Shabby Altered Valentine Hearts

Okay I have had enough of hoarding antique laces, vintage ephemera, dolls, trinkets and junky treasures for a rainy day. A snowy day, or two, or three, and several days of Pinterest and blog inspiration was all it took to finally send me over the edge. I decided to just do it. I just had to make SOMETHING!

I didn't use a pattern, I didn't lay anything out. And just like when I direct musicals and have to make up choreography or come up with costumes on the spot, I always do my best work when I don't think things over too much.When inspiration hits and I just go with the flow, things just magically come together.

So here is what I have been working on for the past week. And now, I am addicted! I can't stop sewing hearts! Luckily I have finished them in time for Valentine's day too. To sell or not to sell?

 I am selling most of them so if you like them, let me know, before I change my mind...

Using some of my oldest and most delicate laces and fabrics from an estate sale of items mostly from 1890-1950, I came up with these glorious hearts. Each one is unique and hand sewn. Sewing is not my "thing" (yet) but I deliberately gave each of them a primitive look with a few little mistakes and zig-zaggy lines here and there. Each is embellished with some kind of vintage junk treasure. I know many of you will "feel" my excitement over these hearts because they are just full of so much vintage love.

 Each heart has a very mild, "homespun" cinnamon-spice fragrance (non-toxic).

I am really addicted to these hearts, but I think I am going to experiment with some sachet pillows as well. 

Some of the lace was cut from a rotting wedding gown that was about to be tossed out...GASPS! We vintage junkaholics never allow old lace to be disgarded!

SOLD! 

This one is my absolute favorite. Definitely not selling it. I am not sure, but my husband and I debated whether or not the triangular crocheted lace piece covering the front was actually antique underwear. I cut the back off for use on another heart. It sure did look like it. I don't care what it was originally. It is absolutely gorgeous and deserves to be seen, not hidden under 4 petticoats!

This one turned out great too. I particularly love the shape, and those old watch pieces...timeless!

Sold! To Rita, blogger at Panalopy. Thanks Rita!

This really was a "use what you have" creation. I have been hoarding some vintage bride and groom cake toppers for a couple of years knowing that someday I would figure out what to do with them. Well, I still haven't figured out what to do with all of them but I thought this fellow would be perfect tucked in the little lace pocket. Isn't he charming??? I am way too excited about this one!  Pure Junk Love.

I know it's hard not to copy be inspired by ideas from Pinterest and all of the other wonderful bloggers and artists out there, but I really hope no one uses my "charming groom" heart idea. I am always flattered when my blogs inspire, but I am sure many of you understand what it is like to have your ideas copied without proper acknowledgement. Am I whining here? It's especially disheartening when those ideas end up in a magazine a year after you have blogged or pinned an original idea! I guess it's just risk any artist takes when we put our work "out there." I certainly didn't come up with the idea to make altered hearts on my own and  I have pinned many beautiful, inspiring ideas on my "Be My Valentine" Pinterest board too. There is a link on my sidebar if you'd like to follow.

I really love this one too, especially those soft pink hearts and little feather, maybe a little leftover bit from cupid's wings?

If you like my hearts, be sure to check out another very talented blogger over at Vintage Dragonfly. JoAnne is always inspiring me with her creations. I love all of her altered art, and especially her latest white Valentine heart. She was actually my very first blog friend and helped me learn how to link up to my first blog party. Thanks Jo Anne!

With the exception of the "underwear heart," I am going to be selling each of these in my Etsy shop. I am asking $20.00 plus $5 shipping. A lot of time, love and vintage goodies went into each heart. I hope you LOVE them! I am going to make more soon too!

Happy February!

Amber

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