• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Shop My Home
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

February 6, 2012

Christmas Garland turned Valentine’s Wreath

Now, let’s just get one thing out in the open.
There are Crafters and then there are People Who Attempt Crafts.
I definitely fall in the latter category!
Nothing I do will ever be super involved or complex but what I can do is try to figure out how to stretch a dollar and get multiple uses out of an item.

DSC_0750-2
So, when I was packing away my Christmas decorations and carefully wrapping up this berry garland I used on my banister, I thought about perfectly it would work with Valentine’s Decor.
But….hmmmm…what do you do with garland?

146-1
Well, why not bend them into the shape of a heart?

DSC_0747-1
Stack them together so they are a little bit fuller and then use floral wire to hold them in place.

DSC_0480-1
And, how about instead of just one heart…

DSC_0736-1
…you turn them into 3?

DSC_0746-1
And create a Tear Drop Heart Wreath?!

DSC_0749-2
That’s about as complex as I get folks!
It ain’t rocket science but I think my Christmas Garland turned Tear Drop Wreath is pretty cute.
And the best part of all, it was free! I love me some free!

DSC_0750-2

Now, while we are on the subject of Tear Drops and Valentine’s Day, we wanted to make sure you knew about this amazing project:


We are so thrilled to be partnering with Susan of My Place to Yours and her wonderful ministry
 Hope Unlimited for Children in the desire to bring smiles to the faces of young girls in Brazil through an amazing Valentine’s Day Project.

And our friend Vicki at Curly Willow Collections has generously provide the most BEAUTIFUL card created just for this project that you can print for Free!!

Visit Vicki at her blog Vicki Designer Joyful Expressions to download a PDF file of this card!

So there is no excuse not to participate! You can print off this card and include your own personal note for a lovely young lady, hungry to see God’s love THROUGH you!

We can only imagine their joy as they open their cards and feel the love coming through!
Please go HERE to read more about how you can be involved in this project.
Thank you so much for joining me today at the Fence,

1553F4F30A9801A6AFB3E9C624118E7B


Are you following us? We’d love you to get all of our updates!

Email Updates
Facebook Page
Pinterest

or JOIN US at the newest Follow Feature: LINKY FOLLOWERS!

This post is partying here:
You’re Talking Too Much: Meet Me Monday
Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
Chatty Chics: Wild Wednesday
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday’s Treasures
DIY By Design: Winter Blues Wednesday
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesday

31 Comments Filed Under: Crafts, Good Ideas, Holidays, Valentine's Day, Wreaths Tagged With: Valentine's Day, Valentines Day crafts, wreath

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Simply Sunday…Sharing Hope through Showing Love
Next Post: How To Use Linky Followers »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Eclectically Vintage says

    February 6, 2012 at 3:48 PM

    Love it – and now that I’ve organized my basement I just might be able to find my berry garland in the Christmas boxes!!
    Kelly

    Reply
  2. Its So Very Cheri says

    February 6, 2012 at 3:48 PM

    I pinned your wreath–super cute.

    Cheri from Its So Very Cheri

    Reply
  3. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    February 6, 2012 at 4:03 PM

    So pretty Vanessa! Your wreaths look great against your black front door!

    Reply
  4. debbie refresh restyle says

    February 6, 2012 at 4:26 PM

    Love these! It’s beautiful! 🙂

    Reply
  5. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    February 6, 2012 at 4:50 PM

    Wonderful idea on the wreaths…so pretty! and very SWEET!

    and I love the cards for the girls…GREAT idea!

    Reply
  6. Kelly says

    February 6, 2012 at 4:56 PM

    I’m very impressed! That was a neat idea to stack them like that. The neat thing about that is someone may ask where you bought it and then you can reply, I made it! That’s always so satifsying.

    Reply
  7. Robin says

    February 6, 2012 at 4:59 PM

    Great idea. I love that you used three hearts. Makes such a great look all together.

    Reply
  8. Honey at 2805 says

    February 6, 2012 at 5:45 PM

    Fabulous!

    Reply
  9. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    February 6, 2012 at 6:10 PM

    I love what you did with that garland, Vanessa! It looks great on your door and I love that it is a trio!

    Reply
  10. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    February 6, 2012 at 6:27 PM

    What a great idea Vanessa, I love it! Pretty ribbon too!

    Reply
  11. Judy says

    February 6, 2012 at 6:40 PM

    Such a clever idea. A great use of the garland. I love the triple hearts and the ribbon. Beautiful job.

    Reply
  12. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    February 6, 2012 at 6:42 PM

    Great wreath idea, Vanessa! I love pretty AND “cheap!”

    Thanks again for the mention about Hope’s Valentine Project! Please be sure your reader know that they can either download/print Vicki’s fabulous card OR make/purchase cards of their own. Variety is good! Enjoy your week. 🙂

    Reply
  13. Chatty Chics says

    February 6, 2012 at 6:58 PM

    Um, hello! Beautiful! You go girl!
    Melody
    ChattyChics.com

    Reply
  14. Melissa at HOUSEography says

    February 6, 2012 at 7:36 PM

    So cute!! I still have my red berry Christmas wreaths up on my side doors, so I can pretend they are no intentionally Valentine’s Day wreaths!!

    Reply
  15. Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made says

    February 6, 2012 at 8:03 PM

    Just love it and especially that you made three of them in graduating sizes!

    Reply
  16. Kristin says

    February 6, 2012 at 8:26 PM

    I think it’s adorable! It’s perfect for winter/Valentine’s decor!!

    Reply
  17. Kim @ Cheap Chic Home says

    February 6, 2012 at 8:41 PM

    Gosh, Vanessa, anyone who can think this up must be pretty crafty! It’s so cute.

    Reply
  18. ❀❀❀Ðαωᾔ❀❀❀ says

    February 6, 2012 at 8:42 PM

    Splendid idea, and it turned out just darling:)

    Reply
  19. NanaDiana says

    February 6, 2012 at 9:12 PM

    I love it. It is simple and sweet and I think it is just so pretty. xo Diana

    Reply
  20. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    February 6, 2012 at 3:53 PM

    It’s darling Vanessa! 🙂

    Reply
  21. Debbiedoo's says

    February 7, 2012 at 12:07 AM

    Well you girls are just so clever. I love this idea. Looks so pretty on the door.

    Reply
  22. Deserae says

    February 7, 2012 at 12:31 AM

    Very pretty….and such a clever idea!!!! It looks great on your door :o)
    Have a great week!!!
    ~Des

    PS. I am now follwing you on Google….hope you will follow me back :o)

    Reply
  23. Grammy Goodwill says

    February 7, 2012 at 12:46 AM

    I love how that turned out and that you didn’t stop with one.

    Reply
  24. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    February 7, 2012 at 3:03 AM

    Ha…you are so a crafter! This is very cute and I love that there are 3 wreaths. Very well done. Have a good week!

    Reply
  25. A Pretty Life in the Suburbs says

    February 6, 2012 at 7:31 PM

    I think this is fantastic! I love the 3 wreaths – very pretty!
    Jo-Anna

    Reply
  26. Debbie says

    February 7, 2012 at 10:13 AM

    I’m in that second category. Perhaps there’s a third? One prone to random acts of senseless craft STARTS? That would be I.

    I love what you did with the garland. Simple and cute.

    I already have my card ready to send to Brazil. Hopefully, my SS class gals are doing the same and we’ll be sending an envelope of them.

    Followed you on linky ’cause I do NOT want to lose you.

    Reply
  27. Sue says

    February 7, 2012 at 8:30 PM

    Love it!

    Reply
  28. Zuni, Chickadee Home Nest says

    February 8, 2012 at 4:40 AM

    Love the “3” effect–very pretty and very unique. Thank heavens we all live far from each other, because we’ll probably all copycat this cute idea! 🙂 Thanks for the reminder to send the card to those precious girls.

    Reply
  29. Christine @ Stonehouse Living says

    February 8, 2012 at 1:24 PM

    Hi Vanessa,
    What a great idea!
    I love the tear drop, makes it so unique and one of a kind…
    It looks so sharp on your door!
    All the Best,
    Christine

    Reply
  30. Miriam@BeBookBound says

    February 9, 2012 at 11:03 PM

    That is so adorable! I think it definitely qualifies you for “Crafter” status. 🙂

    Reply
  31. toilet paper holder stand says

    March 1, 2012 at 8:47 PM

    Great idea. I love that you used three hearts. Makes such a great look all together.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

  • Nostalgia is Not an Aesthetic

    Nostalgia is Not an Aesthetic
  • A New Podcast

    A New Podcast
  • Taking Decorating Thoughts Captive

    Taking Decorating Thoughts Captive
  • Kids Need Real Answers

    Kids Need Real Answers

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

DIY Fabric Drum Shade Chandelier Tutorial www.atthepicketfence.com

Latest Recipes

Making the Case for Heirlooms

Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Nostalgia is Not an Aesthetic March 21, 2026
  • A New Podcast March 21, 2026
  • An Autumn Home Tour October 9, 2025
  • How to Adapt Your Traditions as Your Kids Get Older December 13, 2024
  • Christmas Home Tour 2024 December 13, 2024

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

Front door wreath….✔️ The very last Christmas dec Front door wreath….✔️

The very last Christmas decorating to be completed and one of the most important since there’s nothing I love more than welcoming people into our home this season.

I bought the wreath for $15 from a wonderful local vendor, reused my favorite bells and added a velvet bow in the color I’m carrying throughout the house this year.

Do you buy a fresh wreath each year or do you use a faux wreath on your front door? 

#frontdoorwreath #christmaswreath #christmasporch
The first day of December and the first Sunday of The first day of December and the first Sunday of advent. As we enter into a month that can be filled with stress, anxiety, worry and even sadness, let us turn our hearts towards the ONE who came as the ultimate, undeserved gift. Because it’s all about Him. 

“Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.” (Corrie Ten Boom)
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Its that time of year again. I share this recipe e Its that time of year again. I share this recipe every November because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a confession ...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be ma It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be made on repeat for the next month and I’ve figured out the secret to getting the BEST flavor.

Want to know what it is? It’s all about being EXTRA! 

Take the base recipe up a notch by using a full stick of butter, extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and an extra 1/2 tablespoon of Lawry’s seasoning salt.

I guarantee you’ll never go back!

You’re welcome. 😉🎄

#chexmix #chexmixupgrade
Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the w Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the week and I’m feeling especially grateful for the twinkling lights around my home which give me so much joy.

The great debate on social media over whether or not Christmas decorations should appear before Thanksgiving is one I just let roll on past me. Because I am so unbelievably thankful for this life, my family, my friends, this country, this home and most of all my Savior. 

Having my home all ready to welcome the next sacred season doesn’t take away one iota from my ability to express gratitude on the official day set aside each year where we do that collectively.

And when the last slice of turkey has been eaten and all of the leftovers put away, I’ll be over here ready to be fully present in the month of December and soak up every bit of it! 🦃🎄
IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures “ IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures

“My children have grown up seeing antique books on a coffee table, vintage toys in their bedrooms and even pieces of furniture that were all passed down from one generation to the next. But as my nest gets closer and closer to being empty, I’m keenly aware of the fact that many of these cherished items might not be as welcome in the homes of future generations.”

*Read the rest over at @cleartruthmedia*
All of my CTM articles are saved in my highlights
Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked it better when I just talked about decorating and didn’t mention anything else. This person preferred me to keep any opinions or convictions to myself and just focus only on content about home decor, crafts and recipes. Aside from the fact that I’m always astonished that people feel so free to say things like that, I do agree that it would be a lot easier and more palatable if I didn’t talk about things like a Biblical Worldview, apologetics and the nature of reality itself. For one thing, Instagram wouldn’t throttle my account with its algorithms that are skewed to diminish voices like mine. It would be much easier to be so tethered to this app that I change everything I post to fit into its preferred framework. I would be asked to be part of influencer groups and activities like I was years ago. But I’m not that person anymore. Yes, the core of this community will always be an emphasis on homemaking which will include decorating and recipes but I can’t separate that from the core of who I am as a follower of Jesus Christ.

It would be so much easier for me to just show you the latest Amazon products I’ve bought and tell you to “comment” to get the links. But I’m not called to take the easy path. Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”

I truly believe that so many have been lulled into thinking that the narrow gate wasn’t really all that narrow. But, it’s never been more obvious that it really is. And every day I seek to stay on that very narrow way.  More than ever before, I believe that our world needs to know that there is objective truth and a solid foundation to stand upon as we navigate our lives. My role as a homemaker is predicated on that foundation and everything else flows out of it. Talking about these things isn’t going to get me lots of views here. 

But I live for an audience of ONE.
The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was in 1998. I was a new bride and eager to impress them. It did not go well. Let’s just say there was a bit of a garbage disposal mishap. 

It’s been over 25 years since then and I’ve learned so much about what really matters when it comes to hosting and caring for my family well during the holiday season. 

The peace we long for in our home begins with our hearts. If you want your home to feel more peaceful during the upcoming holiday season, I have five things to consider that will make that not only possible but predictable.

✨ Read the full article over at @club31women ✨

#club31women #wearethehomemakers
Here, in my little corner of social media, you won Here, in my little corner of social media, you won’t find a lot of unboxing of brand new items for Christmas. 

What I’m unboxing are the decorations in the attic that  I’ve had for years and figuring out how to give them a fresh look. I added new lights to an old pre-lit tree that no longer worked because I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of it. I’m putting out a different set of mugs at the hot cocoa station and the advent candles are arranged with greenery from outside.

As our feeds are filled with so.much.stuff, I want to offer you a reprieve. A place where you will find less emphasis on what’s happening in our homes and more on what’s happening in our hearts.

More than ever before, I can see just how much people are needing the hope found in Christ and that will always be the focus here. 

So, while you may not see me unpacking a massive, new tree or telling you to “comment for the link”, what you will see is encouragement to turn our hearts to what matters the most and let that reflect in every corner of our homes this season and all year long. 🌲

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #homemakerschristmas #club31women
Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2026 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2026 At The Picket Fence