Originally I had planned to give the house a warm and wintry feeling after taking down all the Christmas decorations. But, when you get smacked in the face with your husband’s unexpected unemployment, everything changes. Decorating doesn’t seem important any more. Packing for a new destination is first and forefront. Yet, somewhere along the way the sparse sun room, with the bare-branched faux evergreen, beckoned me to do something. Something that did not involve a bunch of time and certainly no pennies either.
You may remember the sun room from my Very Merry Christmas House Tour.
Though the room had been emptied of Christmas decor, the chair and tree remained. I liked seeing the tree’s twinkling lights at night reflecting in all the windows. The room was crying out for me to embrace red for a while longer. So, why not splash it up with some items that hint Valentine’s Day….a little bit early?
Why not!
Let me take you on my little journey, a quick and easy transformation…from Christmas to Valentine’s Day!
This post contains affiliate links.
Several years ago I made the heart garland. It’s simple red and easy!
- Using a heart punch, punch oodles of red hearts out of cardstock.
- Lay your hearts out the way you want them to hang.
- Using a Glue Gun, glue color matched embroidery floss to one side.So easy!
Here’s my short one photo tutorial!!
I made the garland in short lengths to make it easy to hang vertically on the tree. It’s amazing how much color and joy it gives to the room…and me…as I walk past it.
Heather, a sweet reader of the blog, made a comment on Facebook that inspired me to the following…
Make a Meaningful Heart Garland.
- Write blessings or joys for which you and/or your family members are grateful in white ink on each heart.
- Place prayers and or answers to those prayers on each of the hearts.
- Add the names of people to the hearts whom you want to see move their hearts toward God.
- In a more romantic vein….write on each heart one thing that you love or appreciate in your beloved…like their character, or talents, or spiritual gifts.
- I’d love to hear your ideas!! Please share them in the comments below.
The red & white bird pillow? Yes it’s my NEW Dollar General purchase. It was originally only $8, so I went back after Christmas to see if it would still be there and marked down. It was…50% off! Only $4! It looks like an expensive pillow….who would guess? Well not you…I let the cat out of the proverbial bag. Haha! Do you love it too? I was planning to use it next year in the Swedish Christmas room. Oh well. I think it’s more wintry looking than Christmasy, so I decided that it would be great out there on the red and white chair right now.
Then there is the little cabinet I painted on a 10 minute whim. Okay, it took a wee bit longer than that….I still haven’t shared that little transformation have I? Anyway, I decided to leave the red die-cut snowflakes sticky tacked where the handles should be. I painted the cabinet handles the red of the chair seat…but…that’s a story for another time. In the meantime…we do have snow on the ground…so the red flakes are staying.
The top of the cabinet was bare. And very white. So I grabbed my burlap runner that keeps showing up and tossed that on top. It was too plain, so I topped it with a vintage doily. Then I started grabbing things from the china cabinet and the bookcase, and topped it off with one of my favorite Longaberger Sweetheart Baskets.
Voila! A vintage Valentine vignette!
Those little candy conversation hearts make it. [smile] Being sugar, they kept just fine in the pantry. Yup! They’re from last year. Convenient? Yes.
So there you have it! Nothing fancy pantsy. Hello to no cost, easy and meaningful home decor…..a quick transformation…from Christmas to Valentine’s Day.
All that happy red.
I am trusting God and praying big crazy audacious prayers that I’ll have to pack it all up well before Valentine’s Day for a fabulous new job. When it happens, it will totally be a God thing. I can’t wait to see HIM work!
What idea will you take away from this transformation?
What little things are you doing (or will do) to decorate for or celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Check out this recent post for some fun ideas for joyfully blessing others on Valentine’s Day.
Love,
Diane
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I love red. Love your dishes and red glassware. The tree on picnic baskets is too cute.
Oh Charlene….you just put a big smile on my face.
P.S. I LOVE red too!!!!!
Hope your weekend is extraordinary!
Me, too! And the hearts strung on the tree…garlands make my heart skip a beat! LOVE! XO, Aimee
You are so sweet Aimee!
Thank you!!
What a lovely room! Everything looks wonderful. LOVE that pillow! I’d love to find a couple of those! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Kathy! You know…I used to snub my nose at Dollar General. I guess when you live in a large metropolitan area there are so many choices and the ONE time I had gone in there, they didn’t meet my expectations. haha! But, then we moved to this tiny town, fifteen minutes from the closest anything and I’m thrilled there is a Dollar General in town. Perspective. Shows me to always keep an open mind and an expectant attitude. 🙂
Still praying over here!
And gosh this is just adorable! You’ve taken a corner spot and made it so welcoming and happy and warm. It’s awesome. The pillow secret is safe with me! LOL It’s wonderful. And with all that’s happening in your life, it’s wonderful that you make the time to make this pretty little corner happen.
Gosh…..
NOW I wish I still had the trees up!
Oh…..we DO have a wee tree waiting to go down–maybe I can snag that before it gets out of my reach. 😉
I covet those prayers. Thank you Mel!
I think that I need to express some creativity and create prettiness. It does my soul good. 🙂
Oh yes! You must ‘snag’ that tree. Fun awaits for you today!!
What a lovely and cheerful corner you’ve arranged! I love the idea of the valentine tree, and the pretty vignette on top of your white chest is delightful!
Oh Tricia, thank you!!
It is so sweet of you to stop by and leave such kind words. 🙂
Diane,
What a lovely transformation from Christmas to Valentine’s Day!
I adore the red transferware platter and pitcher on the white cupboard!
Sounds as if there may be another transformation about to begin…good luck with the possibility of new employment!
Fondly,
Pat
You are so kind Pat! Thank you for your lovely words of encouragement! 😀
Hey Diane! I love the transformation! Reminds me of the many things we’ve done in the past few years to transform my house from chaos to comfort! Thanks for all your help 🙂 Love you!
Oh didn’t we have fun?! Now, it’s time to get out all your pretty Valentine things. Like those sweet little vintage Valentines.
Love you more!
I am glad you are surrounding yourself with happy red … I am sorry for the news of your husband’s unemployment. That can be a very hard time for your family.
Fondly,
Glenda
Hi Glenda!
Thank you for your care and concern.
{hugs}
I love it! Especially the chair and pillow and those lovely red and white dishes. I’m all about using what you have on hand when possible. Check out my valentine vignette.
Awww thanks Laura!!! 🙂
I am so blessed to have these pretties to decorate with.
Hi visiting thru Brambleberry Party – this is a very pretty setting! the dove pillow is esp. beautiful!
Thank you JoAnn! 🙂
Wishing you an Extraordinary weekend!
Oh, that’s so cute! I love the transformation. That tree is so adorable with the simple red heart garland! Love it.
Karen
How nice of you Karen! Thank you!!
Sometimes simple is best.
Blessings!
This is so lovely and cheerful!
Have a winter wonderland weekend!
Awww…that means so much, Laura!!
May your weekend by Extraordinary! 😀
Diane,
I love this post! You are so talented. I just pinned this. Can’t wait to see how God leads you in the future! : )
God bless you
You are such a wonderful encourager Denise!!!
Thank you!! {hugs}
I love the transformation and how resourceful you were in completing it. I usually don’t do too much decorating for Valentine’s Day around here. I mainly let the kids’ artwork guide the decorating after Christmas. Right now we have some paper snowflakes taped to the hall closet door. What I really want to know is how you managed not to eat those candy hearts for an entire year? They would not last that long around here.
Awww…Jean you are so sweet. Thank you!
Kids’ artwork always makes a room happy. I think what you’re doing is wonderful!
Oh…the candy…I put it behind the pantry bins. Haha! I forgot until the moment I needed them. Glad I remembered. 😉
Following from Friendship Friday hop at Create With Joy. Thoroughly enjoy the Valentine’s tree. The rusty old wheels inside my head are starting to grind back to life. Haven’t really made too big a whoop about Valentine’s since 1979 (yes, I am /that/ old) and my father passed on the 15th that year. And by the time the sting left, I was out of the habit of makin’ some Valentine’s ruckus. But i started last year, when I made hubby a chocolate and rose scented foot scrubby bath experience (which he LOVED, btw) 😉
Oh LuAnn, I hope those wheels start spinning like crazy. It sounds like you might have taken the first step toward Valentine fun last year. Hope this was just the inspiration you needed. 🙂
P.S. My dad died in February too…
Just love how you transitioned to valentines using existing elements! And such a cheery space to beat the winter blahs!
You are so sweet Christina! Thank you!!!
Blessings!!
Very pretty! Love the heart garland on the tree!
And so very easy!! Thanks for stopping by with your kind words!
May your weekend be extraordinary!
I have the same tree [three different sizes] and I just packed them up yesterday! They are coming out tomorrow to decorate for Valentine’s! I have a 7 year old grandaughter visiting and she will LOVE IT! Thanks.
Good Luck with the job and move.
Blessings, peg
Oh Peg! Your grand daughter will be thrilled. Glad you were inspired to some decorating fun. And thanks for your words of encouragement too! 🙂
Came from the Inspired Room and I’m inspired here! I love this little nook; it reminds me of my first kitchen with red & white and lots of hearts and makes me miss the cheerfulness of it all. I now need some real red cheer! I’m off to hunt the house!
May God’s prefect answers speed to you.
Yay!! Mission accomplished! I hope you find your bits of red and your face breaks out into smiles because of it.
Thanks Elaine for your words of encouragement too!
Weekend blessings sent your way!
I love decorating for Valentine’s almost as much as Christmas. Love what you did!
I just started a new Finding the Pretty & Delicious Linky Party on my blog this week – would love to have you stop by and share! http://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/finding-the-pretty-delicious-linky-party/
Ultimately….both holidays focus on love, too. Yes?
Thank you for the invitation Leigh Anne!
May your weekend be beautiful!
So cute! I would love for you to share this or any of your great ideas at the link party going on now (and every Saturday through Tuesday) at ‘Or so she says …’ Hope to see you there! http://www.oneshetwoshe.com
How kind of you Mariel! Thank you!!! 😀
Thanks for linking up Diane! I LOVE everything about this!! I featured your post in my wrap up http://tidymom.net/2013/winter-crafts/
Have a beautiful Sunday
You just put the biggest smile on my face. I might float for the rest of the day!
{hugs}
absolutely gorgeous! Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things hop xo
You are so sweet Katherine! I love meeting so many creative gals at your ‘hop.’
Blessings!
This is great! I love the valentine garland, so simple yet so effective. And the idea of adding little sentiments is perfect. Your vignette is so cute and perfect for Valentine’s !
Great to have you at Seasonal Sundays.
– The Tablescaper
Thank you!!! I was concerned that as my little corner wasn’t really a tablescape in the traditional sense, and you might not be okay with it. I am so relieved. You are so kind and encouraging. {hugs}
Blessings!!
I love the simple transformation! It really is beautiful. The natural light is possibly the best accessory of all! Found you via Alderberry Hill.
JQ @
http://itsalwaysruetten.blogspot.com
Hi JQ. You noticed all the windows which I love. 🙂 The best part is having a lovely view towards the mountains in the southeast. But…it’s a challenging spot for picture taking. Hahaha! Thanks for taking the time stop come by and leave your thoughtful remarks.
Have a great week!!
I don’t think I’ve seen anything so cute! I just love this.
I’m having a STRUT YOUR STUFF Social hop. I’d love for you to hop on over, grab a button and come show off your best projects. Or, just come link up your blog!!
http://mydailyphotojourney.blogspot.com/2013/01/strut-your-stuff-social-hop.html
I’m also looking for Pinterest Pinners to feature every week. If you are on Pinterest and are interested in being featured come link up! Who knows you might meet some other great pinners and gain a few great ideas.
http://mydailyphotojourney.blogspot.com/2012/12/looking-for-pinners.html
Thanks for your kind words and the invitation Denyse!! It looks like lots of fun! I’ll be over!!
What a pretty Valentine gathering. I love that little tree with the hearts on it. And the pillow on the chair is just too cute! You did a great job.
You are so kind Jennifer! Thank you!! 🙂
Wishing you an Extraordinary week!
Hi, Dianne. I so admire you for allowing your heart to be open and expressing your creativity in the midsts of what you’re facing. Your little corner of the world is sweet and comforting, I’m sure. The pillow is beautiful! No wonder you went back to get it! And I absolutely love your ideas for the heart garland. Must remember that. My best wishes to you as you move forward to your next adventure. ~Zuni
Your words are so warm and encouraging, Zuni. Thank you!!
Many days I don’t ‘feel’ creative…but I think that taking the time to ‘work it’ is an expression of praise to our Creator.
Thank you for taking time to come by today. May your week be Extraordinary!
Oh my, everything is so pretty. I love all of your red and white and the heart tree is just the cutest idea. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty
Awww thanks Marty!!
Love your room decor for valentine’s day! I can’t believe you bought that pretty pillow at the Dollar General – it’s so lovely! Love your heartful garland too! Thanks so much for linking up to it’s party time – I would love to feature you on Sunday, would you mind please adding my blog post link to your post? http://www.settingforfour.com/2013/01/its-party-time-1-20-2013-linky-party.html
Thank you! Have a wonderful week – Heather @ Setting for Four!!
Thank you Heather! I know…who knew such goodness would be found at DG. 😀
I’m sorry I didn’t add your blog post link…I try to do that so everyone gets the traffic (from my little blog – teehee). I’ll do it now. I’m humbled that you would feature me. How kind of you.
Wishing you a week filled with the Extraordinary!
I love all your Valentine touches! It is so festive and inviting.
You’re so sweet Pamela! Thank you!!! 🙂
Hello Diane. Love your transformation from Christmas to Valentines – the decor is just gorgeous – love the tree and the vintage vingnette. I’ll be joining you in prayer that God will lead your husband to a new job – trust Him all the way! I’ll also be featuring your post in this week’s Home and Garden Thursday –
Blessings,
Kathy
Awww Kathy….you are so kind and encouraging. Thanks for blessing me in such a special way today. {hugs}
What cute Valentine decor! Love that tree! Thanks for linking up!
Kim
Awww thanks Kim!!! 😀
Great idea! Thank you for joining Home Sweet Home!
Sherry
Thank YOU for being such a charming hostess!!
So beautiful and creative! Great job! Love it!
Have a great week! 🙂
http://dixie-n-dottie.blogspot.com/
You’re so sweet!
Red is such a happy colour, isn’t it? I LOVE what you have done with your room! The pillow is darling and so is your tree and I always love seeing red transferware! You did a fabulous job, Diane! Now as for the job; God must have something wonderful up His sleeve for your family! I will be coming back to see where He leads you. Thank you for sharing your pretty transformation and I hope you will come and say Hello when you get a moment.
Blessings,
Sandi
Thank you Sandi for your complimentary and encouraging words. They were a hug to me. 😀
Love your sweet heart garlands. Red transferware is my absolute favorite dishes!
Thank you, Tanya! My dishes belonged to my aunt and I have such wonderful memories of eating on them at her house. Priceless!
I love it! So pretty!!
You’re sweet to say so!
Hope your day is Extraordinary!
So sorry about your husband’s job, Diane. I hope this unexpected circumstance presents an even better opportunity.
Thanks for linking to Time Travel Thursday. Be sure to stop in tonight to see yourself featured.
Blessings,
Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage
What a lovely blessing! Thank you so much Liz for your words of encouragement and the feature. {hugs}
Your tree looks beautiful! 🙂 Love the idea to dress it up for Valentine’s day. 🙂 I found your link up next to mine at the party at 52 Mantles. Megan
Hi Megan! It’s fun to use those little skinny trees for Valentine’s Day. They don’t take much space and offer some twinkling lights at night when it’s still so dark. Thanks for being a party girl!! See you again!
First of all I will pray your hbby finds employment quickly! I LOOOOVE this space. This is my first visit to your blog, but I will be back. I am GOING to $ General tomorrow to look for a pillow. I tought for SURE it was Pottery Barn, it s beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love the little cabinet, so cute!!! Lov that tree too. XO, Pinky
Oh Pinky…we need your prayers. Thank you!!!!
You just put a big smile on my face. I hope you find a pillow too. Though with all the mark-downs going on it’s almost too good to still be there. Fingers crossed!! {hugs}
I went to check out your page…but there is an error. Would you type your link in to your comment, please?
Look into your heart. Your job is there already, waiting, latent, ready to be found. By you.
Have a magnificent day, full of well-being.
Thanks Rose!! 🙂
Love, love this space! The vignette on the cabinet is gorgeous. You have done such a beautiful job!
You are so sweet MariaElena! Thank you!!!
Hope your day is truly Extraordinary!
This is such a pretty room. I love the heart garland and the beautiful white cabinet you did! =D
Awwww….thanks!! 😀
Really sweet!!! Thank you for sharing these at our party at http://www.finecraftguild.com
Thanks Rose!!!! There’s always so much inspiration at your party!
I love the stack of red books and the red and white transferware, and will take that away from your charming post–thank you for sharing it with us!
You’ll laugh…those red books are business books. No poetry or anything fun about them. But they are the perfect red for decorating fun!
Thanks for coming by Athena and for leaving your sweet words. 🙂
Your room is absolutely beautiful!! The transferware is gorgeous!! Thank you so much for sharing at A Bouquet of Talent this week!! So thrilled to see your awesome decor. Happy Friday and have a wonderful weekend. 🙂
Hugs
Kathy
Thank you Kathy!! You are the hostess with the mostess!! 🙂
Love your Valentine vignette! Your red & white transferware is beautiful. Love your red & white chair and pretty pillow. Sorry to hear about your husband’s unemployment. My husband was layed off during the Christmas holidays and it was difficult but we seemed to manage. Praying that God will bless you and your family. Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
hugs,
Lisa
Thank you for your words of encouragement Lisa!
{hugs}
Love this cozy warm spot in your home!
Me too! I just wish it were warmer in the winter. Brrrr. But…with windows on all sides I can look in from my great room and enjoy it. 🙂
Wishing you an Extraordinary week(end)!
Your decorations are darling! Posts like this make me happy AND like I need to do more around my own house! Ha! Thanks so much for linking up! (HUGS)
Clydia, you just put a great big smile on my face. {hugs}
Pretty! I love the red chair and pillow! … Best of luck to your husband with the job hunt!
You are so sweet Sharon! Thank you!
Please, please dear ladies the beauty of St. Valentine’s Day was the beauty of the soul whom the day is now named after and he is a Saint so please add it to his name as everyone does for St. Patrick’s Day. Bless each and everyone of you and may joy and love of St. Valentine’s Day fill your heart to overflowing.
I came to visit your site from Marty’s as her picture of your decorating for St. Valentine’s Day captured my heart.
With gratitude,
Sylvia Faye
Ahhh….you are so right Sylvia!! Thank you for the sweet reminder. 😀
And thank you for stopping by from Marty’s!
Wishing you an Extraordinary week!
This is perfect! I admire you for taking this from Christmas to Valentines so effortlessly. Bravo! I have some of those little woodland trees. I just may have to plan on doing something like this next year.
Hope all goes well with finding a new job!
You are too kind Sarah!
It’s amazing how handy those little trees are. I hope you do put something special together next year. 😀
Thank you for stopping by and for your hopeful wishes.
Blessings!
I have a surprise for you here: http://www.finecraftguild.com/party-50/
You did have a surprise for me Rose!! I hopped over this morning only to discover my little bit of Valentine’s Day featured. Thank you!! What a blessing!
Just love the fabulous Valentine’s quick change! Thanks for sharing with us, you are featured this week!
Please feel free to stop by and grab a featured button. We love having you!
Hugs,
Patti
Thanks Patti! What a blessing to be featured!! {hugs}
Your room is just delightful! I adore the little white chest & the cute chair. Can’t believe you got that adorable pillow at Dollar General!
Thanks Carol! I couldn’t believe it was waiting for me there too!! Who knew?!
So many things to love about this room! I am SO jealous of the great deal you got on that pillow…it DOES look expensive. Thanks for the tutorial for the garland…I love it THE MOST about your room. I am probably going to copy you on it…OK? Hey, congrats on being featured over at Mod Vintage Life blog party!
Awww thank you Miss Kitty! And yes…copy away!! Heehee! Sometimes super simple is super duper.
Blessings!