Springlike Weather

I know that some parts of the country are being hammered with snowstorms and blizzard conditions, but here in the Colorado Rockies, it is Springlike, with temps in the 50's and 60's and down in Denver projected temps this week will hit 80 degrees.  It sure helps me when I am creating for Spring shows.

A couple of weeks ago, I was in Hobby Lobby.....love that place....and I was checking out the 80% off clearance for Valentines Day items.  Here is the way I figure it:  Valentines Day is about love and the color red.  Both of these things I incorporate into Christmas designs.  So I bought some red buttons and these tin heart-shaped wall pockets.  I love the vintage look of these with their homespun bow, skeleton key, and distressed paint.  I simply added the floral and Voila!  I am going to put these out at my spring shows....I don't think they look to Valentine-y. do you?  And the pockets were only around $2!

Remember how I told you about buying an entire box of spindles last summer for only $2?  I knew I could find a use for them, but it sure took me a while.  These were spindles from a 1970's kitchen remodel and they were cut into small pieces.  Here is the final product:

 First I sawed off the ends of the spindle and painted it.  I used an ivory chalk paint and it took several coats since I didn't sand down the spindles first....too small and detailed.  I bought 1" knobs that were flat on one end and painted them flesh tone and glued them to the spindles.  For the wings, I used hearts, snowflakes, stars, etc.  I painted both sides bright white.  One side at a time, I put on a coat of Mod Podge and added coarse glitter.  When dry, I recoated with more Mod Podge and let dry.  Flip over and repeat on the other side.

 Using a tiny drill bit, I drilled a starter hole in the top of the head and screwed in an eye.  I used wired tinsel for the halo and attached a white ribbon for hanging.

I used the same drill bit and drilled through the "wings" and into the back of the spindle.  I also used some hot glue to hold in place.  Eyes were dotted with Sharpie and cheeks were blushed.  A ribbon rose was glued into place.

I love how they turned out, but these were a lot of work.  And time.  Applying and reapplying paint and mod podge and then letting each dry took a lot of time.  But aren't they sweet?

Well, on to finish some raggedies and more bunnies.