Valentine's Day Treat

When my friend Gale asked me if I wanted to take an arts and crafts workshop with her, I quickly answered, "Well, duh, of course I will!" Truth be told, I have always wanted to do something like that, but I've been too scared to do it alone. (I know, so lame....)

She sent me a link to a store called Paper Source and I was very surprised that I hadn't already heard of them. They have many different locations in the city and they were offering a workshop to create Valentine's Day greeting cards.  I quickly purchased two tickets.

This was their Upper West Side location

I do have to warn about the lack of decent photos with this entry. We were halfway through the workshop and I was so carried away with everything I didn't even remember to take photos! I definitely had a "Oh crap!" moment and started snapping away, but I really wish I had remembered earlier. Ah, well, there's always next time.

We had two instructors, Dasha and I want to say, Chloe was the name of the second instructor? Again, my manners are atrocious. My focus was on the cards and I wasn't thinking of the details I needed to write this entry later on.

When we first walked in, everyone was very nice and welcoming. They had snacks and drinks waiting for us and ya know, I'm all about the food!

Front of the store. The workshop was in the back left corner.

When we took our places, they explained that in front of us were materials for four separate cards. Dasha then started explaining how to emboss for those of us who were new to the game. (I let myself feel smug for about two minutes there. It swiftly vanished when I realized I was sitting next to two Martha Stewart clones. Ego, people. It'll kill ya...)

The beginning....

 The instructors then encouraged us to be creative. We didn't necessarily have to follow the rules if we didn't want to. We could mix and match as we liked, but seeing as how this was my first hand at public card-making, I stuck to the plan. So did my friend Gale.

My fellow Paper Diva!

 And then we were off! They were always there for guidance or help, but for the most part, both instructors were as involved as you wanted them to be with your particular project. I kind of liked that actually. Since I always craft alone, I didn't really want someone on top of me asking me if I needed help. On the contrary, Gale and I experienced exactly what I wanted the evening to be- a carefree girl's night out. There were plenty of inspiration images around and already made cards if we wanted some ideas.

Dasha giving us some pointers!

Our messy embossing station!

Towards the end, (ah the fun always ends too soon!) we had both made lovely cards for our significant others and friends. I actually made an envelope liner! When Gale and I were making shells for her wedding invitations, we had flirted with the idea of making envelope liners as well, but I was always hesitant, thinking they would be too complicated. Psh, girl, come on. It was so simple! Can you trace? Can you cut? Well, you can make a liner! It's so silly the things we don't attempt before even knowing all the facts. (Craft lesson that is a LIFE lesson?) Anyway, I was thrilled with the outcome!

The aftermath....

This was an ORIGAMI HEART! I was so excited that I could actually make one. (Don't ask me to do it again though. I can't remember a thing) I used a special pen to write, "ditto, ditto" because this card is for my Dad and that's how we say I love you.

This gold background is actually Washi tape which was so simple and it really made me wonder why I don't utilize it more often.

We are happy crafters. (excuse my scruffiness!)

All in all, I would definitely do another workshop at Paper Source. It was so much fun to be around other crafty ladies, some experienced, some newbies. It was also awesome to receive a 10% off coupon to use for store merchandise, which I totally used on the spot. (Self-control? What's that?)

Gale and I have already decided to try out their Wedding/Special events workshop when it rolls around next month. I promise to document that workshop a bit better!

Great Advice!

Have any of you ever been to Paper Source? What was your experience like?

Also, as a fun parting image, I must share this gem:

I mean, COME ON! Genius.