Iris Folding Valentine

I am a huge fan of Iris folding; it looks so complex, but it is actually quite simple. I have used Iris Folding for birthday cards and Christmas Cards, to decorate a house and to gift to a friend. It is definitely a multipurpose kind-o-craft. If you would like to make this heart, you can find a template: HERE and for instructions on how to make your own Iris folding patterns from scratch go HERE. To give you a sense of my process (I made up this pattern above, just to try making my own) here's a little photo recap:

The writing is fairly faint, but you can see the lines and numbers I sketched out. The first part of my project was to make a drawing of a heart and cut it out of cardstock. Then I had to impose a triangle shape over it and, using a ruler, decrease the size of the triangle by 3/4 inch increments. Once that is done, I label each segment with a number and keep track of which paper corresponds to each number (ex: striped paper = numbers 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 20, 23, etc) to help me keep track of where each paper piece goes. 

Next, you flip the front of the cardstock (the side people will see) over so that is is facedown and you pattern cutout is in it's place in the middle. Using the paper that corresponds to each number, fold the paper and cover each segment, taping them lightly down on either end. Work in a clockwise motion around the pattern. 

You'll be so surprised once you flip it over. They always come out so fantastic!! You'll be getting lots of ooo's and ahhh's over this craft I promise. :-)

Don't you just love the way the paper lays in the pattern. I think it's beautiful!!!

I shared this project at these fabulous Linky parties!!
Works For Me Wednesdays
Three Or More Tuesdays 

What You're Working With

Valentine's Galore

Sweetheart Valentine Wreath

How 'bout a little sweetheart wreath for your.....well............Sweetheart?? This one is yet another simple simple simple craft to do. Here's what you need:

Sweetheart Candies (Be sure to use the brand Sweethearts....Conversation Hearts are too powdery and don't glue very well at all. )

Wreath Shape

Fabric 

Hot Glue

Ribbon

~Wrap your wreath with a long thin strip of fabric (the color of your choosing) and hot glue the two ends in place. 

~Hot glue each and every one of those Sweethearts on to the wreath....make a pattern, don't make a pattern......no big whoop....it's a candy wreath. We can't go wrong. 

~Tie a ribbon in a loop around the wreath and attach where you know your Sweetheart will see it and look at you adoringly and think.......GAWD she has some time on her hands!! Just kidding. He or she had better love it, is all I'm saying.

I linked this post up to these Fantabulous Parties:

Show Us What You're Working With
Frugalicious Friday
Three Or More Tuesdays 

Best Pals Review and Giveaway

UPDATE (1/29): This giveaway has ended!! 

The winner, by using random number generator,  is comment #65 from DEBIJOT (Deb, please email me at marvelouslymessy at gmail.com with your information)  

Thanks so much for joining in the fun!! Be sure to look for other great giveaways on my blog coming soon!!

I was recently given the chance to review a product from the Lennon Sisters called Best Pals and I'm totally thrilled!! Here's the deal: in 1949 Kathy and Janet Lennon each received a handmade ragdoll.

They loved these ragdolls so much that they are now selling exact replicas of the dolls!!

Here is what the Kathy doll looks like:

An exact replica of Kathy Lennon’s original ragdoll from 1949; down to the vintage fabric pattern on her sashed dress and the yarn hair that is styled in two perfect braids! 16” H

• Each doll is part of a numbered and limited edition
• Embroidered facial features
• Clothes are removable and changeable for added play-value
• Yarn hair is easy to re-style
• Each doll has a “Best Pals” baby bead bracelet – just like in the 1950’s

And, here is Janet:

The Janet doll is an exact reproduction of the ragdoll given to Janet Lennon at just 3 years old. The nostalgic pink and blue bunny print on her pale yellow dress reminds us of a sweeter, simpler time.16” 

 
On top of the two dolls, I was given a tea set with it's own carrying case. Now what little kiddo doesn't love a tea set??

AND I was given a really great CD with the Lennon sisters and their grandchildren singing all sorts of old and new favorite songs. These are a real hit at playgroup!!

I am totally thrilled with my little gift set from the Lennon Sisters. These dolls are absolutely precious and very well made. Sturdy and soft....and made from fabric, not plastic, like so many other dolls out there today. The outfits are so adorable and old fashioned.

Thanks to the Lennon Sister, I'm going to give one of you the opportunity to win the same gift package that I was given:

2 Dolls (Kathy and Janet)
Tea Set and Case
Best Pals Sing Together CD

There are Six different possible ways to enter:

1. Follow Marvelously Messy through Google Friend Connect
2. "Like" Best Pals on Facebook
3. Follow Best Pals on Twitter
4. Follow Marvelously Messy on Facebook
5. Subscribe in a Reader
6. Tweet this Giveaway and leave me the link in a comment (1 a day) 

This contest is open to residents of the US and Canada. 
This Giveaway ends on January 28th at Midnight, EST. Good luck to you!!