Welcome to the January Pinterest Challenge A Valentine’s Day garland. This monthly event is hosted by Cindy of County Road 407. I have created a Napoleon and Josephine Valentine Garland.
This month’s challenge was inspired by a heart garland by Refresh Living.
The arrangement features:
- Various elements hanging on twine.
- Hearts
- A specific color theme
Napoleon and Josephine Valentine Garland
As I mentioned last Sunday I will soon be hosting a Napoleon and Josephine Valentine Tea. Finding ready-made decor for such a theme is not possible so I decided to make some. First on the list was decorating the mantel. I started by creating a garland.
To make a garland yourself you will need:
- Scrapbook paper in your choice of a color palette.
- Printed images of theme
- Embellishments
- Glue
- Double stick tape
- Scissors
- Paper cutter
- Paper hole punch
- Begin by creating a sturdy foundation with cardstock and scrapbook paper.
- Be sure to punch in your holes and add your string/twine/ribbon next.
If you wait on this important step you may find you have embellished exactly where you need to punch a hole and that can be frustrating.
Then loosely lay out your design on each pennant.
I generally try to repeat some of the design elements and make sure the overall look is balanced and pleasing to the eye.
From there just glue your design together, let dry and hang it up!
A Romantic Mantel
Once the garland was finished I set about to create a romantic theme for the mantel. The only new thing I purchased was a sari from Goodwill. It is a silk/cotton gem that will no doubt show up in costuming posts as well.
In 2014 I had written about my visit to Napoleon’s apartment at the Louvre. I tried to capture this essence.
Elements of gold and red, as well as hand-carved wood, were gathered together.
More images of Napoleon and Josephine were placed in gilded frames.
Their romance was well documented via the love letters they sent one another so pretty scrolls were added.
A bust and some pearls add a finishing touch.
Fairy lights forever!
While I would never light candles so close to the fabric I do like the height they add.
The other side looks pretty when lit though.
Up next is my dear friend Yvonne of StoneGable. I cannot wait to recreate the garland she made.
I hope you have enjoyed the Napoleon and Josephine Valentine Garland and mantel.
Laura
You can see other lovely garland inspiration by clicking on the links below.
You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!
Your Napoleon and Josephine garland looks wonderful on your mantel and is perfect for your upcoming themed Valentine’s Day tea. Your friends are going to love seeing your creative decor for this party.
Laura, it is totally fabulous. I love the banner but that mantle is drop dead gorgeous. Nice integration of the framed pieces and you’re right about the candles. That sari is perfect. I thought Napoleon’s Louvre apartments were one of my favorite parts of the museum and we happened into them by accident. Such a treat and so beautiful. Now I need to go back and look at my photos from that day! Your party is going to rock! Or maybe waltz? (How DID they dance back then?!) And yes, I know you won’t have dancing but oh, everyone’s heart will be doing a reel!
Laura,
I am always blown away by your historical decor ideas! This is absolutely perfect for February. What a fun idea ,and I bet a fabulous conversation piece.
How clever. I love your garland and the idea you shared. This would be so cute with any theme. Thanks for sharing Laura. I love it!
So as I was scrolling down to see the first photo an ad with a woman in jeans and a tank top was standing behind solar panels. I was like what tha… that’s Josephine?! It took about 20 seconds to realize it was an ad. I laughed out loud at my sad self. Anyway, love your mantel and the beautiful color. It’s very romantic and totally you. I NEED to get some fairy lights too. Everyone seems to love them. And we should get together for crafts sometime. Your ideas are the best! Thanks so much for joining in. I always appreciate you!
I did enjoy your mantel. That fabric is amazing! Your creativity astounds me, Laura. Your ideas are always the over the top in such a fun, fun way.
Laura, you know this makes me smile. I’m a Franchphile who is fond of Napoleon and Josephine. If you’ve not read the Sandra Gulland trilogy of Josephine, I highly recommend it. Your mantel is a beautiful tribute to Napoleon and Josephine, a true love story! I’ve shared a number of posts on this couple in the past. Search Napoleon on my blog for them to pop up if you are interested.
HappyValentinte’s Day, dear friend.
What a fun idea for a party, Laura! Yes, making your own decor for a specific theme is half the fun. When my daughter visited the Louvre, she loved that room!
Absolutely wonderful! As a fan from childhood of the book Desiree, by Annemarie Selinko (if you haven’t read it, read before the tea!) I am always up for a Napoleonic theme. The only thing I would add is a great big bouquet of roses, because Josephine’s rose garden at Malmaison, was her pride and joy and extremely famous! Well, and some bees, since those were his symbol….
Your garland will certainly go with your theme! Very clever!
laura this is amazing! I never thought to theme my Valentine garland up like this one. I might need to do a Mr. Darcy inspired garland!
laura
PS what do you think about harry + megan?
Your Napoleon and Josephine garland is so pretty and has perfect romantic touch. Your company for your party are going to love your mantle. Love the addition of the bust too.
Cindy
Laura, what an interesting and unique idea for a Valentine garland. J & N would be so proud. What we do without fairy lights?
Wow, Laura! This mantel is STUNNING with the images you’ve created of Napoleon and Josephine… Beautiful idea for a Valentine’s day garland. Pinned lots (which I always do for everyone but this is extra special). I’d love to attend a Valentine’s Day tea like yours… Have fun when you do have your fête!!!
Hearts and hugs,
Barb 🙂
That party theme sounds so fun and romantic, Laura! The whole mantel looks very rich and romantic…perfect for Valentine’s Day. I love how you draped the fabric and included the sweet valentines in your garland.
I really enjoyed your post. Your banner is awesome and that mantel is wonderful. You are going to rack up a LOT of compliments on it! I wish I could be a fly on the wall—or should it be a bee\– for your party!
Oh my goodness this jus t might be the most inspiratioal Valentine’s Day decor I have seen ever! Be still my French-romantic-antiques-gilded gold loving heart! You knocked this one out of the park with beauty and originality. This needs to be in Victoria magazine! Brilliant, my friend.
Happy Valentine’s Day!