Happy Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day! Tuesdays are now a little busier since I’ve started volunteering at two different agencies–one in the early afternoon, and one after school. Before that I got a needed new haircut. And a little later we’re meeting friends at a new sports bar/tavern for Valentine’s dinner. As he often does, Tracy sent me gorgeous flowers. He really outdid himself, sending cut flowers and a stunning orchid which will last well beyond Valentine’s Day.

You can see the purple hyacinth tucked in the bouquet which smells so wonderful. We got about 6″ of snow today, so the spring flowers are really appreciated! My favorites are the freesias.

Of course I’ve been busy making valentines for the last few days. I posted one earlier this week, but here are the rest of them.

For Matt & Betsy. . . the pick-up truck by Honey Bee reminded me of Matt’s truck for his landscape business, although his is white (not a very interesting color for a card.)

The sentiment is from Simon Says “Sending Happy Thoughts,” their July 2014 Card Kit.

For Sarah and Adam . . . the hedgehog is definitely for Sarah who collects them. I found this cute stamp at Paper Source when we were in Chicago in January and couldn’t resist it.

The die cut hearts are all from Spellbinders Nested Hearts; the patterned papers are from Echo Park, Carta Bella, and Pink Fresh.

For Caleb . . . some monster hugs from “Silly Monsters” by Your Next Stamp. I have to admit, my collection of fun stamps has definitely expanded now that I have grandchildren old enough to appreciate them.

The fun eyes are from Doodlebug. They were out of stock for weeks on end, but Tracy managed to find some for my Christmas stocking. (Granted I didn’t get them until January when they came in, but I didn’t have to keep searching for them.) The heart die cut is from Concord and 9th. I found it in my pile of pre-cut die cuts and it worked out perfectly.

For Baby Hannah . . . another polar bear card from My Favorite Things, “Polar Bear Pals.” The sentiment was cobbled together with a Cocoa Daisy stamp set and one from Avery Elle.

The heart on this card was also in the pile of pre-cut dies, the paper is from Papertrey Ink. You can see the metallic heart in the close-up.

And for the man of my heart . . . 

The die and stamps for this card are from Simon Says’ newest release, “Love.” It’s the first die cut set I’ve bought that comes with the shadow background and the script. Love it. I don’t usually use a die cut for the inside message, but I did this time.

I also made a couple valentines for friends.

This is also a new die that came in my Christmas stocking. I have all kinds of ideas for it, but die cut it this time in a variety of bright colors for an inlaid heart. A few enamel dots and it was done.

And just one more . . .

I bought this stamp set,”Be Mine, Valentine,” last year when Papertrey Ink released it, and I’m actually surprised that this is the first time I’ve used it. There are all kinds of great images and sentiments in the set so I think it has potential for much more than just valentines. The background is an older impression plate from Papertrey called “Book Print.” The heart is from My Favorite Things.

It’s been lots of fun getting ready for Valentine’s Day, but now I have an equally big project ahead of me. More to come about that later this month.