I work with lots of brides so I’m here to attest that the season for hearts never ends.

The romantic look of May Arts new Vintage Inspired Cotton Blend ribbon made me think of a time gone by filled sweet handwritten notes tucked into rustic and romantic hearts.

Inspired to make your own?  It’s super easy and economical!  The supply list will follow.

I used a cookie cutter to make my pattern.

This one is a bit over 4 inches wide.  Trace it onto paper twice.  Cut out with scissors.  Cut the top 2 inches off the second heart.   This will form the pocket.

Cut two full hearts.  Place the pocket piece on the fold of the burlap and cut one double layer.  You can use muslin or print fabric for the back of your heart if desired.

Stitch across the edge of the pocket piece.

Pin the pocket to the front heart piece.  I decided I wanted to make my Vintage Inspired Ribbon even more rustic so I rubber stamped it with Stazon Black ink.

Run two lines of gathering stitches down the center of the ribbon.  We’re not looking for a ruffle here, just softly gathered edges. If you want a more ragged edge, just pull the strings along the edges of the ribbon until it’s as shabby as you like it.

Once your ribbon is gathered to your liking, pin it over your pocket piece.  Place the back piece of the burlap over the top (burlap doesn’t really have a front and back so we’re only concerned with the front here).  Stitch the heart closed leaving a 2 inch opening for turning.

Trim the edges close to the stitching but do not trim the opening.  Cut notches in the curves to help them lie flat after turning.   Turn and press the heart.  Stuff the heart with fiberfill, hand stitch the opening closed, and then decorate to suit the occasion!

I decided to add the crochet lace later so I just pinned it on the finished heart and hand stitched it on along with the string pearls.  The flower was made by taking a small scrap of ribbon, winding it into a circle then securing the center with hand stitching and pearls. 

Tucked in the pocket is a tag made from handmade seed paper (see linked tutorial).

This one uses a rose (see linked tutorial) made from May Arts Silk ribbon.

Ah, romance…

By  Charlene Driggs

Other Supplies Used:

• Heart shaped cookie cutter
• Copy paper or pattern paper
• Burlap fabric
• Sewing machine/thread
• Needle
• Fiberfill
• String pearls