Happy Valentine's Day! The day is almost done here, I had a little trouble finding enough light to snap a pic of this wreath I barely finished in time. You might recognize it as a wreath Ikea carried for Christmas. I bought one for half off after the holidays, and spent some time brainstorming what to do with it. Finally decided to make a version of this wreath using fabric strips. Pretty simple really, just cut the fabric with a rotary cutter and start tying!
Note - to minimize any sort of fire hazard, treat the fabric first with a homemade spray consisting of 5 parts boric acid (some drugstores carry this), 6 parts Borax and 100-150 parts warm water. Spray liberally and let dry.
I'm quite happy with how this turned out, it looks cute either lit or not. I used good old red gingham and added a yellow homespun here and there to brighten up the palette. It is now hanging happily over the mantle in my bedroom.
Hope your Valentine's Day is a happy one!
Cheers,
Jenny
ps to Ro..... SMOOCHIES!!!
I've been reading you on bloglines for a while but have not commented before. Love the heart, and just thought I'd pop in to wish you a Happy Valentine's Day!
Posted by: Jodi | February 14, 2007 at 09:52 PM
You have outdone yourself, my friend. I LOVE this!
Posted by: Ninotchka | February 14, 2007 at 10:29 PM
Happy Valentines Day to you. I'm in awe of your anti-flamatory concoction. Seriously. Who knew?
Genius.
Posted by: Morgan | February 14, 2007 at 10:45 PM
It's so lovely - beautiful glow about it.
Posted by: frances | February 14, 2007 at 11:49 PM
nice version of the MCI wreath !
by the way, i love your layout's background too ! :)
Posted by: charlie pOp | February 15, 2007 at 03:11 AM
I love the mix of the gingham fabrics with the gingham ledge. The heart looks so nice with the lights. Thank you for the tip for fire retardant.
Posted by: Lallee | February 15, 2007 at 05:41 AM
What a lovely wreath--I love the whole idea of it, the gingham, the lights, the heart shape (and the hint about the fireproofing--I wouldn't have thought of it).
I hope your Valentine's Day was lovely!
Posted by: June | February 15, 2007 at 06:17 AM
That is so cute! Great job!
Terri
Posted by: Terri Pollhein | February 15, 2007 at 06:30 AM
That wreath is so cute!!! Great job!
God bless!
Terri
Posted by: Terri Pollhein | February 15, 2007 at 06:31 AM
Oooo, cute wreath. That could be great for ANY holiday, or ANY DAY! :)
Posted by: cindy | February 15, 2007 at 07:38 AM
WOW - I've got the same plain wreath and it looks a little boring now that I've seen this. What a fantastic idea!! Thanks for sharing it.
Posted by: CraftyB | February 15, 2007 at 02:50 PM
I love the twinkle of the lights. Why didn't I think of this?
Posted by: Rachael | February 16, 2007 at 12:56 AM
I love the twinkle of the lights. Why didn't I think of this?
Posted by: Rachael | February 16, 2007 at 12:59 AM
Oh I love that wreath. The images you put up in your blog just make me happy. Thanks!
Posted by: Angie Grimm | February 16, 2007 at 10:11 AM
I had thought to do the same with an old styro heart shape stored in the attic but never thougt to add the lights. I may just go ahead and make it now and have it for next February.
I love the things you post. My daughter made the advent swag for me for Christmas! I opened the package and said "Oh, from the blog!!!" Delighted!!
Posted by: joanne S | February 17, 2007 at 08:16 AM
How pretty.
Posted by: Rona | February 18, 2007 at 11:28 PM
That looks fantastic, what a great idea! Was it very time consuming?
Posted by: Peta | February 19, 2007 at 07:35 AM
I've made a wreath much like this but I used the twig kind that you can get from a craft store. You leave the plastic wrap on and take 3"x3" squares of fabric and poke the center with the back of a pencil into the wreath. It makes a really nice ruffled effect, espcially when you cut the fabric with pinking shears.
Posted by: Tia | February 20, 2007 at 02:16 AM
Oh my goodness, you always have such wonderful ideas!
Posted by: Marieke | March 01, 2007 at 06:23 AM
Oh man what a beautiful blog. Well I'll have to say I do enjoy following your blog as I relax here in the sun room on one of the adirondack chairs that we used to decorate this room with. I enjoy the banter.
Posted by: jon | September 12, 2007 at 12:03 AM