Labour of love

I don't know about you, but I've been on a decorating high since the Christmas holidays, and with Valentine's Day approaching, I was itching to make something pretty for my home.

Want to make some for yourself?

Here's what you'll need:

• Scissors (plain-edged and—if you want some variety—decorative)
• Paper (I had a gently-used stack of scraps already laying around, so I used that)
• Ribbon (for hanging, if you want to make a garland or banner)
• Tape (if you're hanging them)

Regarding types of paper, I find it's easier to use cardstock or something similarly sturdy (because you'll be giving the paper a lot of grief with all of that folding).  Just a tip.

Now, starting off: to find a heart shape, try Googling 'heart stencil'.  I reckoned I already had a stencil or two stashed somewhere, but since I couldn't find any, online sources came to the rescue!

For the folding steps, I used this helpful tutorial; while switching back and forth to these instructions.  If you happen to already be a paper-cut out pro (congratulations!), then you enjoy some more advanced designs (or do a Google image search).

I also freehand drew and cut out some red hearts and placed them around the dining area in a whimsical trail.  The room is transformed into sweetness!  (Shhh, I secretly think to myself, 'awww', everytime I walk through there...)

Cute, right?

Other than the time it takes to cut out each heart, this craft goes together pretty quickly, and is totally worth the effort.  You could say, it's a labour of love...

 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥