Remember the days when we took shoeboxes and transformed them into treasure chests, sacred vessels ready to receive Valentines from our classmates? The anticipation we felt when we carved slots in the tops with blunt pairs of school scissors, making sure the openings were large enough to receive the dozens of cards we hoped would soon be delivered... but not so big that we would appear greedy. For that one day, we were willing to extend our friendship to even the boy who pulled our hair.Later, the tingling excitement as we spent hours pouring over each and every sentiment that had been dropped into our box of hope... eager to find that one special card from a best friend, a boy we liked, or the most popular girl in class. Pouring over each sentiment, examining the carefully formed letters of each name.The days of decorated shoeboxes and clumsily lettered names may have been long ago, but many things still fill us with the same little flutters we felt back then.Finding a stack of vintage postcards in a favorite antique shop - some garlanded with roses, others with whimsy and fun. Uncovering a tarnished locket filled with memories of lost loves, at the bottom of an abandoned jewelry box. Picking up a weathered journal and discovering the dreams of a young woman as she embarked on her own journey of love.A delicate hankie from a past generation, lovingly stitched with pink and red roses. Yellowed stacks of love letters, unfading feelings bound with a tattered ribbon.As Valentine's Day draws near, I find myself feeling nostalgic for the things and feelings of the past. I'm opening the drawers of my memory and sifting through moments that have been stored away for a time just like this.Happy Valentines Day!
Join us at Make Mine Pink (
www.makeminepink.com) for other boutiques celebrating Valentine's Day!
Susie of The Polka Dot Rose
www.thepolkadotrose.com
The first picture is a special Christmas gift box I made for a friend. She loved the way I decorated her birthday gift box and I knew I wanted to make her one for the holidays too. She said she would put her own gift in it to open on Christmas morning. We are all like little kids on Christmas, aren't we?
Just like all the little elves in Santa's workshop, I have been busy creating in my creative space. I have been day dreaming about this new altered art Cinderella slipper for a long time now as I collected the right fabric, then the most esquisite brooch, which is a piece from Sarah Coventry. I wanted to give a sneak peek since she won't be ready for her debut until she is coiffed and prim and proper, after all! Stay tuned.... 
Remember last week I filled a box at an estate sale all for $5.00? Well, this sweet pink and white teapot was scooped up so quickly! It was waiting for me. I just know it. They did not have prices on anything so we shopped cautiously with our few dollars. This was a steal. It now sits proudly with my other pink and white pretties and brings so much joy to my day.
