 |
| Valentine Cards 2010 |
I have been making and sending Valentine's Cards to family and friends since 1997.
I started out making a few cards for family members, elaborate little numbers that included hand beading and quilting fabric-like paper to card stock. It morphed into collages tailored to individual friends' senses of humor and ability to handle whatever weird or wonderful thing I found in a magazine or newspaper.
Then elaborate became an understatement. The past two years, I've really outdone myself. Two years ago, while keeping watch over my dying grandfather, I found comfort through the overnights by creating felt coasters for nearly 80 friends all over the world.
I had grand plans to continue making them for various holidays and selling them at my mom's store, beginning my crafting empire a la Martha Stewart. Needless to say, I lost interest. A tote bag full of felt squares and embroidery thread are all that remains of that ill fated endeavor.
Last year, I went almost as far, making tiny paper hearts, floating them on multiple layers of card stock with double-sided foam tape, and sharing with friends, coworkers, family, and long lost loves. The 2011 cards were conceived in Chicago on a post-Halloween trip to visit one of my most creative friends, who has an inexhaustible supply of craft supplies. The the layers of card stock were ALL from her collection. We've been talking about what I'm making this year since October.
This year, I decided not to make cards. I've called a few friends to let them know. The last time I refrained from sending these greetings of love and friendship, I got concerned calls: "Are you mad at me?" "Did I do something wrong?"
It's not you. It's me. It's been a rough year. I still love you. I just didn't feel like, or have time to, making dozens of cards that I spend weeks piecing together.
I find comfort in knowing that so many of you have kept my tiny artwork over the years. I see them in your homes and offices. I know you care. I care about you, too.
Happy Valentine's Day!
XO,
Miriam
 |
| The 2011 Valentine Factory |
