An Un-Valentine Gift ;) DIY

Now, I totally have some romantic, Valentine-y handmades in the works.  However, before we get to them, I wanted to throw in an "Un-Valentine" gift for those who might not be feeling the ooey-gooey, lovey doveiness of it all :)  Because, who hasn't been there :)  

This is a variation of the potty pops block I posted about last year.  

Here's how I made it:

All you need is a scrap piece of 2"x4" (oh, and also, awesome fyi: if you go the the scrap section of Home Depot they might have some scrap pieces in random lengths, I got several almost 4' lengths of both 2x4 & 1x3 for only 50 cents a board!!), some paints, a drill, and some suckers :)  The paints I used were Martha Stewart Craft Paints in Glossy Beach Glass & Metallic Gold.

I used the font "cream puff" to print out my lettering just on regular computer paper.  Then, taped it over my painted block and traced along the outside of the letters pressing down hard with a pen.  Once the paper is removed, I painted in the indentation with gold.

Depending on the size of your block you can mark where and how many holes you want for suckers along the top.  I didn't drill as horribly crooked as it appears, I merely used too big of a bit so they're leaning against the edge (a look I kinda like :)).

You can sand the block to give it a weathered look and spray with a glossy clear coat for longevity.

Don't share this cynical sentiment but like the pun?  Just add a doesn't into the phrase :)  (maybe even on the back of the block making it reversible for the fickle ;)

Tossed Nine Patch Quilt Trick

I am all about quilting shortcuts that make it appear that I've done more work than I actually have! That's why I flipped out when I discovered this trick and made like 10 little quilts! It's so rewarding and so simple. I didn't invent this and there are lots of tutorials out there . . . just throwing mine into the mix :)

If you can sew a straight line then you can do this!

9 fabric squares all the same size (I'm using 6" squares in the pictures) ps, how cute are my holiday fabrics, right??
Sewing Machine
Rotary Cutter (optional, but makes life a lot easier)

Step 1:
*Before you begin, you may want to turn your upper most left side square and bottom most right side square upside down, you'll be rotating them, so if you want them to be "right side up" when it's all said and done you'll need to do this, or if you're going for random (and easy) just place them however*
Sew together 3 squares in a row. Do this 3 times.

Step 2:
Sew together your 3 rows, try to line up corners as best as you can, I'm totally not a perfectionist here but it helps. You should have a standard 9-patch square. Press.

Step 3:
Using ruler and rotary cutter (or a super steady/straight hand and scissors) Cut down the middle of your 9 patch square both in the vertical and horizontal direction (a cross). Now you have 4 squares.


Step 4:
Rotate 2 diagonally opposite squares so that the smallest square that was in the middle is now in the outside corner.

Step 5:
Pin the top two squares together and sew. Pin the bottom two squares together and sew. Now you have 2 rectangles

Step 6:
Pin your rectangles together and sew. Press.

Pin It
Now you can marvel at your awesomeness, you quilting genius!

UPDATE: Check out the cute boys pillowcover I made using this square!