Will U B Mine

Hey Kids – TGIF! 🙂

And if it’s Friday…. that means it’s time for Friday Favorites!

Today I have some adorable vintage Valentines.

I hate to admit it but . . .

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This is what Valentines looked like when I was a kid.

Does that mean I am vintage?

Don’t answer that! 😉

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Valentine’s Day was quite a big deal when I was in grade school. A week before the event, our teacher would ask us to decorate a large box. First, we’d cover it entirely with colored paper, then we’d add white paper doilies. Next we’d cut out heart shapes in several sizes and paste them all over the box. When it was finished, we’d modestly “ooooh and ahhh” about how festive and gorgeous it had turned out! The last step was to make a slot in the top and then it was ready for display in a prominent place in the classroom. During the next few days, the kids would gradually bring Valentine cards to school and drop them into the box.

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On the day of the Valentine party, there would be candy and cake and someone would be selected to act as the “mailman”, whose task it was to open the box and deliver the cards. Everyone wanted that job!

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Somewhere along the way, the teachers instituted a rule that we must send a card to every child in the class. This was well intentioned but seldom did the little package of Valentines that we bought have enough for all classmates! I can remember having several late nights when I discovered on the eve of the party that I was short a few cards, so before going to bed, I’d have to make them by hand!

Sweet memories though. 🙂

Can you remember Valentine’s Day when you were in elementary school?

Have a wonderful weekend!

See you Monday for a new giveaway . . .

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Friday Favorites

This week’s Friday Favorites is dedicated to all of you!

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Happy Valentine’s Day to the brightest, funniest, sweetest bunch of readers that any blogger could ask for!

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In the few short months I’ve been doing this blog, you all have added so much! You’ve inspired me, made me laugh (even had me close to spitting tea on the monitor now and then!), but most of all you’ve touched my heart with your warm responses.
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If I could make one of these little conversation hearts for ya, it would say – U R Gr8

Have a lovely day on Saturday. Do something nice for yourself, ok?

See you Monday for the new questions! 🙂

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Gingerbread Girl Pattern

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Valentine’s Day will be here in about ten days!

Do you need a small gift for a sweet person in your world? Maybe one of the kids has an extra-special teacher, or you have a wonderful neighbor who gathers your mail when you’re away on vacation?

How about making this little lady and attaching her to a small box of chocolates for a Valentine’s Day surprise?

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She’s a gingerbread girl who loves to dance! 🙂

This project is quick and easy! It’s made of felt and scraps of trims/lace/ribbon that you probably have around the house already, if you are a sewer. But if you’re someone who hates to sew – no problem – the directions cover “gluing” the doll, instead! Trina makes a perfect tree ornament too. Maybe you’ll decide to make a few extras for next Christmas!

Gingerbread Girl
©2009 BHEA

Please Note:
This is a decoration only and is not suitable for small children!

Supplies Needed:

9″ by 6″ piece of brown felt
2″ by 2″ piece of red felt
2 small black beads
12″ red embroidery floss
10″ ribbon – 1/8″ wide
10″ ribbon – 1/4″ wide
20″ flat lace – 1-1/4″ wide
15″ decorative trim or braid
small amount of polyfil stuffing
12″ thin gold cord for a hanging loop

For full-size pattern pieces and complete instructions, click the following link:

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Have fun experimenting! Dress “Trina” in a different style if you wish. Add a little hat, a feather boa or even some jewelry/bling. You could also make a gingerbread “boy” with a felt vest and bow tie! I’d love to see a picture of your version. 🙂

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