Valentine's Wreath

In past years, I've never decorated for Valentine's Day, but this year I figured I might as well. I found these paper straws at Micheal's. Paper straws scare me. I feel like they would disintegrate while drinking through.

I started with two circles I cut out on my Silhouette, that I hot glued together.

I started with the heart paper straws. I hot glued the paper straws to the card stock.

To fill in the gaps, I glued a second layer of straws, stripes this time.

I cut out "I Love You' typography on glitter paper using my Silhouette. I adhered it to the wreath with hot glue.

I attached ribbon to the back of the wreath so I could hang it. Bryan wasn't too excited I took down the sketch of a red neck puppy for the wreath. Next task I figuring out how to hang it on our glass door.

Cilantro Pesto

I love pesto. I love cilantro. So, why not combine the two?

Mix cilantro, cashews, and olive oil together in a food processor. I used cashews because I had them on hand, and the price of pine nuts is outrageous!

Blend until smooth.

Stir into pasta until evenly distributed.

I tossed mine with halved grape tomatoes and canned artichoke hearts, for a fresh and delightful meal.

Crochet Octopus Pattern

Meet Ollie. He is my favorite new sea creature!

At first I was planning on crocheting a bear, however half way through the head I decided this shade of purple wasn't fit for a bear, hence Ollie!

I adapted the bear patten found here.

Sc= Single chain
Inc= Increase (double)
Dec= Decrease (skip)

Head:

4 SC in adjustable ring
Inc every sc (8)
Inc every sc (16)
Inc every other sc (24)
Inc every 3rd sc (32)
Inc every 4th sc (40)

Sc across (40)
Sc across (40)
Sc across (40)
Sc across (40)
Sc across (40)
Sc across (40)

Dec every 4th (32)
Dec every 3rd (24)
Dec every other (16)

*now is a good time to stuff the head*

Dec every other (8)
Dec every sc (4)

Close the head

Legs:

Sc 30, turn
Sc 30, turn
Sc 30

*the legs naturally curl*

I attached the legs to the body with a knot.

For the face, I used embroidery thread and a needle to create the eyes and smile. Although his smile is a bit crooked, his face it too cute not to love!

I'm thinking an elephant for my next crochet project!

Happy Hooking!

Framed Lyrics

Bryan got me a Silhouette Portrait for Christmas, and to say that I am extremely excited about this present is an understatement! Is it too soon to begin decorating for Valentine's Day? Either way, I am in love with the Lumineers' song, "Ho Hey" at the moment.

I started with a 5' x 7' frame from IKEA. I took out the matting to allow for extra space.

Using the frame dimensions, I wrote in the lyrics within the Silhouette software.

I cut the paper down to the frame dimensions using a paper cutter. I really liked the negative space the letters created. I originally was going to do something with the cut letters until it was cut. I backed the purple paper with yellow to add contrast.

I'm sure as Valentine's Day approaches, hearts and glitter may be added, but for now I love the simplicity of this craft!