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It is my favorite time of the month again when I get to join up with my besties and share with you another episode of The International Bloggers Club. This edition marks our one year anniversary since starting this special challenge and it has been an amazing hear full of fun projects and also a learning experience as we learn about each others' countries.
For those of you who are new here, we are five bloggers who live in different parts of the world and we share our projects and traditions from each of our countries. This month we are focusing on Valentine's Day and a Framed Heart Craft. 
Here in Greece Valentine's Day has only become popular since the 1980's. We do not have a St. Valentine in the Greek Orthodox Church so it was a bit strange for us to celebrate him. But like so many other imports from the west, we have come to embrace this special day of romance.
The photos of the hearts are from Varvara's shop, Wedding Planner Shabby Chic. 
The young and not so young celebrate by exchanging gifts, flowers or candy. And as Greeks we always look for excuses to go out. In fact the taverns and restaurants are full on this special day.
On a more personal note, my husband and I usually stay in. We light a big roaring fire and have a candlelit dinner. Last year we had a Valentine's Day breakfast, which you can read about here.
Today I'm going to share a quick craft with you. Its a Framed Heart for Valentine's Day. I started out using a frame that I already had. This was from my first project ever on the blog here. You can really use any old frame.
I simply popped out the wooden piece in the center. It was a piece of wood that had been decoupaged with a piece of fabric. 
Being the lazy blogger that I am, I didn't even bother to remove the original fabric, I just wrapped a red flowery fabric on top of the original. And then I popped it back in. The reason for this is because after Valentine's Day is over I want my original floral artwork back. No point in gluing it and having to deal with that.
I then found two pieces of wire, I think they must have been from hangers, shaped into a hoop. I bent them into a heart shape. No perfection needed here. 
And what did I do? Why I channeled my inner "Twine Lady" and let loose! I wrapped that heart in no time. And with the ends I made a bow on top. You all know how much I love using twine, I have a whole bunch of projects with it. I've even wrapped a storage unit, which you can see here.
Here you can see how the fabric looks with the frame. All I needed to do was secure the twine heart so it would hang in front.
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With a tiny white ribbon I was able to dangle the twine heart over the frame. 
It's simple with just the right amount of red!
A little distressing on the frame. Back in the day before I knew what sandpaper was I used a knife to do this. I certainly have come a long way.
The heart may be down to earth with the twine, but it is also strong. Is it a metaphor?
And that wraps it up for this edition of the Int'l Bloggers Club Challenge and my contribution of the Valentine's Day Framed Heart Craft. How do you celebrate Valentine's Day in your country? Do you do something out of the ordinary?
If you like what you see, share it with your friends, or save it on Pinterest. Above is a Pinterest worthy image! If you really like what you see subscribe to my blog and get my adventures twice a week in your mailbox. The form is on the sidebar and your e-mail will never be shared with a third party. 
And now hop on over to visit my four friends who have also written about the traditions in their countries. Simply click on the images below my name. If you'd like to see more past challenges click here. 
More from the Int'l Bloggers Club:
<<Sweet Inspiration Link Party #41 HOME Handmade Pillowcases >>
Linking up to these Link Parties This blog is for entertainment purposes only; my DIY tutorials are not professional advice. Read my full disclaimer here. I love it when I get your comments and I will try reply to them or visit you on your blog. Please do not add a hyperlink to your comment, otherwise we cannot publish it.
63 Comments
Mary
1/31/2017 07:54:10 am
You know me always the practical one. I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's day with your loved ones.
Mary
1/31/2017 07:55:09 am
The happy flower fabric really makes it burst I think. See Katrin I am learning from you how to make quick and easy. 1/30/2017 11:15:28 am
Mary, I think I would have loved your post, but your left hand pop up with P,F,twitter, google plus, etc. comes up and on a small screen computer blocks out both words and portions of photos. In fact it covers part of the line in the comment section and to move it to the right means the scroll bar disappears on the right hand side. Thought you would want to know.
Mary
1/31/2017 07:57:57 am
Jackie I am so sorry to hear that. I don't know what to do. I usually try to keep the screen clutter free. Thanks for letting me know. 1/30/2017 11:38:49 am
Hello Mary! It's so pretty and truly reflects your style. I like how it has dimension, and that you can change it up as needed.
Mary
1/31/2017 07:59:38 am
That is the operative word Doreen, I like changing things up. My house is constantly changing. When my daughter's friends come over they look around the house to see what is different this week. Haha!
Mary
1/31/2017 08:00:26 am
Thank you Kim, it was an easy one and with the addition of the twine also fun. 1/30/2017 03:05:25 pm
I love this International blog idea; I have so many blog friends I have made over the years. Blogging is so good for the soul.
Mary
1/31/2017 08:03:46 am
I agree with you 100% Kari. You instantly connect with other like minded people who will put up with your obsession over paint color and little insignificant things such as twine. And that is fine with them.
A very pretty, rustic and romantic project for Valentine's day, Mary. It's true; Greeks have adopted so many of North America's cultural ways. I see it most with the huge, lavish weddings that are taking place in gigantic halls. When I first came to Crete as a young wife, the typical wedding was always over 1000 people, but it was much simpler, always taking place in the village square, in the village church with the reception in the school yard.
Mary
1/31/2017 08:05:01 am
Yes I agree Poppy. So much of our culture has become westernized. It seems as if we are losing a part of ourselves. Mary, this is beautiful!! Great idea not to attach the new pretty fabric, and I'm so glad because I really like the bird floral print as well. The twine heart is so pretty, another amazing creation from the Twine Lady! :) This is really beautiful!! I hope you and your husband have a wonderful Valentine's Day!!
Mary
1/31/2017 08:06:34 am
I think that first bird project will always be dear to my heart Keri. I'm glad I can still preserve it.
Mary
1/31/2017 08:07:45 am
I agree Michele, wine and chocolates sound heavenly! Ok I am not a lazy blogger, maybe the word should be "Practical". ;) 1/31/2017 05:37:27 am
Oh, how cute! It has just the right touches of red and rustic! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
Mary
1/31/2017 08:08:24 am
Thank you Marci. I try to be a little subtle with the red. 1/31/2017 09:45:29 am
So cute! I love crafts like this: simple, creative, inexpensive, effectively evokes the sweet spirit of Valentine's Day.
Mary
1/31/2017 05:49:40 pm
You hit the hammer on the nail Mimi! I like them inexpensive too and simple. That way I can change every year and not feel guilty about the money that I did or didn't spend. 1/31/2017 11:21:19 am
So simple but so pretty! Great idea of just wrapping the fabric instead of attaching it permanently, that way you can reuse it in another project later.
Mary
1/31/2017 05:52:15 pm
Exactly my thinking Linda. I really like the bird fabric and want to go back to it after Valentine's Day.
Mary
1/31/2017 06:03:37 pm
Sweet and simple is the way I wanted to go for this holiday. You see how we are caving in to all the western traditions. And its mostly the commercial ones. 1/31/2017 12:19:24 pm
Mary, this is so pretty! I just love the simplicity of how the twine wrapped heart hangs over the pretty framed fabric. Even while in the USA you are finding fabric scraps to create awesome crafts.
Mary
1/31/2017 06:05:40 pm
Marie if I told you I took this one with me would you believe me? Bloggers gotta blog!! 2/1/2017 06:27:08 am
So cute Mary, and love that it's a temporary picture that you can change back again afterwards - you've also given me some much needed inspiration for something, so thank you x
Mary
2/1/2017 07:12:53 am
Sarah nothing is permanent in my house. I always try to do things in such a way so that I can change them because I only have a certain amount of storage. Glad I could inspire!
Mary
2/3/2017 04:24:13 pm
Absolutely, that way you won't have too much stuff to store away. 2/1/2017 01:49:12 pm
This is the first I have heard about your club and challenge. What a neat idea. Love your heart and all the other Valentine's Day projects. :)
Mary
2/3/2017 04:34:48 pm
I'm glad you were able to join us Jen. We have been doing this club challenge for a year now, just some friends sharing stories and ideas all over the world. And we participate in furniture and crafts. That picture frame is so versatile, you have now a pretty Valentine's display that can take down in no time and replace with whatever you want. Even the fabric is beautiful, it adds color to the frame. We know how things change with a bit of paint, but they also change with some twine. Love that heart! Happy Valentine's Day my friend
Mary
2/3/2017 04:37:05 pm
Happy Valentine's day Pili. I think by taking any one material we can change things up. Would you believe I took that fabric with me to NY just for a project and I guess I found the perfect one. 2/1/2017 08:35:38 pm
You are certainly dangerous with a spool of twine! I'm happy that I don't have to compete with you, I would never come up with these awesome projects. You amaze me. I love the imperfectness of the wire heart, it makes it more special and rustic. And it looks fab on the red material!
Mary
2/3/2017 04:43:56 pm
I too love imperfection it is so much more interesting than perfect. And you know I have an ongoing love affair with twine.
Mary
2/3/2017 04:46:07 pm
I think they stand out even more because of the simple design.
Mary
2/3/2017 04:48:10 pm
Thanks Florence, I knew you would understand!
Mary
2/4/2017 10:08:09 am
Thank you Maya. It is easy and simple, just the way I like it. 2/4/2017 06:10:55 am
I love the heart Mary, and I think this is a gorgeous Valentine's day craft.
Mary
2/4/2017 10:09:07 am
Amber I am so glad you like it. I wanted simple and versatile. 2/4/2017 11:54:55 am
This is cute Mary! I lived the twin heart! I really need to try this!
Mary
2/4/2017 01:02:34 pm
Katerina it was super easy and gives a nice soft look. 2/5/2017 02:23:17 am
Such a sweet frame, Mary! Love the fabric that you chose and the sweet jute heart is the perfect addition!
Mary
2/5/2017 05:36:25 am
Thank you Sam, it was a lot of fun to make. In fact anytime I use jute I always have fun.
Mary
2/5/2017 11:06:13 am
That is so true Trudy. I keep those early posts to be able to see just how far I've come along on my blogging journey. 2/5/2017 05:37:37 pm
Love the twine heart art. Twine is a favorite of mine too.
Mary
2/5/2017 06:00:37 pm
Twine is so much fun to work with and instantly warms up anything. 2/6/2017 09:31:30 pm
This is a very sweet and precious way to celebrate Valentine's Day. I love the frame with the rustic look and the pretty red fabric. But the pièce de résistance is the twine wrapped heart. I love the twine and how the heart dangles down. I did have to laugh when you said the fabric is only temporary. So I am anxious to see how you spruce up the pretty flower material for Spring.
Mary
2/8/2017 03:59:51 am
You know how I feel about twine Debra! I took that piece of twine with me on my trip to New York. I guess you can say it is my lucky charm. The fabric has been stashed away. And my lovely birds are on display again. But I proudly hung the heart on the wall. 2/8/2017 10:20:03 am
Cute framed Heart, love the little hearts from the wedding planner store as well.
Mary
2/8/2017 11:57:50 am
That store is packed full of adorable things. It's a good thing I believe in DIYing otherwise I'd end up buying everything. 2/10/2017 08:55:27 am
I will be doing this soon. Love your frame, it's gorgeous. #merrymonday
Mary
2/10/2017 01:02:39 pm
I am so happy to hear that I have inspired you Shirley! Thank you for dropping by. 3/2/2017 11:35:12 pm
What a fun and very sweet Valentines project Mary. I love the idea behind your international bloggers club too. 1/29/2018 05:24:14 am
I really like the twine around the heart, Mary! Very nice! Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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I'm Mary and I recently moved to New York from beautiful Greece. I like to re-purpose and up-cycle anything that is old or looks like junk. Join me as we use our creativity to spark some life into old things. And do it frugally! You will also see lots of photography of my Greece and New York. Follow me
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