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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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January 16, 2012

Feathered Boa Heart Wreath

Let the Valentine’s Day projects begin At The Picket Fence!

Looking back over the past year, it’s hard to believe that it’s already been a year since we featured our first Valentine’s Day projects here at the fence.

I love the creative Valentine’s projects we’re starting to get glimpses of in Blogland, and we wanted to add some of our own!  This fun little Feather Boa Valentine’s Day Wreath could not be easier to make, and I LOVE how it turned out.

Since you’ll never catch me actually WEARING a feather boa (sorry Bama Boy, I know that disappoints you..and sorry to our readers for the visual….grin) I thought I’d share how to put one on a wreath.

I almost feel a little silly putting a tutorial together, it was that easy-peasy.

Feathered Boa Heart Wreath
Supplies:

1 6 ft feather boa (I purchased mine from Hobby Lobby)
Heart shaped Styrofoam wreath form (Hobby Lobby)
hot glue gun and  low temp foam safe glue sticks
scissors
ribbon in color of choices for hanging

OPTIONAL FOR BANNER

wide red ribbon
stencil of X and O
craft paint in blue (or color of choice)
small sponge applicator for stenciling

2012-01-15

Directions:

1. Run bead of hot glue down center of point on wreath.
2. Attach end of feather boa right where the feathers start being sure not to include string on end.
3.  Run bead of glue around top of heart being sure to go down into the point between curves.  Quickly attach boa along glue, ending back at bottom point.  Cut excess.
4.  Repeat step three on the other side of wreath.  Feathers should cover most of wreath form. 
5.  With the remaining small piece, run a bead of glue along curved top of wreath between the two pieces of boa already attached, down into point.  Attach small remaining piece along this glue to “beef up” the curves of the heart.
6. Trim off string from ends of boa.
7. (Optional) Stencil XOXO in the middle of a wide piece of red ribbon.  When dry knot ends and attach with hot glue to feathers in center of wreath, or if you don’t want it permanently attached, nestle it center of wreath.
8.  Hang with wide coordinating ribbon.
DSC_0379
I have had so much fun hanging different wreaths on my DIY framed chalkboard in the dining room.

It greets our guests when they enter the front door, and there’s never any doubt what season it is in our house, when they get a glimpse of my wreaths!

It’s looking a little bare on my buffet though.  I think that calls for a few more fun Valentine’s projects, so stay tuned!

Hope you LOVED our first Valentine’s Day project here…At The Picket Fence!
signature_thumb[5]

DIY by Design: Winter Blues Party
Chatty Chics: Wild Wednesdays
Savvy Southern Style: WOW us Wednesdays
Too Much Time on my Hands: Get Schooled Saturday
Decor Chick: Valentine Link Party

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

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Comments

  1. Diane says

    January 16, 2012 at 2:51 PM

    Pretty, sweet and simple enough to do. I might give it a whirl! Thanks for sharing this tutorial. Diane

    Reply
  2. Marina {Yummy Mummy) says

    January 16, 2012 at 3:03 PM

    Oh La La! I love it! I’m getting excited for V-Day crafts too!

    Reply
  3. miss flibbertigibbet says

    January 16, 2012 at 3:24 PM

    Great kid project…so simple! I love fluffy anything….

    Reply
  4. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    January 16, 2012 at 4:06 PM

    Great idea, Heather. I’ll have to think about making some to hang from the backs of chairs at my upcoming Valentine Dinner for the ladies shelter. That’s a Sally List project, and I’m making plans! 🙂 Thanks for giving me another idea.

    Reply
  5. It's All Connected says

    January 16, 2012 at 5:10 PM

    Simple and sweet. Love it! ~ Maureen

    Reply
  6. Michelle Paige says

    January 16, 2012 at 6:31 PM

    Heather–I love your wreath, especially on the chalkboard frame. Would you be willing to link up this post to my Valentine Link Party going on now? I’d love to have all your valentine ideas (you too, Vanessa!) linked up–your both so creative and I love your styles! Thanks. https://michellepaige.blogspot.com/2012/01/rockin-valentine-valentine-link-party.html

    Reply
  7. Suzanne says

    January 16, 2012 at 7:39 PM

    Very cute, and this post shows how versatile that framed chalkboard can be! I didn’t realize how popular feathered wreaths were until recently — even Willow House has them! https://suzannejackson.store.willowhouse.com/search.aspx?keyword=wreath

    Reply
  8. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    January 16, 2012 at 9:24 PM

    How cute is that boa wreath. I really like the way you placed it in the frame….and love your “pineapple lamp” I have the same one!!..It has a different shade.

    Reply
  9. Judy says

    January 16, 2012 at 11:09 PM

    The easiest projects are always the best. I have to start on my Valentine’s Day decor soon too. Love the boa.

    Reply
  10. Kelly says

    January 16, 2012 at 11:36 PM

    That turned out cute. It looks good hanging over that chalkboard in your dining room. I don’t decorate for Valentines Day, but I do enjoy seeing other peoples decorations.

    Reply
  11. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    January 16, 2012 at 4:49 PM

    So cute Heather 🙂

    Reply
  12. Debbie says

    January 17, 2012 at 1:25 AM

    Simple, whimsical, and even a little romantic looking. I like it!

    Reply
  13. Buttercup Bliss says

    January 17, 2012 at 1:30 AM

    Oh my goodness!! That is just too cute! I have been looking for a simple, yet whimsical, Valentine’s idea… I think this is it!! 🙂

    Reply
  14. Debbiedoo's blogging and blabbing says

    January 17, 2012 at 12:18 PM

    That is simply adorable. I love decorating with boas too, this was really clever.

    Reply
  15. adventuresindinner says

    January 17, 2012 at 2:50 PM

    What a fantastic idea. I seem to have a boa of some sort for every holiday :-).

    LOVE your framed chaulkboard in the living room. Hmmmm…I have a tray that need some tlc and could be revamped.

    Reply
  16. Chatty Chics says

    January 24, 2012 at 3:02 AM

    I just love this. You girls are so darn crafty!
    Melody
    ChattyChics.com

    Reply
  17. Michelle Paige says

    January 25, 2012 at 7:35 PM

    I featured this beauty of yours today! Thanks for the inspiration!
    https://michellepaige.blogspot.com/2012/01/framed-love.html

    Reply
  18. Katie's Nesting Spot says

    January 26, 2012 at 2:38 AM

    Oh goodness, what a fun way to use a boa! I’m in love with the texture!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Dollar Tree Valentine’s Day Ring of Roses Wreath says:
    January 29, 2013 at 3:32 PM

    […] By At The Picket Fence 28 Comments Yes, yes it’s another  wreath, I know I just featured my Feather Boa Heart Wreath on Monday…BUT you didn’t think we’d let Valentine’s Day go by without another Dollar Tree […]

    Reply

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I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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