and we didn't get around to it. I thought their little bodies looked like half of a heart and figured we'd make them for Valentine's instead. As a cookie, they were quite disappointing. They tasted like slightly sweet pie crust and were difficult to work with. However, they are cute and so much fun was had making them. They boys found poking holes in the rear of the mouse and inserting tails especially entertaining. There was some potty humor, I'm afraid, but much laughing, so what can you do? This mouse was made by a 5 year old, though, so it's definitely a doable project with the kids. 

The final crafty project was some little animals put together out of strategically cut heart shapes. I made these with the boys after school today, so the pictures will be available soon. I chose this project because my three year old has recently become obsessed with puzzles and I thought he would like the puzzle aspect of these critters. They were a bit tricky and perhaps the children were tired because it all got a little crazy. One 5 year old shouting "I need more googly eyes" and a 3 year old shouting "look, Mom, I cut-ted it!" and mom wondering how in the world pre-school teachers organize craft projects with 20 kids!

And finally, a little something for the husband and me to share. Because after such a hectic Christmas season, we need every excuse to spend some quality time together. Now for a non-diet romantic dinner and drinks!

Wishing you and yours a lovey Valentine's Day too.