January 18, 2011

Fabric Valentine hearts garland

I have a big aversion to heart-shaped jewelry, but I don't mind me some Valentine decorations! Using some pieces of stiffened fabric, I made these easy folded fabric hearts. Once the fabric is treated (see here for the how to), it folds beautifully and doesn't fray.

Start by making a set of paper templates. I layered and cut four identical heart shapes, then progressively shaved more off the sides of each one.

Trace the four heart shapes onto the back side of a piece of stiffened fabric and cut them out. Fold all but the largest piece in half, then layer them onto the largest heart. Stitch a seam up the center to create a "book" and tie off each end. Press the folds with an iron if desired. Once the ironed fabric cools, it will hold its shape nicely.

Use these as Valentine package decorations or string them into a garland by running a thread through the bottom-most heart shape.

78 comments:

  1. very cute! :) I think I'm going to try that for my office space.

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  2. Oooooooh!! LOVE! Can you tell us about those fabrics -- especially the left and the right in the last photo?

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  3. Care, the left and right fabrics are listed here in this collection. Scroll down to find the names and links.

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  4. If I were making a garland, I would stitch the large hearts together and then add the smaller ones. No hand sewing = much quicker + more likely to get done.

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  5. very very cute! And I am with you on the heart shaped jewelry...don't know why I am against it as much as I am...just don't like it.

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  6. I feel the same way about heart jewelry, but am thinking a teeny tiny gold heart on a chain could be sweet. You know, if my Husband was wondering ;)

    Love those fabric hearts and garlands are my weakness.

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  7. Lovely...I need some hearts to hang on my twig tree. You've inspired me. Thanks.

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  8. You're having a blast with that stiffened fabric, aren't you? And such pretty projects!

    Glad I haven't bought you any heart-shaped jewelery (I hope)!

    Mum

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  9. REALLY enjoying this series of stiffened fabric projects - my kids and I are planning a craft day this weekend to include the box and the hearts - thanks!!

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  10. Super cute! Would be great for wedding decorations too!

    Fiksd

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  11. ooooooh, very neat! I love garlands.

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  12. Great idea and beautiful colours.
    Hugs from Germany.

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  13. Wow, I just love the 3-D effect. It makes such a stunning display.

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  14. I write you from Italy and this projet is very very simple and beautiful!!

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  15. I really LOVE your tutorials...
    thank u...
    Could the garland be paper?

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  16. Love it! I've been playing around with heart garlands on my site. I may have to give yours a go too! Valentine's Day decor is just so much fun.

    My fun garland project:
    http://thatsaintpaulhouse.blogspot.com/2011/01/decorating-for-valentines-day.html

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  17. wuau! amazing hearts!

    we're two crazy girls that admired you and we love your tutorials.

    We have made your snowflakes!!!!

    Thank you! we've used you for inspiration!

    You can visit us to see our snowflakes!

    Thanks!

    Monsters tweaks!

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  18. These are so adorable! The way the light kinda shines through them is too pretty!

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  19. I've been seeing heart garlands around but yours is my favorite - love the 3D look.

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  20. oh my goodness - love it. gong on my 'to make' list!

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  21. What great I'm gonna make one

    thank you for posting

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  22. Paty, sure thing. The hearts could totally be paper.

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  23. great idea! i have tons of fabrics scraps that would be perfect for this.

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  24. I know you always have good ideas but lately you've been on a roll, turning out idea after idea.

    Love the heart garland. Can't wait to see what you make next!

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  25. Do you have any ideas for projects with stiffened scrap denim pieces? Thanks!

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  26. I am hyped up about your garland. I made a heart garland a few years ago using fabric stiffener making negative hearts (does that make sense?). I leave it up all year long. I've been wanting to make another garland using the stiffener but didn't have any real ideas. I love yours. Thanks so much!

    Here is how I did my garland:

    http://sassypriscilla.typepad.com/sassy_priscillas_craft/2008/02/fabric-hanging.html

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  27. These are amazing! A great alternative to paper garlands. I hope I can find some "stiffen stuff" in Australia...
    Thank you for the inspiration

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  28. Gorgeous! I write for the Examiner and would love to feature your project. Please let me know if you are interested, I would link to your blog and use a photo which would be credited to you. Thanks!

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  29. You could also stitch two back to back to make a 3D decoration...and if you need something besides a heart - the concept seems very versatile. I'm going to use it...hmm, maybe it will work from some hair ornaments for my next skating competition...thanks for the ideas!

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  30. I just want you to know, I really enjoy your blog! You have some great inspiration- thank you!

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  31. Rebecca, sure, go ahead. Which Examiner?

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  32. thanks for the inspiration. Might try with paper and have it 3D on both sides since I'm looking to fill my glass lamp. Also could make fun magnets. So many ideas, so little time.

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  33. I agree on the heart jewelry, except for the one piece that I wear 24/7. It is a gold 3D heart pendant that my husband gave me for our 20th anniversary. We're now approaching our 39th anniversary, this year. It is very special heart!

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  34. Valentines day is my favorite holiday ever

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  35. Thanks for another clever idea, Jess! We're linking to this post today as part of our Links We Love series. Check it out: http://gooseberrypatch.typepad.com/blog/2011/01/lwl-how-about-orange.html

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  36. I followed the link from Gooseberry Patch. Wow! I love these hearts. Thanks so much.

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  37. Visiting from Gooseberry Patch! What a perfect craft to make with my granddaughter!
    Love your blog!! You have a new follower!

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  38. OK,so I must be the only one who loves heart jewelry!But to be honest,I love "heart" anythings!LOL
    And I am going to make this garland....so pretty....and it's hearts!! LOL Darlene

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  39. I heartchur socks. They'd make a good sock monkey.

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  40. BELA, I LOVE YOUR VALENTINE, I AM GOING TO MAKE SOME....I HOPE THEY COME OUT AS BEAUTIFUL AS YOURS.
    WE HAD SNOW AGAIN, I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL SPRING TIME. HAVE A LOVELY DAY. RIZZI

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  41. Love these hearts -thanks for sharing! Have a great weekend/ Eva

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  42. This is SO gorgeous! I hope it's okay if I link a little thumbnail photo to your tutorial? I'll post a photo credit under the link too. If not, please just let me know & I'll remove the pic. Either way, thank you ever so much for the inspiration & for the heart work that went into making such a lovely tutorial. Happy Valentine's Day, :o) Mel

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  43. Those hearts are amazing! Love 'em! Just featured your tutorial! :)

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  44. Absolutely charming! I think I'm going to make one with fabric flowers to hang above my girls' bed. Thanks so much for sharing the tutorial. I can't wait to share it with my readers.

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  45. Adorable! Thanks for the tutorial, I am going to post at my blog today! I LOVE LOVE this idea!

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  46. LOL about heart shaped jewelry. Every time I see a TV commercial for heart pendants with a diamond I shudder. I think my real beef with it all is that the jewelers imply than EVERY woman wants and must have one of those and it's a man's duty to provide it.

    My dislike, of course does not mean I don't leave room for others to love and cherish heart pendant jewelry. :)

    Paper hearts for me on the other hand are completely and utterly delicious. Mmmm!

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  47. Love it! I'm going to try it with paper!

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  48. I just adore this!! I admit I have a fedish with cutting folder paper hearts. I absolutely love your idea with creating these from stiffened fabric. I made a bunch with the intent to make a banner but rather I attached them to some Valentine's Day ribbons and hung them from my dining room hutch. You can see over on my blog http://punkiepies.blogspot.com/2011/02/you-can-never-have-too-many-hearts.html
    Thank you for sharing!!!

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  49. I heart these hearts. And it's not too late to make them for this Valentines day!

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  50. love it!!! thanks for sharing!

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  51. Love, love, love them! May I post and link?

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  52. Thanks! Made some from (gently painted) newspaper and loved them!

    -Paula

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  53. I really love this idea, thanks for sharing.

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  54. Beautiful, I need to get out my sewing machine!

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  55. This is adorable! Just wanted to let you know that I'm including this post on my "Top 10 Valentines Ideas" post at www.cheapcraftymama.com. Feel free to stop by and grab a button showing that you are featured!

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