Some of you may know this little secret about me already. I am a huge fan of making stuff from old shopping bags. Not only do I love me some kraft paper, but I see endless possibilities for making cool projects from the larger canvas size of a paper bag. Besides that, I just get a kick out of recycling things. Being in a lovey-dovey frame of mind lately, I decided to make myself an up-cycled, funky junk paper bag Valentine.
Pulled out some of my favorite things for this. Sheet music, vintage lace I bought last summer at an antiques store, and old buttons that once belonged to my grandmother. I love using truly special things on a special project.
Did you notice I used my stamps, too? Stamped some distressed dots around the edge of the kraft heart. So far, I’m keeping up with my pledge to use those stamps more. I think I get extra bonus points for that.
My favorite part, though, has got to be that adorable clown Valentine image from The Graphics Fairy. I added just a touch of glitter to her hearts and tucked her into a pocket. Layered the whole onto a pair of Nestabilities shapes and tied it all up with brown baker’s twine.
The accordion-fold rosette is made from more recycled paper bag, edged with a touch of white ink. I added a pin and sentiment to finish things off.
Sewed two kraft hearts together partway and stuffed them with tissue paper to create a pillow effect before stitching closed completely. Now my Valentine is tough enough to stand the test of time.
If you promise not to tell, I’ll share another secret on how I made the pattern for my heart. Do you all remember making paper hearts in grade school by folding paper in half and drawing only half the heart? Well do that……and use this nifty trick for tracing a perfect curve at the top.
My gosh, right? Brilliant! That Audrey is a genius! Sooooo high tech. Not to worry, though. I do believe that YOU can do it, too! 🙂
Supplies:
Ivory Buff cardstock, Pre-cut chipboard, Brown Baker’s Twine and Uniquely Handmade rubber stamp: The Kraft Outlet
Image: The Graphics Fairy
Pin: Tim Holtz
Dies: Papertrey Ink and Nestabilities
Stamp: Unity
Ink: Clearsnap
Vintage and Recycled: kraft shopping bag, sheet music, lace, buttons
Audrey Pettit Designs 
You are indeed brillant, Audrey! I love this–so many treasured, sweet items that make it extra special! Love that stamp on the back, too.
Beautiful, love the recycled aspect as well.. what a lovely gift!
Hugs,
Sharon Field
Such a perfect Valentine, and recycled too.
Love the Graphics Fairy clown image.
love this! Thanks for your sweet comment on my Graphic’s Fairy project!
OMGosh Audrey! I’m putting an order in for one of these! No kidding! I want an Audrey original! I so love this! swoooooooon! 🙂
Genius! This is lovely Audrey on so many levels…
Absolutely genius and so beautiful!
You are soooo crafty! Love what you did and thanks for stopping by my place and I especially appreciate your leaving a message. Hope you come back and I’ve added you to my list of blogs over on my place, but don’t see a ‘follow me’ here. Popping over to your Etsy site, can’t wait to see what else you do!
Love it … love it … {heart} it a LOT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow Audrey! This is absolutely adorable!! I love how you recycled the bag and made it into a beautiful Valentine! I usally just throw my bags on the ground for the cats to play in, I might have to save one next time for me! I love how you stuffed it with tissue paper, it is so creative! Have a great day!
What a neat project Audrey! I just love it. So many pretty things all bundled up into one FABULOUS valentine!!
Gorgeous! Love that you used your grandma’s button (precious), and the recycled bag! I love the distressed edges and the accordian pleats. As always, I am inspired!
PITTER PATTER goes my heart…I am in paper heart LOVE!!
I am having lunch with a dear friend and will be going to the store for paper bags!! Awwwww ❤
no really……………AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!! ; )
Sooooooooo fantabulous!! WOW!! You never cease to AMAZE!!! WOW!
Yes, you are brilliant!!!! What a fabulous heart!! That would look awesome in my house lol!! 🙂
WOW!! This is absolutely wonderful.. You didn’t miss a single detail. What a wonderful keepsake. For now on I am asking for paper not plastic at the store….
Hoping you have a happy day!! Hugs, Linda
AAAAHHHHH GORGEOUS PROJECT ALERT!!!! LOVE this Audrey. What a sweet idea and now you can display it with all of your other beautiful VD things. I hope you have a fabby day girlfriend. Check your mailbox…there just might be a surprise coming. {hugs}
Oh my, your project is simply gorgeous!
So creative and beautiful. I’ve done paper bag albums before. Now I gotta try this. Love it.
I love the idea of sewing on paper…..so many possibilities open up before me!
Yes, you ARE brilliant!! And you make me smile….double bonus!
Sarahx
Truly gorgeous, the stamped dots definitely give it the finishing touch.
yummy vintage goodness, audrey! such a gorgeous heart “pillow”. i heart it! from the vintage image to the vintage keepsakes…amazing! thanks for sharing and hope you have a lovely evening! *hugs* steph 🙂
I nearly fell off my chair :). I just keep staring at this handmade beauty; into my favorites folder it goes!! 🙂
Beautiful; I”m smitten…what more can I say?
Audrey, this is such a lovely project! I love the combination of elements and techniques! I’ve also really enjoyed reading past posts and am looking forward to reading more! Thanks for stopping by my blog and for your sweet comments about my collage!
Oh Audrey!!!! WOW, WOW, WOW!!! Love this card.
Loving your stuffed Valentine. The layers are great and love th vintage Valentine you tucked into the pocket. :-). Amy
Oh my girl…This one is absolutly stunning (all your projects are) But i just love it when you can recycle old stuff into lovely,pretty new ones!!!
Thumbs up for using stamps from your stash..*lol*
Have a very happy day!
This is so wonderful! Congratulations on your feature at The Graphics Fairy too! Well deserved–it’s a lovely Valentine…
This is beautiful! Visiting from The Graphics Fairy.
~ Julie
Simply charming! Great repurposing project. Congrats on your Graphics Fairy feature!!! xx,
Autumn Clark
I want you to know you inspired me… I even used a paper bag!
I really enjoy your creations!
Theresa
This is sooooo cute!!! Well done job on it!!!
[…] I’m bragging about this wonderful Paper Heart, from Audrey Petite at Audrey Petite’s Weblog. Audrey used the Valentine Clown image found HERE for this pretty project. I love that she used a […]