« Hugs and Kisses Garland - XOXO! »

It would seem for every holiday I have a favorite saying to accompany the times. For me and Valentine's Day it is, without a doubt, XOXO. It's short, sweet and cute which I think is absolutely perfect. 

This garland will soon be used to adorn my mantle. But seeing as how it is currently the only lovey dovey decor, I'll leave a reveal until a bit more has been accomplished!

So yesterday, you may have seen my How to Cut Perfect Felt tutorial. If you didn't you may want to check it out before proceeding. Ready to move on? Cool, let's hit it...

For this project you will need:

• Free printable template
• X shapes cut out of red felt
• O shapes cut out of pink felt
• Heart shapes cut out of hot pink felt
• Ribbon
• Matching embroidery floss & needle
• Fabric Stiffener , sponge brush & wax paper (optional)

Overlap your first X & O. Use red embroidery floss to tack down the X onto the O. Attach the next X on the other side of your O and lastly attach your last O. If you use the pattern exactly as created, each one will be approximately 13 inches long. 

Next step is up to your preference. I loved the print on my ribbon and wanted it to show up more. If you do, too, cut two slits to accommodate the ribbon running through the middle. Cut a length of ribbon long enough to reach from one XOXO to the other with the heart in the center. Mine were all cut to 13.5 inches.

If you don't care for this, skip slitting the holes and just cut two lengths of ribbon, one for each side of the heart. Four inches should be a good size for this and it will save you a decent amount of ribbon in the process.

If you're running the ribbon through, do that now...

Use matching embroidery floss to tack your shapes onto the ribbon. Also be sure to tack the end of the O on the left side and the beginning of an X on the right. 

Continue this process until your garland length is adequate.

Because your shapes are so large, if you are actually going to use it to where it is hanging down, you may want to use a small amount of fabric stiffener to keep your shapes from going floppy. Just put about a tablespoon of stiffener into a cup of water and mix together. Lay your garland out onto wax paper and use your sponge brush to soak each felt shape. Allow to fully dry.

If your garland will be hanging, for example, with a wall behind it, it should be just fine without using the fabric stiffener.

Happy Friday - hope your weekend plans are grand!!

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