This week Sugarwings and I threw a little Valentine making party for our friends. I set out lots of supplies for card making and for decorating gift boxes, plus had a few examples for ideas. The treat cabinet was filled up, and we made sure to have some healthy after school snacks out too, to make the parents happy as well as the kids.
One of my examples was a pop up card, with instructions next to a couple of finished ones. Its a very simple version, that even the kids could do. Here are the instructions, if you want to whip one up. The part you can't read, behind the pop up just says to make sure not to glue the paper you cover the outside of the card with to the part that folds up.
The kids all seemed to get into the projects and worked away on them for a couple of hours. Its good to see little ones be creative and stick to something like that, to not have to get up and run around or go play with toys. It was refreshing to see them all involved with making their boxes and exploring all the different supplies there was to dig into.
They all kept me pretty busy, I didn't really get to sit down to make something myself. But before the group arrived, I had made up these. Isn't the chalk board top perfect for writing a sweet note to your Valentine to read before opening it up to see the treats inside?
Its been a while since I've done a giveaway. And I was reminded while reading Beth's blog that our 5 year anniversary is here! Hers was the 9th, mine is actually on Valentine's Day itself.
Thanks again, Beth, for getting me started!!!
So it seems appropriate for me to offer a Valentine to you as a giveaway prize to celebrate!
Just leave a comment on this post, and I'll draw a name Monday, for this sweet little giveaway.
And if you are still cutting, pasting, and creating your own valentines, here is the back cover of that candy box I have on my dining table. A friend asked to see a close up of it, to see if the music was acutally playable. So, I'm posting it here for her. Its a cool graphic, and if you wanted to use it in your art, you can click on this to open in a larger window, save it to your computer, print it and cut out the heart.
That music note, heart shaped border is a pretty one to use. I might try to make something out if it myself.
Only 4 more days till Valentine's Day! I hope you have some sweetness planned for your holiday too.
Ok it's my turn to win a sweet giveaway lol . Happy Valentine's to you Karla! It is both my son in laws 35th birthday on Valentines day , they are identical twins . We are having a birthday dinner tomorrow night and I am baking the birthday cakes. Two cakes for two guys , different cakes. Donna
Posted by: Donna | February 10, 2012 at 03:33 PM
Karla ~ 5 Years - WoW!! I'm sure it seems like that time has flown by. I didn't know you and Beth started blogging at the same time. As I commented to her, you guys just have the most fun together. Let me know if I win, I'll send you my address. Better yet I'll just come pick it up.
Marilyn in Missouri
Posted by: Marilyn | February 10, 2012 at 03:52 PM
A giveaway for a Blog-a-versary? How fun! We should be sending you sweet treets to thank u for such a fabulous blog and fabulous ideas and inspiration and great friendships! Hugs Grace xoox
Posted by: Grace | February 10, 2012 at 03:59 PM
I wish I had know about your blog 5 years ago. Happy Anniversary!! You have certainly enhanced my life with your talents and generous information.
Gail
Posted by: Gail | February 10, 2012 at 04:58 PM
Well, happy blogaversiary!!! What fun, creating valentines with Sugarwings and your friends!
xoxo
Posted by: Marsha | February 10, 2012 at 05:16 PM
Happy 5th Blog Birthday!!!
Looks like you and "sugarwings" had some great fun making Valentines. My Grand made a couple yesterday after school.
Thank you for having a giveaway and please drop my name into the hat! Thanks!
Deb
Posted by: deb | February 10, 2012 at 05:21 PM
Oh, how fun. Thank you for the heart-shaped song! I'm so glad you all had a fun Valentine-making party. I am having so much fun with Valentine's Day that I don't want to stop. (Sort of like Christmas was this past year!)
Posted by: Laurie | February 10, 2012 at 05:32 PM
How fun! Count me in. Congrats on your milestone.
Posted by: Vicki | February 10, 2012 at 07:30 PM
Just read all the comments so far, no one has commented on the music and what tune it really is.
Hand-made Valentines are the BEST. No one is ever too young or too old to start the tradition. You're one creative gal.
Happy blogaversary and
fer sure
Happy Valentine's Day
hugs
Gerry
Posted by: GerryART | February 10, 2012 at 07:43 PM
Thanks for inspiring us, I can always count on your blog to do so. You rock Girl....
Creatively,
Tammie Moore
Posted by: badbeadgirl | February 10, 2012 at 07:46 PM
Loving the card and box! The chalkboard is adorable and clever. Poor Sugarwings still has her cast...brave girl. Happy Blog Anniversary!
Posted by: Kate | February 10, 2012 at 07:52 PM
congratulations on 5 years. I have only been following you for a year but I have enjoyed going back in time and seeing Sugarwings as a baby and your previous projects.
Thanks!
Posted by: Merce Hamlin | February 10, 2012 at 08:47 PM
Karla, you inspire me. Everyday I can't wait to see what you've come up with. Thank you for sharing your talents with us all. Here is to 5 more years!!!
Posted by: Sonia Lockamy-tatum | February 10, 2012 at 08:54 PM
The cast is off now, and she is doing well!
Sent from my iPad
Posted by: Karla Nathan | February 10, 2012 at 09:08 PM
Awe!! Gee Karla you're the coolest Gran any GD could wish for!!
What a fun party you and Sugarwings threw for your friends - all that glitter and amazing craft stuff to get their hands on!!!!!!!
Congrats on 5 years of blogging - wow that's an achievement - please don't ever stop inspiring us!!!!
Shane x
Posted by: Shane | February 10, 2012 at 09:17 PM
Time flies when your having fun, doesn't it? Thx for having such an inspiring blog and for sharing.
***Stacy**
Posted by: Stacy | February 11, 2012 at 12:05 AM
Oh pick me! Pick me! Looks like you had a ball with your little Sugarwings. LOVE it!
Hugs,
Judy
Posted by: Judy | February 11, 2012 at 12:38 AM
Looks like you had a very successful party. Congratulations to you and Sugarwings!
And thank you for the picture of the heart-shaped music. Looks like nonsense, but I'm going to try and play it for fun anyway.
Early congratulations for five years of blogging Karla's Cottage!
Posted by: Soarenth | February 11, 2012 at 03:18 AM
Congratulations!! I love reading your blog, always an adventure!!
Blessings, Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Russell | February 11, 2012 at 06:02 AM
Sweet Karla,
happy Valentine and happy anniversary to you!!Five years that is fantastic!! I love reading your blog and your creations.
hugs
Karen B. ~ Todolwen
Posted by: Karen Bailey | February 11, 2012 at 08:06 AM
Happy Anniversary and a Happy Valentines Day as well in advance!
Posted by: Mystica | February 11, 2012 at 08:43 AM
Please let us know if the music is sweet nonsense or nothing at all!
Sent from my iPad
Posted by: Karla Nathan | February 11, 2012 at 08:54 AM
Love your party idea. Thanks for the giveaway and congrats on your anniversary.
Posted by: julie wasson | February 11, 2012 at 10:03 AM
Happy Happy Anniversary!!
You certainly have add more than a touch of color to my visits out and about Blogland.
So keep doing what you do so well my friend!!
Happy Valentines to you and all you love too.
Posted by: fairyrocks | February 11, 2012 at 10:41 AM
Karla - love visiting your blog! Have a wonderful Valentines Day and anniversary, and please include me in your giveaway.
Posted by: Rita Zink | February 11, 2012 at 11:38 AM
Beautiful giveaway add me in plz I would love to win more then anyone else lol
Posted by: Jen | February 11, 2012 at 12:30 PM
Happy Blog anniversary to you - I love reading your blog. What a wonderful giveaway
Posted by: Debbie Blanken | February 11, 2012 at 12:42 PM
Happy anniversary Karla. What a great valentine party! Bet they all had a great time. I would love to have a chance at your giveaway. Love your blog so many things to inspire me.
Hugs Jackie
Posted by: Jackie Nobles | February 11, 2012 at 12:52 PM
Congratulations - love all the inspiring things on your blog! I would also love a chance at your giveaway!
Posted by: kristi | February 11, 2012 at 02:45 PM
Congrats on your 5 year anniversary! I enjoy reading your blog and am inspired by your beautiful creations. I would love a chance at winning your giveaway! Glad to hear Sugarwings is doing well!
Posted by: Kathy | February 11, 2012 at 03:02 PM
Wow! Five years and to think you chose such a sweet day of the year to start your adventure. Someday I hope to get there myself! But in the meantime, I will just enjoy all the creative endeavors you share with all your readers! Happy Anniversary, Karla!!
Posted by: kadee | February 11, 2012 at 03:28 PM
Congratulations on your anniversary. I have sure enjoyed your blog. You make the prettiest things and your studio is gorgeous. I would love to enter your sweet valentines giveaway.
Posted by: Danielle @ Blessed Serendipity | February 11, 2012 at 06:27 PM
What a beautiful little box! I love it!
Posted by: Jennifer | February 11, 2012 at 06:53 PM
Karla, so kind of you to have a giveaway. 5 years! congrats :)
Posted by: Leanne | February 11, 2012 at 07:34 PM
I wish I had known about your blog for the last 5 years - but having just recently found you, your blog, and your shop has certainly been a blessing to me! Congratulations on your anniversary. I hope all your babies are soon feeling better! Thanks for the opportunity to win this lovely gift!
Posted by: Teresa Jaye | February 11, 2012 at 08:15 PM
Congratulations on your 5 year anniversary! Hope your grand girls are feeling all better. What a wonderful day to become a family on Valentine's, have a wonderful celebration!
Posted by: Rhonda C. | February 11, 2012 at 11:02 PM
The box is precious! I hope I win! I hope I win! I hope I win.....
It's a very hard job to keep up a blog. I've abandoned mine right now. Life got too crazy to make time for it, so I'm super impressed that you've regularly posted for five years. That's quite an accomplishment.
Posted by: Rebecca P. | February 12, 2012 at 07:05 AM
Your granddaughter is so very lucky to have you!! I have fond memories of spending time with my grandmother and even my great grandmother and those are something that I will always cherish. You are making a multitude of memories!! : )
~ Wendy
http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Wendy McDonagh-Valentine | February 12, 2012 at 08:46 AM
I enjoy blogging too much to stop. I think that if I never had another reader, Id still write it for myself. Of course, I talk out loud and sing to myself too. Why not write to myself?
Sent from my iPad
Posted by: Karla Nathan | February 12, 2012 at 08:53 AM
Thank you for sharing yourself here - including your family, home and all your creative goodness.
Posted by: Jeanelle | February 12, 2012 at 08:58 AM
Sugarwings update and a give-away.....be still my heart. Do you love me, or do you not? You told me once, but I forgot. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed...
Posted by: Lorelei | February 12, 2012 at 12:29 PM
How cute, lorelie! Of course I love you, its valentines!
Sent from my iPad
Posted by: Karla Nathan | February 12, 2012 at 12:37 PM
Beautiful. Hope you had a wonderful celebration today. Thank you for the chance to win.
Posted by: Holly | February 12, 2012 at 04:24 PM
Hiya Karla! I've been away, and popped into see what you've been up to. And I find I am JUST IN TIME to enter your giveaway!! Whoo-hoo!
Sorry about your family's health issues..I will be praying for speedy recoveries!!
Blessings,
Myrna
Posted by: Myrna | February 12, 2012 at 04:33 PM
Happy Anniversary, dearest Karla. The joy you've brought us all has been too huge to measure!
Posted by: Dawn Gahan | February 12, 2012 at 07:20 PM
Karla, Congratulations are reaching your five year Blog anniversary. It makes me wonder how many years I have been reading your blog.
~elaine
Posted by: Elaine L. | February 13, 2012 at 03:13 AM
Happy Valentine's Day! And a BIG congratulations on your five-year blog anniversary. The beauty you bring to the world is beyond compare. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Posted by: Marian | February 13, 2012 at 09:44 AM
I love Valentine's Day! Thanks for the chance to win.
Posted by: Melissa Hansson | February 13, 2012 at 05:51 PM
Hope I can still get in on the giveaway. Thanks!
Posted by: Kimberly Budash | February 13, 2012 at 06:50 PM