Valentine Canvas: Let Love Bloom

As Valentine's Day approaches, I've been in the mood for adding a little LOVE decor, but didn't want to spend much for such a short season of decorating.  As I was going through my fabric this week, I pulled out some scraps leftover from my Valentine patchwork pillow and dreamed up this little canvas for a splash of getting our home in the mood for the upcoming February 14.

I wanted the lettering to have a casual, kid-like feel to it so my children would enjoy it, but you could definitely stitch a prettier lettering to make it less casual.  The kids loved it as evidenced by my daughter giving the finished project a quick kiss (she's 3).  You may recall her decorating attitude toward our tea party tray, in which she decided you could never have too many stickers.  She adopted the same view with this canvas when she declared immediately that "it needs more hearts".

Supplies needed:
Artist canvas (I used 9" by 12" purchased 50% off + a coupon at Jo-Anns for a grand total of $2.80)
Fabric scraps
Embroidery floss
Heart cookie cutters or other template
Spray adhesive
Needle

Because I had all the supplies buried in my craft stash, the out of pocket total for this project was $2.80!

Step 1
Once you have a design, start by tracing hearts on the wrong side of your fabric using a template or cookie cutter.  Use sharp fabric scissors to carefully cut out the hearts and leaves.

I laid it out on paper first which I cut to the size of the canvas to get an idea.  These cookie cutters were the perfect shape and size for this project.

Step 2
Lightly spray the wrong side of the fabric with a spray adhesive, like Aleen's Tacky Glue Spray.  Then place the cut out fabric shapes.  Be careful not to place the shapes too close to the edges of the canvas.  If it's over the frame of the canvas, it is very difficult to stitch around it.

Step 3
Use 4 strands of embroidery floss to backstitch around the shapes and add any other embellishment such as lettering or "stems" of the heart flowers.  You will need a pretty sturdy needle to stitch through the canvas.  Do not use a quilting needle as it is likely to break.

My kids insisted that "Let Love Bloom" doesn't make any sense and wanted me to stitch "I Love You", but I liked the idea of hearts blooming in a garden.

After all, one definition of bloom is to flourish or thrive, and isn't that what Valentine's Day is all about...

letting our love for one another flourish,

setting aside time for the special people in our lives so those relationships, whether romantic, friendships, or family, can thrive with love.

I hope this February 14 (and every day!) your love for those around you blooms, flourishes, and thrives!

Happy Creating!

Shared at:
Mop It Up Mondays @ I Should Be Mopping the Floor
Submarine Sundays @ USS Crafty
Make the Scene Monday @ Alderberry Hill
Just Something I Whipped Up @ Project Inspire
That DIY Party @ DIY Showoff
Monday Metamorphosis @ Between Naps on the Porch
You're Gonna Love It @ Kathe With an E
The Fun in Functional @ Practically Functional
Stonegable Tips & Tutorials
Live Laugh Linky @ Live Laugh Rowe
Saturday Show-licious @ Sew-licious Home Decor
Show and Tell Saturday @ Sassy Little Lady