Does anyone else ever wish we still dressed up for things? I remember my grandmother talking about wearing a hat and gloves to go shopping. Shopping. Ahhh, the romance (she says while gratefully clad in a t-shirt and jeans!).
These are casual times, so I decided to put my costume jewelry to work for Valentines.
Supplies:
picture frame, minus the glass (mine has a 5 x 7 opening)
cardboard insert (the one that comes with the frame is fine if it fills the opening; or cut out your own)
fabric or scrapbook paper
pins, earrings, rings, bling!
scissors
clips
tape
pushpin
scrap paper or cutout of a heart
Instructions:
- Dig up those kindergarten memories and cut out a paper heart. Check to see that the size works well with the opening of your frame (ie. not too big, not too small).
- Arrange jewelry on your paper heart until you get a combination you like.
- Cover cardboard insert with fabric or scrapbook paper. Secure with tape (or glue—tape was just faster and when finished, the frame holds it in place.)
- Clip paper with heart-shaped opening onto fabric/paper-covered cardboard.
- Transfer pins, earrings, etc. from your practice heart to the heart shape on your cardboard.
- Remove clips and paper pattern. Place cardboard insert back into frame and bend in tabs to help keep it in place. Voila!
Tips:
- The more textured the fabric, the more forgiving it will be if you need to make new holes and hide old ones.
- If your cardboard is pretty stubborn or your earring posts are bendy, a starter hole with the push pin will help.
- I had more control of the shape by placing the larger pieces first. Smaller items can help fill in gaps or clarify the outline.
- Secure earrings with backs if enough of the post is sticking through the other side. (Most of mine just stayed in place on their own– as long as I didn’t turn the whole project upside down.)
- I used a ring when the supply of earrings grew slim. It required a healthy slit with a utility knife. (Not easy to hide if you decide to move it, so choose wisely!).
Starting a new year usually inspires clarifying of one’s goals and priorities. Why no
t include some inspiration toward that purpose in your decor? Funny, profound, or encouraging–our most familiar surroundings have extraordinary influence on our emotions. Fairy lights and sparkly snowflakes inspire lightheartedness and are fitting of the wonder we should embrace as we 
step into this year of new
We like to pass around a bowl of letters and say something(s) we’re thankful for that begins with the letter we draw out of the bowl. This simple activity is appropriate for almost any age, can be deep or light-hearted, and requires nominal prep. You can also use scrabble tiles, magnet letters, flashcards, etc.
To keep young guests occupied before the meal, ask them to be traveling artists! They can trace their hand or one of the adults and turn it into a turkey. We also supplied some fun stickers because what turkey doesn’t want a mustache?
