my heart is with her

Separation from someone you love is never easy. Especially when it's your child. My baby goes off to school tomorrow, and my emotions are running a bit high right now. I've never really done this with a young child. We homeschooled her older brother until he was seven, and then he just jumped right in. I definitely cried. This feels different. She seems so little and very grown up all at once. I had to make her something sweet for this moment. Something to take with her, to feel my love at her side. I did this for me, just as much as I did it for her. This little lavender-filled sachet can be worn as a necklace resting close to her own heart... or tucked into her "big girl" back pack. I thought I'd include the instructions... you may know someone that needs a little bit of your love close to them, too. These would also make wonderful Valentine's gifts, party favors, present toppers, stocking stuffers, etc.

Lavender Heart on a String

Materials

• 2 felt hearts (mine were cut from a recycled sweater)
• strand of elastic cording: choose a length that feels right for the recipiant size
• optional covered button
• several spoonfuls of dried lavender
• thread

Make

1. If you use a covered button, make a tiny slit in the center of one heart. I made mine too large and had to sew it up a wee bit to keep the lavender from peeking out.
   
2. Thread cord through button and pull both ends throught the front heart's hole.
3. Pull cord tight and place both ends coming out on either side of the heart curves sandwiched between the front and back pieces. Pin in place. If you didn't use a button, simply pin your cord in place sandwiched between the two hearts.
   
4. Sew around the heart leaving a little opening on the pointy bottom (see picture). Use a blanket stitch for hand-sewing and a zigzag for the machine, if you need one in a hurry!
5. Stuff with lavender.
6. Sew the opening closed.
7. Add beads if you'd like. Felted ball beads would be sweet. I kept mine simple. Knot the two ends.
8. Give your heart.