Easy Hearts to show you care

I think that the world is always better with more love. Right now, especially, I would like to see people think about if their actions show love (not fear). Can we look around and make sure our neighbors, friends, family, that person you know that is struggling feels a little more loved? Personally, I enjoy showing love with sewing.

I came up with these hearts while trying to think of a sustainable Valentine’s card/gift. They are scrappy, re-usable and fun. All my favorite things!

Step 1: Cut several hearts and half hearts from various fabrics in your scrap stash with a pinking shears.

Step 2: pick out two hearts and one half heart that will go together. Put full hearts wrong sides together. Add the half heart to one side right side facing out.

Step 3. Sew around the edges 1/4 in(ish) seam. Start sewing from the top of the half a heart and go around the top and side stopping before you are finished at the bottom point.

Step 4. Make sure the needle is down, and lift the foot. Stuff the heart with some stuffing (cotton, wool, batting, anything like that). Do not stuff too full. Put the foot down and finish your seam ending with a back-tack.

Step 5: Take your heart off the machine, trim any edges that are way off, trim your threads, and it is ready to go.

Step 6: Put a note and a little treat into your heart’s pocket and leave it for someone you love to find!

In our schools we no longer bring food for holiday parties, which I love as the candy had gotten a bit out of hand. We have given these little hearts with a note the past two years for Valentines at my son’s preschool. Kids and parents love them. They are easy, sustainable and fun. It is a gift you can feel good about giving!

What do you give, if anything, at school parties? Do you have ways to make gift giving more sustainable?