Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/127001
realdetails String ofHets Pretty paper and a spool of thread are all you need to whip up this picture-perfect garland Written and photographed by Christina Symons This gorgeous garland lends a heartfelt touch to any wedding party and is easy to craft at home. You can make multiple strings of varying lengths and sizes for a bohemian look and feel, or keep your hearts and garland more uniform if you're hosting a formal affair. Hung or draped, the garland will sway gently as people pass, adding to its subtle charm. Step 1 Select a sturdy, pretty paper and use a heart-shaped cardboard pattern (or a die-cutting machine) to cut out multiple paper hearts in your desired sizes. Experiment with textured, handmade or marbled paper in shades to match your party colour scheme. If you are cutting your hearts by hand, fold the paper and pattern lengthwise to make the process go faster. Plan on at least three sets of three-inch hearts for each foot of garland. Step 2 Arrange your hearts in pairs. Using a standard sewing machine and choosing a thread to match or contrast with your hearts, sew through the centre of two paper hearts while you grasp the end thread and pull gently. Continue stitching, guiding the garland through, while adding pairs of hearts as you go and allowing for a length of empty stitches (several inches' worth of thread) in between each set of hearts. Finish Hang or drape your finished garland in doorways, windows, arches or trees. 62 real weddings SPRing / SUMMER 2013 p60-63_RealDetails.indd 62 13-04-22 11:15 AM