Okay, so I had this weird idea?? I was thinking about how much I wish we had some rad handmade valentines to feature online & in our new store. And then I thought, well, I know SO many supertalentented people I’ll just ask you all to make something special for us!
And then I thought, how AMAZING would it be if we could get lots of people to handmake one-of-a-kind valentines & then donate the proceeds from the sales of these valentines to a good cause? Sounds like fun, right? I do hope you’ll join me in getting crafty to benefit Elder Craftsmen, an organization based here in NYC that brings craft workshops to local senior citizens.
Pls allow me to outline how this is gonna work in three easy steps… Simple!
1) MAKE A VALENTINE
You can make it out of anything… Construction paper, collage, paint, crayon, a print of a photo you took, write a poem, make a mix tape, whatever ya feel like! Just make it fun and from the heart and easy to send. Be sure to include a matching envelope. Have fun with that also!
2) SEND YOUR VALENTINE + ENVELOPE TO FF BEFORE JAN 15TH
Ya can just pop both in another envelope and send it regular mail to SNAIL MAIL VALENTINES c/o fredflare.com, 300F Kingsland Av, Brooklyn NY 11222. Hurry! Your valentine MUST be postmarked no later than Thurs, Jan 15th to participate. That’s only 10 days away. DON’T flake on me, peeps!
3) YOUR VALENTINE WILL DEBUT ON FF THE LAST WEEK OF JANUARY
All valentines will be sold online and in our new Brooklyn store for the super friendly price of ONLY $4 EACH and ALL the proceeds from the sales of these valentines will go directly to Elder Craftsmen! Our last charity event raised $5K. Can we beat it? With your amazing creation in the mix, I know we can!
We’ve never done ANYTHING like this before so I think it’s gonna be really fun and special. Hope you’ll participate! If you need any inspiration, defs check out our Valentine’s Day boutique! Lots of new things added, including these funny Cupid specs. I made a pair for CJ for the photo shoot and liked ‘em so much I decided to make a special batch just for you:) Pls stay tuned for updates on this project, ok? Super much love from everyone here at FF!
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I AM SO IN!!!!! <<<<3333 : DDD
comment by Kate — January 5, 2009This is a glorious idea! I’m going right to work!
comment by Rebecca V. — January 5, 2009This is such a thoughful idea.
comment by Pam — January 5, 2009This is SO fun. Can we send more than one?
comment by Bethany Schlegel — January 5, 2009Count me in! This is a great idea.
comment by Niki — January 5, 2009I amm so gonna do it!! great idea!
comment by hannah — January 5, 2009Ours is in the mail today! What a great idea! <3
comment by Jodie — January 5, 2009I really love this idea (sometimes our old people don’t get enough love) but I think it would be great to also collect cards to distribute to some of the older people participating in the craft events. What about asking people to send two cards if they want (because if you’re making one already…) with a little anonymous love note in the second one to be distributed among the elderly who might not get Valentine’s greetings otherwise?
comment by julia — January 5, 2009Hi Julia! I really LOVE this idea!! So, yes, if you’d like to make more than one valentine we’ll happily share some with some of Elder Craftsmen’s clients. I’ll do a follow-up post regarding this soon. Oh wow, this project is gonna be so AWESOME. Can’t wait to see what you all make!
comment by Keith — January 5, 2009That is such an amazing idea! In my school we have a committee that does that too! Can I make more than one though??? <3
comment by eMiLy — January 5, 2009What a wonderful, original and caring idea! Love is not just about romance. Show some affection to the old codgers too – one day we will be like them. Julia’s comment is so lovely too. I’m in England so don’t know if my Valentine would reach you in time, but I will get crafting and try my best! Spread the love. xx
comment by Kiki — January 5, 2009Hi there. Me again! Just wanted to add that, yes, of course you can make more than one. Thx so much, everybody!
comment by Keith — January 5, 2009This is such a great idea! I’m going to get everyone in my house to make some… Its nice to such a cool store participate in such a good cause.
comment by Zoe — January 5, 2009Thanks!
-Zoe
Great idea guys! I cana’t wait to get started & I’m going to have my crafty daughter, Greta, make one too! Spread the love!
comment by Granny Ruth — January 5, 2009OH EM GEE I AM SO IN!!! my valentine is gonna ROCK! i promise
comment by cver — January 5, 2009omg this is such a good idea!
comment by Kaitie — January 5, 2009This is totally my kinda project!
Can you send more than one?
comment by Sabrina — January 5, 2009Oops. Nevermind. Didn’t see Keith’s comment above.
comment by Sabrina — January 5, 2009AWESOME! I just finished making mine right now!
I’m going 2 tell all my friends and see if at school I can get everyone to contribute! Wicked Sweet!
comment by tay tay — January 5, 2009GAHH! i am so excited. my sister and i each plan to submit a few. also, i teach kindergarten so maybe as a class we’ll make one to submit too. what a BRILLIANT idea. =]
comment by lisa — January 5, 2009Omg! I luv the idea! I just got finished with the 1st! Workin on the 2nd!
comment by Jake! — January 5, 2009i definitely want to make one (or two!) but i don’t totally get it – am i making it as if someone is going to buy it and send it to someone else? like, should i put both the valentine and a nice matching envelope in a bigger envelope so someone can purchase it and fill it out and send it? or should i just address the nice envelope to FF?
comment by sadie — January 5, 2009Hi Sadie… YES, pls make your valentine with matching envelope as though someone else is going to purchase. Then throw in a bigger envelope and send to us. The envelope you mail it in doesn’t have to be fancy or decorated at all. Hope that helps. Thx!
comment by Keith — January 5, 2009How wonderfully thoughtful of you guys!
!!)and send it in!
comment by Jourdana — January 5, 2009I totally want to make one (or two, or three, or four
this is SUCH a CUTE idea! so excited to make one!
comment by Annam — January 5, 2009um, can i say UH-MAZ-ING?!
comment by Hope — January 5, 2009Yay!! i love this idea!! I love making valentines soo much. AMAZING IDEA!!
comment by megan — January 5, 2009yip ee dee hay!
comment by sandrita — January 5, 2009i’ll be sure to send some in, and let my friends know!
we’ll have a valentines making party or something
weee! <3
absolutely BRILLIANT! FF, you’ve truly outdone yourselves. can’t wait to send my valentine…congrats on your fantastic ideas!
comment by Tia — January 5, 2009This is a great idea– I’m posting it on my blog. Just a suggestion– why not set up a flickr group for people to post images of their Valentines. I know I’ll be able to see them online when you sell them, but it’d be nice to have a more permanent place to see all of our hard work.
comment by elise — January 5, 2009This sounds great!
Can they be any size/shape?
comment by Lyri — January 5, 2009I just made one and it’s going in the mail right away!
comment by Jordan Kestenbaum — January 5, 2009Do we put our name on it or do we leave it like blank?
comment by adessa — January 5, 2009Hi again. GREAT IDEA, Elise, about the Flickr set… Was thinking about that myself this afternoon, actually. Will try to set it up super soon for ya. Lyri, yes, they can be ANY size or shape. And, Adessa, it’s completely up to you but I imagine it would be neat for the eventual recipient of the valentine to know who made it. Thx for all your awesome comments!
comment by Keith — January 5, 2009I’m so excited about this! What a fab-tastic idea!
comment by Melanie — January 5, 2009I’m totally in!
comment by Monklin — January 5, 2009This is going to be fun! ^_^
OMG! I love art and this is totally for a good cause! Thanx for the oppuritunity!!!!!
comment by Emma — January 5, 2009Here is a good envelope template, you will have to crop it to make it bigger.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2206/2065181317_d46a2fb23d.jpg?v=0
comment by Jake! — January 5, 2009I was thinking about making a mix tape of love songs by artists who people might not know, but I was just wondering if we were actually allowed to do that, since the profits don’t go to them, it’s like we’re selling their work without consent. Are we able to still do this if we make a track list?
comment by Christina — January 5, 2009My bf & I are totally in!
comment by Ann — January 5, 2009BTW, I need to say that is just the cutest picture EVER up there… I’m going to wake up tomorrow AM and make mine!
comment by Kate — January 5, 2009Keith, what an AWESOME idea!! I LOVE it. Tee-hee. I’ll see what I can do. And I LOVE how many people have commented–and there’s not even a giveaway! Peeps, please comment more often! You’re missing out!
comment by Tommy — January 5, 2009My grandparents go to Elder Craftsmen programs at their library! What a great cause. Can’t wait to contribute
comment by Kim — January 5, 2009LOVE this! I’m in.
‘& love the idea of a second for people who need a little extra love.
comment by Colleen — January 6, 2009Dudes! I have just been hanging out at home eating stale Christmas goodies…this would be SO much more fun! I have a dentist appt in the morning (boo!) but when that’s done I’m totes calling my bestie so we can get our Valentine makin’ on! Man, I love you guys, this is just the coolest thing. xoxo, Bee
comment by Bee — January 6, 2009i love this idea!
comment by alexis — January 6, 2009my valentine is already done and will be in the mail tomorrow :]
i spent the last few hours working on it and im proud of myself
keith.you are a dollbaby. i will craft some valentines up during dotty’s afternoon nap today, xo jenny
comment by jenny — January 6, 2009Keith, I’ve been reading fredflare’s blog for months now and it’s one of my favorite things ever!
Also wanted to let you know that your amazing idea sounds similar to what this guy in Brooklyn does. His name is Jake Bronstein and he sends handwritten love letters to people in need of some love: http://gothamist.com/2008/12/29/love_letters.php
comment by Mar — January 6, 2009I’m the executive director of Elder Craftsmen and am heartened and excited by the response. THANKS to Fred Flare and all who are making Valentine’s Day cards! The funds raised will help us bring the joy of crafting to seniors all over the city.
comment by Pat — January 6, 2009sweet idea, keith
comment by sarah — January 6, 2009Gee, judging on the amount of comments this charity is going to be banking
I’m making y’all valentines on Friday with my 3 younger siblings so they should be super cute, I’m so excited! I heart valentines day and fredflare!!<3!
comment by Elletra — January 6, 2009Mine is shipping out today! Great idea FF, this got my creative juices flowing.
comment by laura@charcoaldesigns — January 6, 2009I am so excited I just finished mine!! I can not wait to get it out into the mail!
comment by Marin — January 6, 2009i just put TWO in my mail box!! will you notify us if our card has been sold?
comment by Christina — January 6, 2009This is a truly great idea! You’ve inspired me more than you will know. It’s things like this that make you guys different from other stores. I would say, “Don’t change”, but something tells me that with this much fun personality… that won’t be a problem.
comment by Pnina-Soleil — January 7, 2009Thanks so much,Keith! What a great idea. I’ve sent a blast email announcement to Elder Craftsmen’s outreach network, including our seniors. Hopefully, you’ll get lots of cards from our friends and supporters. Keep up the great work!
comment by Pat — January 7, 2009my sister and I just finished ours and they are so cute!!
comment by April — January 7, 2009we had so much fun.
I posted mine today! It’s coming all the way from England, and I hope it reaches you safely, I had a blast making them yesterday and I can’t wait to see what everyone else makes!
comment by Rachael — January 7, 2009AHHHHHH! I am sososo excited about this! Such a sweet idea and i’m completely inspired! ARTSY-FARTSY MODE ACTIVATED!!!
comment by jenami — January 7, 2009omg me and my friend alison came up wit the BEST IDEA!!! i cant wait to send it to you!!
comment by tarynpaper — January 7, 2009My staff and I are thoroughly enjoying the wonderful comments, creativity and enthusiasm. Keep ‘em coming!
comment by Pat — January 7, 2009For Julia, and everyone else busily making wonderful Valentines..
I work at Elder Craftsmen, and the response to this is just awesome! If you want to make an extra card to send to one of our clients, we would be happy to send them along. This is what we are all about!
We encourage seniors (and everyone else!) to be active, engaged and creative – and we also send handmade items to seniors and others in need.
You’re all the best! I can’t wait to see these!
(I am also be making a few cards myself to send in!)
comment by Diane — January 7, 2009what a beautiful idea – mine will be on it’s way to you ASAP!
comment by Amanda — January 7, 2009why dont you sell them online? i cant come to the store
comment by maggie — January 7, 2009Maggie, I believe they will be sold online as well. Please look back at the post just above the red cupid glasses.
comment by Tommy — January 7, 2009This is such a great “community” project that not only am I making several Valentine cards, I forwarded the notice to all my artsy friends. One after another, their responses has been so positive – one friend put the notice in her newsletter, another sent it on to all of her family members. The ripple effect will cause a tsunami of Valentine cards. I haven’t been this excited about a craft project in ages! Now to the fun part …
comment by Sarah Bracey White — January 7, 2009dude…..
I think I might cry,sissy,I know but I think this small movement is so amzing.I’ve always thought the elederly never get enough attention.What a great way to raise mnoey for them.
My goal is to make 3 atleast.
crafting is my specialty
xD
comment by TatianaLimbo — January 7, 2009<3333333
Love this idea! I plan to participate and would also like to know if we’ll be notified when/if our card sells. I sell on Etsy and ArtFire and keep a blog, so tracking that info will be really helpful to me!
comment by Emily (disCARDS Cut(e) n' Paste) — January 8, 2009hey i dont know if it really falls into the category, but i made a mixtape (well really i mix CD) called Alone on Valentine’s day: Because Not All of Us Can Have a Significant Other…is that alright?
comment by cver — January 8, 2009Hi Cver! Go for it on the VDAY mix. Sounds rad! To answer your question, Emily, I think it’s unlikely you’ll be notified when your style sells. The response to this project has been crazy overwhelming so that would be too much to manage… You can certainly post the card to our new Flickr group http://www.flickr.com/groups/995199@N23/ where I’m sure you’ll get lots of cute comments. That might be a good way to keep tabs on your creation? We also will probs have a Valentine’s party here at the store in Feb where the shop will be filled with HUNDREDS of handmade valentines! Stay tuned for deets on that. If you live in NYC you might actually spot your handiwork get scooped up in person!
comment by Keith — January 8, 2009Very clever! I have the greatest idea and can’t wait to send it in!
comment by Simone — January 8, 2009I finished 6 and am sending them tomorrow. I sure hope they get there in time!
comment by Lyri — January 8, 2009Yay, I am totally in. I posted this in my ‘art yarn’ group on Ravelry.com and asked people to get making Valentines for the cause. hopefully there will be some nice knitted, crocheted, felt, etc. valentines on their way to you lovely beans. xoxo
comment by Cindy — January 9, 2009oh, and if anyone is on ravelry and wants to talk in the forum:
http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/novelty-and-art-yarn-spinners/topics/476171
comment by Cindy — January 9, 2009Check out this post about the project on another awesome blog, Linda and Harriett! http://lindaandharriett.blogspot.com/2009/01/valentines-for-good-cause.html
comment by Tommy — January 10, 2009this is such an amazing idea! Seriously you guys are amazing…..FF is the best!
I’m still a little unclear about the mixtape thing though. So we are allowed to make mixed CDs with songs by real artists? haha I just want to make sure you’ll be able to include it in the sale if I make one. Let us know! Thanks!
comment by Lesley — January 11, 2009This is so cute.
comment by Amanda :] — January 11, 2009But instead of just mailing it can I actually just stop by at the warehouse and give it to you guys?
it would be so much easier for me since I don’t follow all these things.
Hi everyone at Fred Flare. I just had a look at some of the cards posted on flickr.com and they’re great. I can’t wait to see some more!
comment by Pat — January 12, 2009What a great idea for a wonderful cause! Expect my Valentine soon…
comment by Your Secret Admiral — January 12, 2009Such a fun idea! I mailed off my valentines this afternoon.
comment by Bree — January 12, 2009I sent mine last week! I was so happy with the result…sent from sunny San Diego,CA!!!!
comment by perezito perez — January 12, 2009This is a wonderful idea!
comment by Brooke — January 12, 2009I wonder if we could just bring the cards + envelopes into the store?? Just to beat the deadline?
comment by Harold — January 12, 2009i just sent my vampire and zombie valentines!
comment by tina seamonster — January 13, 2009both the boy and I are sending off 4 valentines each! we are happy to participate! They will be in the mail tomorrow.
comment by Karalee Serra — January 13, 2009… oh and my sister have a YouTube of us singing and making Valentines for you guys… I’ll postmark & send them tomorrow! <3 <3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q4lZygRAkc
comment by Harold — January 13, 2009*my sister and I
comment by Harold — January 13, 2009are they gonna be online too?
comment by Christi — January 13, 2009Hey Keith! Thanks for posting the Flickr link – will post my cards later tonight. Do you have an estimated date of when they will start to go on sale online? I want to post something on my blog when they do to help promote sales! Thanks for doing this – can’t wait to see everyone’s cool stuff!
comment by ShortcakeScraps — January 14, 2009I sent mine today!
comment by Heather — January 14, 2009This is SUCH a wonderful idea! I found out about this too late, but I’m promoting this project in my blog!
Love you guys!
comment by Yana — January 15, 2009i just sent mine off- i don’t know if they will be picked up from the box today, though!!
are they for sure disqualified if they have a tomorrow postmark?
comment by Lise — January 15, 2009Mine is on the way! I hope all the valentine’s will sell out!
comment by Marilyn — January 15, 2009Does this mean i can still participate if i sent my card out today, the 15th? I sure hope so!!!!
-claudia
comment by CLAUDIA — January 15, 2009I didn’t get this email till today, so i couldn’t make one, sorry! good luck though! Happy Valentine’s day!
xoxo
comment by chloe — January 15, 2009I placed it on my art website and contacted artist friends who plan on participating in this sweet cause for seniors. Thank you for making a difference Fred Flare staff and card creators! Best wishes!
comment by Artwthheart — January 15, 2009i looove this ideaa!
i already diid mines! and sended it
comment by angelisse — January 16, 2009do we make like da valentine to ff or who is it for because i want to know because i wanna make one but now i just relized that its to late too make it so sorry!
comment by Sadie — January 16, 2009hey evryone! sorry i couldn’t make one, but ya’ll have fun! and i hope they seel OUT! good luck! unfortunatly i can’t come to the store to see it decked out, but whatever. maybe i could see everyone! Mo can you please reply to my blog?! that would really cheer me up! i live in napa valley so i can’t come see the crew!
comment by analisa — January 16, 2009<3 Happy Valentine’s Day! <3
I can’t even wait to see all of the Valentines Cards and I can’t wait to purchase one as well. I got to make mine so I hope you all at FF like it! Mucho Love to you all, and amazing idea! <3333
comment by Thalia — January 18, 2009Thanks for the invite, it was a joy to design…and something I can be proud of! I love that your cause is to help keep seniors crafty!
)
comment by isewcute — January 18, 2009This is kinda cool….I made one and sent it off like a week ago.
comment by Kara — January 19, 2009I think $4 bucks is just a little
too much though for a handmade valentine….But who cares? Everyone will luv em’! I sometimes
help in a retirement home with my youth group and I know our old folks will love them!
I agree, I think it should be a bit more, maybe $7?
comment by Marilyn — January 27, 2009Ummmm….uh,Marilyn,I meant 4 dollars was too MUCH,lol.I mean,
comment by Kara — January 27, 2009I wouldn’t pay that much…but…..
Aren’t our valentines supposted to
be shown on the website? I just thought Keith said something about that………
Thanks for the comments, everyone. The valentine’s are gonna launch on Friday so defs stay tuned. Thx!!
comment by Keith — January 28, 2009Amazing idea.
. im so gunna buy one. mine didnt make it. but ohwell, it was fun making. i love you guys @ ff.<3 [:
comment by Kristy — January 28, 2009I am so excited to see all of them! Yippee for crafty cuteness!
comment by JaimeisCrafty — January 30, 2009Will they be available for sale on the website? Today? I was just looking for a link. I want to tell all my friends to buy Snail Mail Valentines!
comment by Jennifer — January 30, 2009Dran! Mine didn’t get shown on the website…..oh well,There’s always next year!
comment by Charissa — January 31, 2009Hi everybody! Pls forgive me for not posting this sooner. I intended to create a special blog announcing how much money this project generated for Elder Craftsmen and then time just got the best of me, SO sorry about that. Here goes… We sold just over 400 valentines! It was totally one of the best-selling items in the month of February but we weren’t satisfied with just donating $1600 so FF pitched in and bumped up the donation to $4000. Thanks again to everybody who participated and created such amazing things! Your creativity and generosity really inspires me. Much love from FF:)
comment by Keith — March 7, 2009This is a trick question, right? ,
comment by Bob95 — October 22, 2009Looks like this initiative is getting amazing response. I missed the deadline b.c. i only came across the post now. Sooooo, I really hope it becomes and annual campaign so I can participate next year. So fun!
comment by MJ — February 3, 2010Hello I am new here. I am sorry if this
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I am from MExico
Seattle Pro Landscaping
comment by Seattle2435 — September 13, 2011