Pink Texas Chick: Valentine's Day

Huh? Confusing title, I know, but it turned out to be true for me the night before my daughter’s Valentine class party. You see, I totally slacked this year for Valentine’s Day. No home décor, no crafts, no cute and fun treats for my kids to give to their friends or teachers. Nada. So when I realized on Thursday night (February 12^th) that I had not done a thing for my daughter to take to school I panicked at the disco, y’all. And when I say it was Thursday night I mean it was like 9:35 p.m. Slacker mom. Especially since I made it a point to watch Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal (no slacking there!). Side note: I get my kids ready for bed on Thursday evenings during commericals. #dontjudge #youdoittoo

So like I said, I was in a panic and quickly decided that I would make sugar cookies and put them in little sandwich baggies with curled red ribbon. Easy enough BUT it was already late and although that is a simple recipe I did not want to take the time to soften the butter and I changed my mind about bagging them all nice and pretty. It took a nano second to scratch that idea. I then remembered that I had a box of devil’s food cake mix and that I had a seen a recipe for cookies on the back of the box. Boom! Here is what I had less than an hour later.

And as the title of this post says, they were tasty and I was pleasantly surprised. ---> I may or may not be a cookie snob and prefer from-scratch recipes. J I followed the recipe as stated on the Duncan Hines website except for two details. It said to use ½ cup walnuts and ½ cup chocolate chips but since it was for Valentine party, I opted for mini red M&Ms. And of course I avoided the nuts just in case anyone in the class had a nut allergy.

The recipe was not on the box with the picture but it referred to their website. I didn't understand why they wouldn't just slap it on the back of the box but it turns our there are a few cookie recipes to use for this cake mix. Here is the one I used in case you too are having a slacker moment or whatever. J

Duncan Hines Fudge Cookie Recipe.

What about cookies for my son, you ask? Um no. He's in middle school now and they don't do that. (Insert a middle schooler's voice and facial expression here).

Hola. Well before I begin to show you my Valentine's Day wreath I kinda want to pat myself on the back because this wreath makes my third one in five months. I had never made a wreath before until this past October when I made my Halloween wreath. Wreath making is one of those crafts I never tackled and always wanted to but never did because I just did not know where to begin. After a little planning and inspiration I came up with this wreath:

I have seen many yarn wreaths around the dubya dubya dubya (internet) and that stroked my curiosity to make one for my freshly painted front door. My inspiration for this wreath came from the many yarn wreaths I've seen and also from this front door decor I pinned on Pinterest a few weeks ago. --------> Cute, huh? It's actually a seller on Etsy that has this up for grabs.

Anywho, here goes the lowdown on how I made my very first yarn wreath. First let me begin by saying that my hands and wrists were sore after wrapping the yarn around over and over. Don't think I'm going to make another one soon. :)

Valentine's Day Yarn Wreath

Supplies:
* 1 - 12 in. foam wreath
*Yarn in Sweet Mocha by I Love This Yarn!
*Craft glue
*Brown chipboard letters
*Pink adhesive gemstones (scrapbook item)

Step 1

To begin, I tied a double knot on the wreath and tucked in the loose piece of yarn a little before wrapping around.

Step 2

In clockwise motion, wrap the yarn around the wreath starting at the knot. It took me three whole turns to completely cover my wreath therefore I had plenty of yarn leftover.

Step 3 & 4

Snip the yarn once you are happy with the coverage and glue down with craft glue. I used Crafter's Pick The Ultimate! glue and I am loving that glue more and more. I rely on it more than my 'ol glue gun. It has lots of holding power. After applying the glue, I used a toothpick to pat the yarn into place. The glue dries clear so there is no obvious mark.

Step 5 (picture not shown)

Sorry, but I accidentally deleted the picture of the chipboard letters and stickers being put on the wreath. But it is a cinch and I'm sure you figured it out, right? :)

Place some gemstone stickers on the letters however you please and then using the craft glue, glue the chipboard letters onto the wreath. Again, in the order and fashion you desire. The chipboard letters are just like the ones I used in my hair bow holder.

And that is how I made my Valentine's Day Wreath. I just love those colors on that yarn. Maybe I'll ask grandma to help me make a blankey or scarf with that yarn. It's too pretty not to use again. :)