It's time for a party!
Let's hear it for creating in good company! I decided back in December that one good way to use up art supplies that were overflowing, gather together in friendship and get the house tidied up would be to host a Valentine make-and-take day.
The idea was that people would drop in between 2 and 8, make one card or more, have a snack and leave as their schedule permitted. I had no idea how many people would come (some told me beforehand, but since it was a drop-in, no RSVP was asked for).
So, to be on the safe side, I made some Valentine cookies, a pan of brownies, and whipped out some crunchies and cheese for the savory fans.
All the supplies were on a separate table (and the coffee table...and the couch...and the chair...) and I put up a long one in the living room. Then I just let it happen!
And happen it did!
Over the course of the afternoon and early evening, more than a dozen friends dropped by to create a valentine -- or several!
And each one was unique.
Those who said, "I'm just not crafty!" turned out delightful cards and those more experienced had mini-masterpieces!
There were plenty of smiles all around!
And while I barely made a dent in my overstocked stash, I had such a good time that the next morning I called up my friend Kate and said let's do it again!
And we did! Here are some of mine -- and a candy box for Rick!
And by the way, those aren't Christmas trees and lights. They are WINTER trees and lights. (And they'll be down soon!)
I'm delighted to be sharing this post on Thoughts of Home on Thursday at Jemma's Blog. And, I'm also joining Betsy's weekly "Talk of the Town." And, don't forget to check out How Sweet the Sound and Pink Saturday for even more fun! Please check all of these links for tons of fun ideas on home and creativity!
What a fabulous idea! And fun! Those are some beautiful Valentines you all made. :). I love Valentine's Day and the festivities that surround it. I'm a romantic at heart. It's definitely for lovers, but I think also for good friends. Plenty of love to go around!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a great - and productive - time was had by all. My porch likghts are still up; I call the fairy lights and like seeing them sparkle to greet me when I come home in the cold and dark.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea!! I love it! I think deep down a lot of us adults like to play with art supplies, even if we think we're not crafty or artistic. Winter lights are wonderful. I think it's a shame that most of the lights come down after Christmas, leaving January so dark.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun that must have been . . .
ReplyDeleteGreat idea Jeanie . . .
I bet this has inspired your friends to create on their own.
I spent some time today getting Valentine cards ready to send out to my grandchildren.
Although my cards were ones I had purchased, it didn't take long for me to dig out
my markers, colored pencils and crayons to add some of my own creating to
their cards. I had a great time . . .
Sweet, Jeanie! I like seeing all those "heart-felt" smiles! (I see that Rick isn't making a card though...)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun idea. It looks like everyone had a fab time. I can't believe how much crafting stuff you have. Were/Are you an art teacher?
ReplyDeleteI like your little lighted Winter tree. Another blogger I read, put away her Christmas decorations and put up "Valentine's" hearts and clear lights on a white tree afterward. Some people just love trees so much!
What a fun idea and a great way to make a dent in some of the supplies you already had on hand! I used to do craft nights occasionally with my college girlfriends but it kind of stopped happening after they had kids. I'm admittedly the least crafty one of the bunch but it was still fun to get together and create things!
ReplyDeleteI love the cards that you and your guests made! How special to give your loved one something you made. I took the easy route and picked up a cat-themed card for Phil!
Awesome idea Jeanie! Not only using up all those craft papers and valentines but a good way to have fun, see friends and be productive. Looks like everyone was please with their Valentine's Day creations. No apologies for the lights, I think it is great to have twinkling lights during the winter months, adds so much to dark and dreary days.
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's Day Jeanie.
Great idea, and it sounds like it was great fun! :)
ReplyDeleteHey, you could do the same thing for other holidays. Easter an Mothers' Day are coming up in the next few months...
How fun! I can tell you gals had a ball!
ReplyDeleteDear Jeanie,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful, delightful post and project!
Look at these precious Valentine's and all of the good companionship.
I am so happy to see you that you joined us at Thoughts of Home on Thursday! You just made my day!
xx
Jemma
Jeanie, I would have been there in a heartbeat if I lived closer! That looks like so much fun, and a good way to whittle down the stash.
ReplyDeleteI love the Winter Trees!!
The main thing is to have fun, and it seems you all did.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun time your friends had Jeanie!
ReplyDeleteIt's just like when we were kids - some friends had the BEST toys and we loved being at their houses the most!
Your house is like that Jeanie, I wish I lived within cooey of you and could pop in to play, ha ha!
Delighted smiles on these 'grown up' faces tells it all!
You are an incredible person and so thoughtful to share your art supplies with others. That shows what a BIG heART you have, too. I admit it looks like everyone had a lot of fun making their cards.
ReplyDeleteI had planned to stop by and get to know you earlier in the week, but life has gotten in the way of computer time, for which I apologize. I've been reading along with your blog and understand the emptiness you must feel for your dear friend who has departed. Of course, I was impressed with your drawing skills, too. I have a friend who took a class on colored pencils and bought enough pencils to keep the pencil industry in business for a century. She learned how to make a face and shade it, so I was impressed with your cat, my favorite.
Thanks for dropping by my blog, so I could visit and enjoy your art and very considerate nature. Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day, too.
I forgot to mention that silk would have worked much better than cotton, because the cotton is more open weave. The silk would have absorbed the Sharpies better, too. So, I think a white silk scarf would be amazing colored with Sharpies. If by chance, you try it, please let me know.
ReplyDeleteJeanie, we had a craft making party at my next door neighbor's house last summer and made beaded necklaces. It was so much fun. I loved seeing pictures of your Valentine's party and I know your friends loved it too. Speaking from the point of view of a not so creative girl, I know your friends enjoyed having your creativity rub off a little.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for joining Thoughts of Home on Thursday. We are honored to have you. ♥
What a great idea! I was at the antique mall today and saw so much Valentine ephemera. I kept think, oh Jeanie would like this. Good thing I didn't get you any, but I was tempted. Love, love your idea for making Valentine's much. I should do that next year with my women's group.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun way for friends to spend some good quality time together. Looks like everyone is having such a good time. Thanks so much for sharing your creations with us at Talk of the Town.
ReplyDeleteWhat a thoughtful idea! It's obvious that your friends embraced this idea. Just look at all those special valentines!
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's Day to you!
A fantastic idea, and that must have been a nice gathering, filled with smiles. Great photos, warm greetings!
ReplyDeletesuch a fun thing to do. every one looks as though they were absorbed in the process of creating. i love that idea of people stopping by to make a card.
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing like the gathering of friends. I love seeing Rick in the background! Did he too participate? :))))))
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun and LOVE-LY idea, Jeanie!! Sooo many beautiful cards and treats to give a way. BIG LOVE this!! :) And I love your winter lights! Our winter lights are still shining too... ;) Wishing you a LOVE-filled Valentine's weekend, my friend ((HUGS))
ReplyDeletegreat idea, Jeanie. I should start making a Valentine for Richard....you've inspired me (again!)
ReplyDeleteHI Jeanie! I've said it before but you just have too fun fun! I love it! Happy Valentine's day, my friend.
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
This is truly a fabulous idea! Just love shared splendidly.
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much for joining Thoughts of Home on Thursday. Your presence really helped to make it very special. I hope you will return again and again.
Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Valentine's Day!
What a fabulous idea. I love this. Of course, I don't have any craft stuff, but it would be fun to just get a bunch of women together to do this. Each could be a stash of stuff and create together. Fun! I wish I could have dropped by.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I love that.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to become a more invested hostess in the years to come.
I really love it when I go there
but so often never carve out the time.
You inspire me:)
Thanks and love,
Jennifer
How fun this looks...and such a good way to spread fellowship and deplete your stash somewhat. Happy Valentine....
ReplyDeleteCreative, generous, and fun! Three words that are certain to turn up on any list that describes you -- looks like everyone had a wonderful time! Happy Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteOH what a wonderful wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteSO much creativity and fun!
You are a wonder and so generous too!
oxo
Could have sworn I left a message here on your lovely Valentine post when I stopped by yesterday!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful opportunity to gather friends together and share and inspire!
Such beautiful creations and fun fun fun.
You are amazing Jeanie.
oxo