Valentine Heart Mobile

by Ann Winberg
(Loup City, NE)

Who did you make it for?

While designing my Valentine Heart Mobile my sweetheart husband asked me if it was for him. Now who would I say it was for? Actually it was for all of you fellow crafters out there!

This one is easy enough to get the kids involved. It is my hope you enjoy making it as much as I enjoyed designing it.


What materials did you use?

Items you will need are:

• Clear soda bottle


• Heavy scissors


• Sharpies (black and red)


• Hot glue


• Tacky glue


• 48" of 1/8" red ribbon


• 1 sheet red card stock


• 1 sheet white card stock


• ½ yd. white 1 ½" lace flat lace


• ½ yd. 2" white lace for flower


• Scraps for leaves, or purchased leaves


• Paper punch

How did you make it?

I always encourage people to read clear through the directions of any project before starting it; if you are like me you will find ways to make it either easier for you or more suitable for your sweetheart.

It is your choice whether you print the "ribbon placement" photo for a pattern or draw your own heart; trace the pattern on both of your card stock sheets.

Cut out and glue your lace around the white one with your tacky glue leaving part extending out over the edge, gather at the corners and the top point.

Cut your ribbon into 4 lengths; tape your ribbon strands evenly, the length you make them is up to you.

Make a loop for hanging your mobile. Use decorative scissors and cut out your red heart. Using your hot glue make a line around the back just inside your decorative holes and quickly place it over your lace.

Using a soda bottle for the small hearts makes them puffed looking after you paint them. Make a heart pattern small enough that you can cut 4 from your soda bottle; or whatever size you want and use 2 bottles. My bottle was grooved and I used a red sharpie to color in-between the grooves. Use a sharp knife to cut the bottle apart and to separate the hearts then use the scissors to cut them out. Punch a hole in the center just below the point. Paint as wanted.

After the hearts are dry, bring your ribbon through the hole and tie a bow. Repeat with each heart.

I drew my letters freehand but you could use templates if you wish. Glue the letters in place.

For the flower I used two inch ribbon folded in half lengthwise; gather along the two edges then tightly roll from one end and as you roll stitch the bottom edge together. Make sure it is securely stitched or it will pop apart. Decide on placement and using hot glue attach your leaves then glue your flower in the center. Glue some of the outside ribbon back to the cardstock to make the flower open up.

After I got my letters glued on the hearts I decided I would rather have had them on the bottom of the large heart on the ribbon so I popped them off and reset them. They will stay on the plastic until you want them off if you use tacky glue and still come off without leaving any residue.

Please feel free to change what you want to make this your own... I hardly ever make a pattern as it was meant. I figure that is just what it is - a pattern.


--------

To see more of Ann's creations, do take a peek at her blog and jewelry store.

--------

Back to Homemade Valentines Gifts & Ideas