This is one of those reality check posts. Before I dispel all of your beliefs about me I had to show you what I ‘created’ last week.  Can you believe it?

I wish I could provide you with a tutorial (wouldn’t that be the best Valentine?) but I have no idea how I made those hearts with my tires.  I was dropping off my daughter to my sister-in-law.  She looked out at her driveway and said, “Oh my, you really are the craftiest person, you made a heart.”  After we had a good laugh, I realized I might be crafty but I would have never noticed what I had done.  It is just like my sister-in-law to notice.  She notices all those special things and is one of my biggest cheerleaders.  I would love to say I made those hearts intentionally for her, but however they miraculously were left there by my tires,  they are for her —-for appreciating all the little things, noticing the details and showering me with praise and love!

I also appreciate all of you that stop by this little blog and leave sweet comments.  Every now and then I get a comment that is just too good—actually too good to be true.    —- THEY FEEL SO GOOD—but at the end of the day us girls have to stick together. So just to keep it real you must first  read about the Fourth of July parade.  I do fess up there and say, “I hope my kids remember the parade when they are old and not that they always had to look for clean socks!” Please realize I only have one -3 year old at home (MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE) and the others 15 and 11 have been left to raise themselves (LOL).  You must also understand that my house is usually messy,  my sister-in-law kept my 3 year old (after I made those snow hearts) so I could clean off my kitchen counter to keep the health department at bay for one more day. My friend has said that after I take all those pretty photos for my blog I should whirl around and give everyone a true picture of what it looks like around the house.  I also rely heavily on the help of my friends and family.  In no way do I try to do it by myself.  My brother even told me my name should be  Cindy “it takes a village”Hopper.  And if you notice I am the most irregular blogger —-letting days (weeks)  pass by in-between posts. 

I am okay with my creative, clean and pretty space in the blog world, even if it doesn’t totally match my life — really both places are beautiful to me! It is not done in an effort to be fake–the qualities are all mine, the good and the bad in both places. 

I hope the things you see here add something special and fun to your life!   I hope you are inspired when you visit here. Putting my ideas out here has truly blessed me, I hope it has you also!  It is always  nice to hear when people enjoy what you are doing!  I do appreciate it when you take the time to say so!—–just remember there is usually more to the story (it will just be our little secret).

My little girl couldn’t take any extra treats, candy or trinkets with her Valentines for preschool. That meant the lollipop lilies were out for us. So instead we made these little conversation heart garlands out of cardstock.

We added “pink fairy” glitter (carefully chosen and liberally sprinkled by my daughter) to each of the letters. I used a Fiskers 1/4 inch rectangle hole punch to punch a hole in each side and then strung the letters on a 1/4 inch ribbon. We included two mini clothes pins with each garland. We packaged each garland in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon.

BE MINE Conversation Heart Garland

I LUV U 4 EVER Conversation Heart Garland

Wishing you a very happy Valentine’s Day!

Here is our solution for Valentines for a boy that couldn’t decide whether Valentines are still “cool” to pass out. (He is in the fifth grade)

This boy’s indecision pushed us into a last minute project last night that I am still trying to finish today.

So if you find yourself in the same spot you can download the COOL Whirly Gig. We used card-stock, but they worked on thinner paper also.  My son finally getting into the fun decided we should punch a hole in the bottom and tie on a piece of candy (YIKES)!

Cut on all solid lines and fold on the dotted lines.

Fold up bottom flap and if you are not tying on candy you can fasten with a paper clip (wish I had a cool shaped one) , staple or cute heart brad.  Since the party is an hour away I think I might just hot glue that candy on the bottom!

Toss up into the air and it will twirl to the ground!  I hope you enjoy!  I am off to the Valentine’s Day party.

Here is another free valentine download for you! This one is much simpler! Download the files, cut and assemble!

Lollipop Lily

Leaf

Here is a free Valentine download for you if you dare (lots of cutting, folding, gluing….)

• Pillow Box Alligator- blank so you can add your own embellishments like stickers, heart hole punches, glitter and more!
• Pillow Box Alligator with pink hearts
• Inside of mouth

First download and print out an alligator and inside of mouth

Cut out pieces

Lightly score lines on pillow box and gently fold

Put glue on side flap of pillow box and fold together, leaving the ends open. Allow to dry a few minutes before folding in the ends of the box.

Score about 1/2 inch from the end of the upper mouth piece so it can open and close (see final picture). Fold in ends on box and begin gluing on upper and lower mouth and the tail.Use lots of glue stick! Use a rubber band to secure pieces while they are drying.

Fold edge of each leg and glue to sides of box

Add some googly eyes and fill box with candy