Counting Down to Valentines Day

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I've gone through many phases of Valentines Day from the cynical because I didn't have a boyfriend to the making peace with a holiday which is about showing love. I have fond memories of sitting at my dining room table taking the cheap cartoony valentines day cards and cutting them up and making them more special with construction paper and more. Somehow, I just couldn't bring myself to just sign my name to the disney character card and leave it at that -- oh, I was eight at the time.

In later years, I remember experiencing teenage angst when the high school carnations would come around to homeroom and I would secretly hope some boy I was crushing on would be brave enough to give me a flower.

little decorative boxes for your sweetheart

Then, in college, I started making it a habit to reach out to my other single girlfriends on Valentines Day and wish them a great day. I told them this is a day for friendship too. I mean, I certainly didn't have love on my mind when I was crafting my little Valentines Day cards in the third grade and I really enjoyed the holiday then so why couldn't I enjoy the holiday without a "significant other"?

Now that I am married, I make my husband do something for me on Valentines Day-- (notice "make" is the operative word) but just because it is an excuse to have a nice meal out with my husband and get treated to a massage or some such nicety for myself. In recent years, we have been going out for lunch since he works locally. I also already booked facials for myself and my daughter. When you have children, you have more people to love in your life.

This bird art is part of my latest series.. I am combining loose realistic watercolor art with mixed media collage. Click HERE to collect this art!

I made a free printable Valentines Day card just for you! All you have to do is subscribe to my SchulmanArt mailing list and the card will arrive in your inbox. You will be able to print two on a sheet of paper. For best results, use Staples or Avery matte white note card paper. You have two-- so think who you want to show your love for this Valentines Day. Remember, this doesn't have to be a boyfriend or girlfriend but perhaps there is a person who you want to show your affection for this year like a teacher or a mentor that has brought joy into your life.

I also wanted to let you know that I am doing a GIVEAWAY this month. You can enter on my facebook page or here. ( more chances to win) All you have to do is leave a comment either here or on facebook letting me know what you want to win and subscribe to my mailing list ( which you want to do to get your free card, right?) I am giving away three peacock accessories. An iphone5 case, a calendar and a coin purse. Why? Well, because you're sweet too and I am grateful that you are sharing my artistic journey with me.

To enter the giveaway leave a comment here or on the SchulmanArt facebook fan page about what you want to win and subscribe to the mailing list. (winners picked on friday)

How about you? What do you like to do for Valentines Day? (and if you want to win something, be sure to let me know!)