I'll post a complete tutorial with my next post because I have been working on improving my photography. I have over twenty images to share and that will make connection time too slow so come back tomorrow for the how to with all the step-by-step photos. Today, enjoy my photographic efforts. ( update: Tutorial is up here)
I made five hearts in a range of sizes. The thickness of the twigs determined the smallest I could craft - which was about 9".
I searched back to memories from my Girl Scout years so many, many years ago and I used a knot designed for pulling in the ends. I thought it was the long shank but when I looked that up I discovered a long shank knot is something else. I'll keep looking but I haven't found it yet. (Update: Here is a link to a video showing the specifics of making a whipping knot - thanks to reader Lynne Carothers for sharing the proper name!)
I added more twine and, after taking out the Christmas arrangements, I hung these rustic hearts from the rungs of my handmade ladder. This is probably the 8th different seasonal arrangement I've made in this ladder, and it is the first time I thought of moving the ladder off my north-facing porch and into the sunshine to get more vibrant pictures!
After the photo shoot I moved it back near the door for more photos.....
I love the red berries (which I pilfered from the Christmas arrangement!) against our siding color.
The twig hearts are a perfect addition to the black birch ladder, which is starting to sprout little white fungi!
Update: Tutorial for the hearts is up here.
Additional update: See the hearts dressed in snowflakes after the blizzard here. Incredibly beautiful.
For those of you just joining my blog, here are links to a few of the other ways I have decorated this ladder over the past year.
Christmas Ladder
Christmas Ladder with Lights:
©2013AshbeeDesign, Marji Roy
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Hope to see you there as well!
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so very sweet...love how you change the ladder through the seasons...xo
ReplyDeleteIt has been fun all year. Struggling a little with March ideas though :-)
DeleteHi Marji,
ReplyDeleteI think the technique you used with the twine is called whipping. It is not really a knot but a way to secure the end of a rope to keep it from unraveling. I am an old Girl Scout and currently work with a Boy Scout troop. Funny, when I first saw your photo of the twine heart, I thought that whipping would be a good way to attach the twigs. Similar vision, I guess.
So right! I just did a goggle search and found a demonstration. I'll go an update the bog. Thanks Lynne!
DeleteSo pretty!! And festive too. I would love for you to share it here if you get a chance: http://www.oneartsymama.com/2013/01/shine-on-fridays-65.html
ReplyDeleteJust posted there - been looking for another active Friday link party! Thanks for visiting.
DeleteI love this! The ladder is great and the little hearts are so cute. Thanks for sharing it! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting and taking the time to comment!
DeleteLove this and the simplicity of it. I collected a bunch of rose hips in December which are still good and would work great for this. I'd love for you to link up over at Finding the Pretty & Delicious Linky Party.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/finding-the-pretty-delicious-linky-party-3/
Thanks for visiting and commenting Leigh Anne. I just posted on your link party and am now drooling - lots of delicious looking food over there!
DeleteThe twig hearts are adorable!! Love the natural look and all the ways you have decorated the ladder.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marlee, appreciate your visiting and taking the time to comment!
DeleteAbsolutely adorable!! I just love this.
ReplyDeleteI'm having a FACEBOOK Social hop. I'd love for you to hop on over, and join!!
http://www.glitterglueandpaint.com/2013/01/blog-social-hop.html
So so cute. I love your ladder and your hearts. It looks like the ladder looks great through every season the way you have it decorated. Great photos, too. Thanks for sharing. I just might have to make so for myself. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteBe sure to send pictures if you make one Lori. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteLove this! I love the ladder in all it's Holiday changes through out the year! Following you on FB and would appreciate the favor back:) Stacey~ RealSouthernLiving.com
ReplyDeleteHave gone to FB to follow you. thanks for visiting and commenting.
Deletethat looks so adorable! i love the idea and how you really could use them everywhere
ReplyDeleteI love ladders in decor. Yes, you can use them anywhere. I did a whole series of posts on using ladders. Check it out under my themes menu above.
DeleteThat ladder is just awesome! I'll be back for your tutorial, and I'll have to raid my MIL's grapevine bush - I do know where to find some bittersweet but it's in a complete stranger's yard!
ReplyDeleteWish I had harvested more last fall. Maybe you should make a friend of that stranger :-). The tutorial is up and there is a link above.
DeleteWell the bittersweet hearts are so darling! So simple and yet really pretty. Then I saw your ladder with the different seasonal decorations on it... wow, what a splendid idea and so beautifully done. Thank you for sharing! Little Bit from www.DecorateWithaLittleBit.com
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting and commenting. The ladder certainly continues to prove effective with each season although March has me pondering......
DeleteYour twig hearts are fantastic, love it! Also your ladder decor! I also did a twig heart, stop by and see!
ReplyDeletehttp://shabbyredoforyou.blogspot.com Take care
Just went for a little stroll over to your site to check out your heart- very different approach and looks great. Did you hand it on your door?
DeleteI love your twig hearts! So adorable! I love the way the berries look when they are dried also:)
ReplyDeleteI should have saved more last fall when they were all over the roadside. I just have the few left. Thanks for visiting and commenting.
DeleteThis is absolutely adorable!!! First time visiting your blog. I invite you to come link- http://atozebracelebrations.com/2013/02/link-party-6.html
ReplyDeleteNancy
Marji Roy, those are so sweet and you already know I love that ladder! Your Valentine decorating is such a sweet welcome for guests! I'm including a link back in this wee's highlights. ;)
ReplyDeleteThe ladder has been a treasure all year. Its anniversary is this spring. I'll have to think of a new twist for 2013-14!
DeleteThanks so much for linking to Make the Scene Monday @ Alderberry Hill. You are being featured tomorrow morning!
ReplyDeleteI hope you are having a wonderful weekend, and join me tomorrow night for Make the Scene Monday #60!
Love the ladder and the fact that it changes with the seasons and holidays. Great use and reuse project!
ReplyDeleteMichael
www.recreatedesigncompany.com
The forest offers so much for free. I have found it to be an incredible inspiration.
DeleteSo pretty...I love seeing all of you holiday variations on your ladder. Happy Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteMarch has me stumped! Thanks for visiting and commenting!
DeleteWow - I adore this twig hearts!!! Thanks for linking up at Romance on a dime!!
ReplyDeleteI love those hearts - so simple and organic. And I love them hung from the rustic ladder. I'm going to have to look out for some willow twigs at the cottage when I'm there in the spring.
ReplyDeleteI'm coming over from the DIY Showoff link party. This twig heart is great. I also really like your wood ladder and the changes you do each season. Very nice!
ReplyDeleteMissy Inspired
http://missyinspired.blogspot.com