{a craft a month} heart hugging
For not liking Valentine’s Day, I’m surely capturing the spirit – and doing it early. It’s not even February yet, and I’m ready to mail out my cards. Is 2012 the year I’ve come alive with promptness? It’s looking that way, but it’s only January. I have plenty of months this year to screw up and forget something. Without further ado, this month’s craft of the month!
The other week I made some valentine creations using leftover scraps. This week, I’ve done the same with the addition of valentine lace doilies purchased for $2 at the drug store. I’ve seen these doilies scatter Pinterest, particularly their use of dolling up an old mason jar. I bought them because – can you ever have enough doilies? I decided to put them to work in a different way.
A few reasons I created this design:
- For me, cards need to be interactive. There has to be a way to untie, untwist, or unbutton a greeting. I want my recipients to use their brains + their hands.
- I like being tricky. Perhaps it’s the creative writer in me, but I like an unexpected ending. I think the half heart doily is clear here. I’m hoping my recipients are curious to find the other half.
- I’m really into tall, lanky cards. This is probably because I already have letter envelopes they can easily slip into. Too many cards are short and wide (and expected).
The great thing about creating your own valentines is that you can custom create your love. I really love the idea of that! I purposefully chose different colors for each card and worked on different ways of tying it shut. In the end, my favorite was the red on dark brown. I still can’t believe that I made nearly ten of these – and in less than an hour.
A-ha! The twist ending! If you open the card to its full potential, you’ll find a secret message. Because honestly, who doesn’t want to feel some love – familial, platonic, or romantic – on Valentine’s Day?
Of all the cards I’ve made throughout the years, I think these rank #2 on my list of favorites. I’m hoping it ranks high in the hearts of those to whom I send it.
And if you’re particularly looking to feel loved this season, leave your name in the comments. I’ll send one of these to a reader who needs a heart hug. Because (not to be sappy) you all give me heart hugs every day with your comments & support. Especially yesterday. Thank you.
