Welcome Spring with a Moss Heart Decorated with Vintage Buttons

The past few weeks have been turbulent ones.  It’s devastating to see the COVID-19 virus sweep the world and claim more lives every day.  With self-quarantining in place and schools and businesses closing, life as we know it has come to a halt. 

Let’s face it, social distancing makes us all stir crazy!  Since I’ve been inside more than I am normally, I’ve been passing the time making things.  Doing something creative always centers me.

This project celebrates the first day of spring, a season of restoration and renewal.  Even though there is a long journey ahead of us, we’ll eventually recover and flourish.  Let’s hold onto our hope, even in difficult times.

Mother-of-pearl, rhinestone, celluloid—I chose a variety of delicious pastel vintage buttons for this project.  I used DMC embroidery floss in springy shades to secure the buttons to a moss heart.  Then, I wove thread in the opposite direction to add a bit of visual interest.  Finally, I tied knots in contrasting colors over places where two threads meet for an extra pop of color.  If you can’t find a decorative moss heart for sale or would prefer to use a different shape for this project, you can make your own base by gluing crafting moss to a papier mâché ornament and securing it with netting.

I hope you give this project a try.  It’s quick and adds a little brightness to your home.  Here’s to better times ahead.  For now, it’s an uphill battle and we’re all in this together.  Let’s acknowledge healthcare, delivery, and retail workers and teachers for their dedication.  If you can, purchase gift cards from small businesses to help sustain them while they’re closed or experiencing a low volume of sales.  Urge your representatives to create and support policies that will help us recover our health and economy.  Reach out to your loved ones and never take life for granted.  We’re all vulnerable.  Let’s be kind, helpful, generous, and creative.