Stampin' Dolce: DIY valentine frame - artisan design team blog hop

Welcome to this weeks Artisan Design Team Blog Hop! I feel like it was just yeaterday that we were sharing our monthly Stampin' Up! Facebook projects for December. I can hardly believe that it is time to share our January Stampin' Up! Facebook projects with you!

But it is true! Today is the day! We are half way through January. Valentines day is less than a month away. Over the years Valentines has become one of my favorite holidays (lets be honest, Christmas is exhausting). Hatters may say what they wish but I love the occasion. Why wouldn't you love a day to celebrate the good and happy things in your life? Everyone loves someone ... and that is reason to celebrate!

I picked up this in expensive frame from IKEA recently. I thought our super cute Valentine products from the Occasions Catalogue would be the perfect pairing for a Valentine decor piece.

The Designer Series Paper Stacks fit the 4x6 frame almost perfectly as a background. I used a little washi tape around all four sides of the DSP to hold it in place against the frame backing board.

I adhered the photo with washi tape and added a little stamping and embellishing. I left the glass in the frame and before I put my hand-stamped page in I sprinkled some punched silver foil hearts. It was a fun detail that makes it a giant shaker!

The ampersand was stamped in Basic Black ink and sprinkled with Basic Black Embossing Powder. I used the heat gun to emboss the ampersand. It has a shinny raised surface that is so beautiful. This picture does not do it justice!

To add the banner I punched 12 mini flags using the Banner Punch (133519). Each banner is sandwiched to the Whisper White Bakers Twine with glue dots. I left space between each banner so that I could add some Basic Black Ribbon knots.

I wrapped the White Bakers twine banner around the back side of the frame and used scotch tape to hold in place.

The picture in this frame does not have to be a hunky man like Arturo. You could display your love of a pet, child, vacation spot ... just celebrate love!!

Before I go I have to share one more photograph. I created this project over the Christmas break when my kiddies were home. My "medium" girl S was a great helper and insisted I take a photo of her with the frame.

Next up on the blog hop is Lisa Harlow. You are going to love what Lisa has in store for you today! Remember ... keep clicking through the hop to see all of the 16 international designers!