Gale's Gallery XX: Happy Valentine's/ Galentine's Day Quick Cards

Hello from sunny central Ohio!  Below zero wind chills, but nice out the window!

First let me say that I am humbled to have a holiday named after me, albeit well deserved and way overdue.  Really though, when did Galentine's become a thing?  I only heard of it this year.  But it is great to celebrate lasting friendships that often span many romances...

That said, the holiday is tomorrow, so if you haven't found that perfect gift, there is still time to make a card.  Handmade cards are so much more personal, because someone took the time to make something just for you!

I bought my first card kit ever because I loved the unusual die set.  It sold out quickly though, so I am sorry it's not available now.  It was from #mymonthlyhero by HeroArts.com.  This company has been around since I can remember (which is back to the time when all we had were office supplies to work with.)  They continually reinvent themselves and most of their products are widely available.

The kits pull supplies together which is both a time and preparation savings.  I wind up never making anything because I can't decide what to work with.  With the help of a ton of Youtube channels, there is plenty of inspiration!

Some dear friends came over last week and made their first cards.  They are way more creative then they give themselves credit for...and they had fun even though I goofed up both of their cards trying to help!  One thing about crafting with friends is more laughing, talking (and eating) happens which can lead to boo-boos...but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Here are their cards:

Donna and her glitzy shaker card!

Supplies:

Red, white and gold glitter cardstock

Clear acetate sheets

Hero Arts heart dies/stamps/inks from kit

Pretty Pink Posh/Martha Stewart glitter and sequins

corner rounder 

foam tape

Versamark ink with Wow! white embossing powder--gold detail embossing powder

Mary and her equally glitzy shaker card!

plus:

lots of fun, 

creativity 

and junk food!

Here are few cards I sent out this year...

Well, better get back to the real world and chores....check out other crafty Gale's Galleries by going to the Index By Topic link in the upper right corner.

No matter what you celebrate tomorrow, have a HAPPY day!

Gale

Sweets To The Sweet!

Hi!

I don't claim to be an expert about many things, but I am a dessert connoisseur!  Since Valentine's Day is fast approaching, I thought I would suggest some special treats to share (yes, I said share.)    Thought I would do it now to give you time for shipping:)  The easiest way to share is to buy extra for yourself!  All of these will unfortunately take the "tiny " out of Valentine's Day... but it's not a day to count calories anyway.

If you are in New York City, the cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery are to die for!  I use their Penn Station display case as my Facebook page background.  Eleni's has lovely and tasty cookies as well.  Both of these have online stores and would be addicting if not for the prices:)  But they are wonderful for special occasions!

I've walked many "long blocks" in NYC to get to these cupcakes from the Magnolia Bakery!

I planned to bring a load of these home from a NYC trip, but only a few made it:)

For folks local to Columbus, Ohio, I highly recommend Sugardaddy's Sumptuous Sweeties (now owned by a "Sugarmomma.")  There are several locations in Central Ohio and their offerings are also available online.  They make brownies that are amazing!  They even beat Bobby Flay in a "Brownie Throwdown" and they are served in the green room for guests on the "Ellen" show.

I normally don't gravitate to desserts not primarily chocolate, but their "Nutty Blondes" and "Drunken Blondes" are the bee's knees!  They always have at least a dozen kinds to choose from.  For those that like to eat the chewy edges, they sell those separately in a bag (the brownies are round.)  I first went to this bakery before they even had a storefront in a strip mall by Polaris Fashion Place near Columbus, Ohio.

This is the Auburn Original Brunette with nuts!

Another yummy alternative is in German Village (Columbus, Ohio) called Pistacia Vera.  They make many amazing looking and tasting desserts, but we always leave with a bunch of French Macaroons.  They change up the flavors daily and are soooo good!  We stop every time we are in the area, though that's not all that often.   My favorites are chocolate (no duh...) and hazelnut.  They have exotic flavors as well.

I have some other sweet posts you might want to check out too!

Chocolate:  The Good Mood Food?  
These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things  
Every Day is Pie Day at Just Pies!

'Ween Scenes From The 'Creek  

Coming soon... a Gale's Gallery Valentine edition!

Until next time,

Gale