The Folded Heart

I'm getting ready to share some paper origami hearts I created last weekend.  What I'm not going to share is the amount of time I spent on the internet looking for the 'how to's".  Really, time is valuable and if I weren't so anal to find the PERFECT instructions I would have been done in an hour (2 at the max).

The idea surfaced back during January when I took my daugther and her friend to get their nails done.  There a beautiful folded heart on the wall behind the register.  It was all I could do not to ask, "Do you mind taking that off your wall so I can see how it is made?".  It was this version but with white paper:

Two months later I decided to hunker down and find the pattern.  One thing led to the next and then began my obsessions of folding paper Valentines.  Here's another:

There are two different kinds shown above.  One has this expanding fold-out layer on top, the other is just a fold over, nothing fancy. There's something relaxing about making them.  You can cut 100's of sheets of paper in advance and just make hearts while waiting at the Dr.'s office, in carpool or for your chicken to cook (OK..maybe not that).

What you aren't seeing are the miniatures I created.  I've cut up strips of pink post-it notes at the office and created tiny hearts while waiting for programs to run.  I've even started creating hearts from the gold foil covering the Hersey nuggets at my desk.

The good thing about creating hearts is being able to use them all year round, not just for Valentine's Day.  That's what I'm saying to myself to justify the hours (DAY) I spent researching the BEST template evuh!

Want to try these for yourself, you can find directions here THREE WISDOMS.COM 

If you want to try the other kind, check out this link for ORIGAMI HEART. Of course, if you do a search for Origami heart you'll find LOTS of varieties, just try not to get hung up on those little beauties like I did.

Hearts on a String

Well, I've been away, AGAIN.  Let me explain:

Christmas Eve I picked up my 5 yo son at 3am to reposition him in the bed because as a mother I didn't think he looked comfotable the way he was (hanging slightly off the bed).

As I proceeded to lift 50lbs of dead weight I heard a series of noises that sounded like bubble wrap popping and spaghetti breaking in half.  Woke up with a sore back, which progressed the following week to a "OMG I can't walk". 

After two weeks of severe pain I opted for back surgery, something I never thought I'd ever do; especially after only having back pain for two weeks.  The rule of thumb for back pain is: go on meds, get shots, if that doesn't work find some other meds and more shots.  Do this for at least several months. 

I'd like to state for the record, if any man asks you what child birth feels like....tell him "very similar to a ruputured a disc".  It is in fact, if not almost identical as contractions.  Only difference is, labor last for A day, this pain goes on FOREVER.

In the O.R. and out again I feel as good as new.   The only orders I have are to take it easy. 

Dat's da scoop.  Seems I should have mentioned it earlier and I wouldn't have members fleeing from the inspiration hot spot.  Sadly, sitting only intensified my pain, so I was spending limited time on the electronic beast myself.  

Time to get back on track.  Let's start with something fun.  If there's one thing about having to lay low, it's being able to knock out some of those paper crafting ideas I've been piling up.  Here's my latest.  I'll let you take a looksie at the images, leaving the supply list for last.

 

Look at those sorry brown dash-dots on the scallop edge.  To much coffee if ya ask me!

 

Wanna make one of these for yourself?  Here's what you need.  Before I list supplies, I want you to look at your rubberstamps and try to incorporate what you have.  I've combined several stamp sets to make this and that's simply because I had them on hand.  Don't feel that you need to purchase every item I've used here to create this.  Make it your own.  Use what you have on hand.  If you don't have the Hearts to Heart punch, then use paper hearts instead.  Learning how to substitute pieces to projects will only extend the use of products you have on hand (and you'll thank me for it later).

Supplies: (and this is rough draft only)

• Petal Card Bigz (this is for the main card...THIS ya need)
• Sending Love designer series paper (Occasions Mini)
• Scalloped heart of hearts (Occasions Mini)
• Small heart punch (Occasions Mini)
• Heart to Heart punch
• Boho punch
• Scallop edge punch
• buttons
• Birds and Blooms sizzlit
• Simply Said Stamp set
• Best Wishes and More stamp set
• Be  Mine stamp set
• Scallop border punch (from SAB mini)
• Paper piercer
• Pink and Chocolate marker
• Cotton string (it hangs more freely than linen and hemp).  I used DMC floss for the chocolat hearts.
• Modern label punch
• Large Heart punch

That's about the gist of it.  The first step is adhering your large Petal Card hearts together.  Cut off two of the flaps from the petal card and it makes the heart.  You'll need to cut four of these and make hearts from them.  Attach the right side of one heart to the left side of another heart, and continue until all four are connected.  Punch a hole in the top and that's were you'll add your string for hanging. 

Tie a knot between each embellishment you add to the top of the string; this will prevent the items from falling on top of each other; keeping them seperated.

Be creative when designing the inside of the four hearts.  Add more words, more hearts, whatever you like.  Use my images to help guide you.   Any questions, just email!

Stampin' Smiles.

Melanie