Friday Finds: Staff’s favorite Valentine’s Cards

Abbey
Friendly: Last year when I discovered the very graphic offerings from Meeschmosh, I instantly fell in love! I especially love this XOXO card that adorns hearts and a striking gold foil accent.
Romance: When a relationship may not be committed or is just starting out and Valentines rolls around, there’s always that awkward question of what to do. With all the pressure on love, I like how we’ve created a card that uses the other L word to share your feelings and take off some off the pressure.

Jaime
Friendly: My Jam – my favorite of the Felix line. Also, a nickname of mine (Jam/Jam-Jam). The phrase has a good feeling to it. I would love to be considered someone’s jam.
Romance: For that awkward time before you’re officially together or haven’t really confessed your feelings to that someone special. I remember what that feels like, and this card totally embodies it – from Emily McDowell. 

Susan
Friendly: Valentine’s Day is for lovers and friends and these two cards cover the issue. The Valentine for sweet friends (9th Letterpress) is so beautiful with eye candy design and who does not have a sweet friend?

Romance: As for lovey-dovey, Rifle cards always say it best. My favorite Valentine will know he has my heart when he receives this card.

Tarah
Friendly: I would save this one for a surprise V-day card to a friend in town I haven’t spent enough one-on-one time with in awhile, probably a reason for mamas to leave their babes for an evening and catch up without having to chase toddlers around. To me, quality time is what makes relationships, so it would assure a little more of that! (9th Letterpress)

Friendly: These are actually little gift tags from Thimblepress that are so fun to send to girlfriends and attach to a little treat, a homemade baked good or even a little crafty goodness like these tassel necklaces we made at Christmas in our DIY class….
 

Romance: So this V-day I will have just had a new babe (1 week away!!)… so needless to say, getting jiggy with it will not be on my radar. This card is perfect to pass along to my amazing hubs for this short, maybe not as romantic, yet oh so special season of life. (Let’s get jiggy with it … or not, and say we did – from 6.25 Paper)

2016 Resolution: More DIY!

Our resolution for 2016 is to slow down and enjoy more of the process – time with our hands, time with friends, time for creating and playing. Not the type of creating we do every day at work, but a little more hands on, experimental. We’ve decided to share our favorite DIY projects with you here on the blog so you can enjoy some more experimental time as well! Our first project below utilizes one of our most favorite materials – felt – and results in a practical item you can never have enough of – a journal!

Reusable Felt Notebook

Materials: Thick felt, 10+ sheets of paper (8.5×11), elastic cord (1 yard), scissors, awl, ruler or template

Step 1: Cut felt to size of paper. Leave some room around the edges, around 1/4 inch. We used a 12x12in piece that was cut down to around 9x12in.

Step 2: Use template and awl to make 5 holes down the center of the felt. (Or measure approx.)

Step 3: Follow steps for lacing elastic cord through holes

Step 4: Fold paper in half and insert into the cover as shown

Step 5: Tighten elastic and knot on the outside of cover, securing the paper

Step 6: Close book, bring elastic ends to the right side and knot the ends together

Products: Small Monthly Planner, Hazelmade Little Notes, Field Notes, and Lettermate

Optional: Sew on a pocket. Add different types of paper. Make and add a paper folder. Make in different sizes (see Field Note). Use different materials for the cover (leather, vinyl, etc). Refill, reuse, refill, reuse…