vintage Valentine garland

I bought these vintage Valentine cards shortly before our first daughter was born . . . more than five years ago. Aren't they darling!?!  
  

Our daughter's due date was February 14th, and I wanted to make something special with them so that our home felt extra special when we brought her home with us for the first time. Unfortunately, that didn't happen . . . and these sweet cards sat in a photo box in a closet for years. 

I held on to them knowing that I would do something with them one day; and I'm so happy that I did, because I recently felt inspired to make something special with them!

These vintage Valentine's are from the 1940s. The woman that sold them to me saved them from her childhood. A few even have hand-written messages. 
Here's a peak inside a few of them . . .

Our stair-railing looked quite naked after taking Christmas decorations down, so I thought I would create a Valentine garland to dress them up a bit. 

So with a few sheets of 12 x 12 scrapbook paper, scissors, and a hot glue gun ~ I went to work on making paper rosettes and cutting gold tiaras. Fun! 

I chose wide burlap and matte gold ribbons to swag  . . . 

and at each peak I tightly strung a paper rosette 

that showcases a gold tiara and vintage Valentine card.  

I attached the cards to the tiaras/rosettes using a dot of glue on the back 

so that you're still able to open and read their sweet messages.

I smile when I walk through our front door and see these sweet Valentine cards. They remind me of simpler (and quieter) time . . . smile . . . but most of all ~ they remind of the happiness and excitement I felt waiting for the arrival of our first daughter. 

Home-made Valentine's are the best!

Wouldn't you agree ?!?

My little lady's 3rd birthday!

My little girl is quite a little lady!

  
She loves pink & lavendar . . . whimsical ladybugs & butterflies . . . hearts & pretty bows . . . flowers . . . and all things shiny!  

Her femininity at such a young age makes being the mom of this little girl so much fun!

She even makes decorating our home ~ whether for a holiday or special occasion ~ or just because ~ a delight! At the young age of 3, she notices and appreciates every detail . . .  and comments with pure excitement. 

So when it came time to planning her 3rd birthday party ~ I was sure to remember all that she adores! 

A unique and special party was planned that started early in the morning with waffles. Yes, we hosted a "Birthday Waffle Breakfast" that included an 18-item topping bar fit for a princess . . . rich syrups, ice cream, fruits, various chocolates, sprinkles galore, and Valentine heart candies. 

Tables were covered in white linens and pink with white polka dot covers. Buckets of pink flowers ~ each holding tall standing beaded hearts ~ centered the tables.  Valentine candies were generously sprinkled about ~ only to add extra fun and splashes of color. A special, hand-made "Happy Birthday" banner was streamed across a tall armoire ~ full of vibrancy and charm. Chairs were generously wrapped with pink tulle ~ and then finished off with big bows. And finally, feminine ivory chargers supported beautiful white plates of which guests were invited to fill with vanilla confetti and/or rich, chocolate waffles. YUM!

~ banner by the Two Savvy Sisters ~

  

~ heart-shaped straws ~

~ Valentine Candy Bar ~

We couldn't end her party without cake!  My extremely talented and dearest friend ~ Alex ~ who finds inspiration from other Cake Artists and then designs &  creates her own cakes ~ made this adorable ladybug and garden-themed cake! She adorned the whimsical two-tiered cake with all those things that my little girl loves . . . . ladybugs, butterflies, caterpillars, snails, and other whimsy critters.  A site to behold, with a most adorable ladybug perched atop ~ my little lady absolutely loved her birthday cake, as seen by her big, beautiful smile every time she saw it!

More fun treats were to be had . . .  Ladybug Cake Pops! I lovingly made these strawberry cake pops with a special surprise tucked inside ~ a maraschino cherry! Dipped in white chocolate and adorned with a petite ladybug and green sprinkles to look like grass ~ these treats were also hit!

Happy 3rd Birthday 

my sweet, little girl!

With Love,

Mommy