Valentine's Day

There are various stories out there about the origin of Valentine’s Day.  Some call it a ‘made-up’ day and want nothing to do with it.  Some think it’s silly.  Some roll their eyes.  Others go all out – candy, flowers, cards, hearts, you name it! 

 I like this story about its origin:

In 270 AD the emperor of Rome outlawed marriage.  Married men did not make good soldiers so the emperor reasoned that by outlawing marriage he would have more and better soldiers, men who were not reluctant to leave home and family in times of war.  He also outlawed Christianity.

Saint Valentine, a Catholic bishop, did not agree with the emperor.  He was a Christian and believed God had ordained marriage, so he performed marriages secretly.  He was discovered and imprisoned for disobeying the emperor.  While in prison, the jailor’s daughter brought him his meals and befriended him.  Valentine soon fell in love with the jailor’s daughter.

The emperor sentenced St. Valentine to death.  On the eve of his execution, St. Valentine wrote a love letter to the jailor’s daughter, signing it, ‘Your Valentine’.

Sigh.  How romantic!  True or not I like this one.  Do you have a favorite story about Valentine’s Day?  Any Valentine’s traditions?  Do you like all the hoopla or do you think it’s overdone?  Does your husband remember and get you flowers, chocolates, or a card??

Valentine Cards

Stamps.  A must when card-making:)  I prefer Cavallini.  I now have so many sets that they have to be stacked in TWO stacks on the shelf where I keep them.  You just can't have too many great stamp sets can you??

A trug full of supplies and tools.  Scissors, punches, twine, ribbon, tape, tickets, glue...

Cut some card stock into card size pieces.  No measuring or perfectness here, just wing it.

Hot glue gun.  Another must.

Make some arrows out of skewers and Japanese Washi tape.

(if you want some of this tape and you live close to me let me know.  I will be ordering some soon and I'd be glad to add yours to my order.  Saves on shipping!)

Follow the instructions HERE to make the arrows.

We made several small arrows by cutting the skewers into 2 and sometimes 3 or 4 pieces.

And by using toothpicks.  This sized them for gluing to cards.

I love texture.  Layer it up!

Old maps are a favorite crafting item of mine too.  I bought a huge book of old maps at the Springfield flea one year for $3.  It's a wonderful thing to have around:)

Have you made any valentines this year?  Do you buy them from the store? 

I have seen some adorable altered valentines that originated from good old Wal-mart!

Beautiful Vintage Christmas Cards

Do you have your Christmas cards sent yet?  Mine are printed, stamped, stapled, ready to stuff.  Today we are getting pics of the girls to add to the envelopes before we mail them.  Oh yes, I need to buy the envelopes too.  But since I made the cards I'm just thankful I have THEM done.  (I need to remember to buy labels too so I don't have to hand write all those addresses.

If you DON'T have your cards ready here are a couple options for you to print off.

Go to the Graphics Fairy to get your own copies of these darling clip arts!