Hot Air Balloon Mobile (Dear Lizzy)

One thing that is making more sense to me as I get older is that pure, genuine love can overcome even the hardest of situations. There are a couple relationships in my life that get the toll of everyday stress yet still flourish and grow instead of being squashed. These individuals or “angels” (ha!) who deal with my wacky hormonal days or my ‘sorry I’m just hungry’ moments get the brunt of difficult experiences yet rise above it and become stronger. I have no clue how this is possible… except that it’s real love. Like really real. Something we’ve worked at and cherished and if neglected then reconnected.
This morning I could hear Collin in the kitchen making french toast for the kids and later he got in a frosting fight with Quincey and me as we were decorating a cake for Lola’s birthday and I remember thinking: I am so glad I get to go through this crazy, happy life with him. Because loving Collin has been my favorite adventure yet.

Today I wanted to share this hot air balloon mobile made by the amazing Wilna. She’s so incredible with her artistic eye… and who knew you could get such a beautiful watercolor effect with food coloring?! Thanks Wilna! Read below for instructions.

I used the Dear Lizzy Daydreamer die cut set and in particular the hot air balloon and the heart. Then I pulled out my Cuddlebug diecut machine and watercolor paper and cut out a bunch of each of the two shapes.
Next up, I mixed some food coloring with water and dip dyed the shapes and set them aside to dry a bit. Once dry, I used my sewing machine and started with a looped ribbon and stitched right down feeding the shapes back to back through the machine. So that in the end I could fold back the edges of the shapes and create a 3D effect.
Last, I added some beads and a few feathers to finish off the little mobile.