Here's Mine...

I'm feeling very proud of myself right now. I actually completed my handmade "snail mail" valentine for ff's crafty benefit! I'm always into participating in events such as this one, but somehow I either space it entirely or freeze-up at the last minute. I started out with a couple of ideas. One even involved vintage Archie comics and hot pink boa trim...But once I saw these flocked babies from Friendly Forest, it all fell into place...Add one doilie and rick-rack and voila!

After this photo was taken in my dark kitchen, I added the slightest dusting of glitter. I must say, I am happy with this. The biggest challenge was deciding which color card I should use. It was a tough call between the chocolate brown or the carnation pink...But there are more stickers, doilies, and cards to be decorated for my loves. I didn't want to stamp or use my printer, so I let some ribbon do the talking.

I kept the envelope simple. I just trimmed the edge of the (flap of the) envelope with the red rick-rack. This was extra fun to make. It feels good to know that I am part of a greater good. The money from card sales is going to Elder Craftsmen, a NYC-based organization that brings craft workshops to senior citizens. How cool is that? I had no idea an organization like this even existed until recently. This just touches my heart to its depths. I am now considering volunteering at this organization one day a week during my summer vacation. I've been thinking about volunteer work for a while and how important it is to me. What a blessing to be able to share one's time, heart, and creativity with others!

Next, I thinking about entering this one, just for fun. There's no way I'd ever win any of those prizes. I know how many super talented seamsters there are out there, and I'm just getting back in my game and all...But it's all about playing, right?