Happy Valentines Day!

Okay, so I have some "splaining" to do.

 Beginning in January, our church opened an after school program for some students at a neighborhood elementary school. The families had to apply to get their child selected, the principal of the school along with the head of the program screened all the applications and chose 18 1st.-3rd graders. They needed volunteers to help with the kids who attend 3 days per week. I chose to volunteer on Fridays and though it was a big stretch for me, I've quickly begun to feel more comfortable with the kids and am thoroughly enjoying this whole process. 

 I know that God has given me a gift and talent to create and work with stamps, coloring and paper and I really want to use this gift wisely. SOOOOOO, I asked for a starting place and He gave me the idea to make each child a Valentine - which just happens to be on a Friday this year. I was so excited and I went hunting the internet/youtube for some ideas. I saw a great tutorial to make these sweet little gift boxes (you know how hooked I am on boxes right now and I am posting a tutorial for you also) so I grabbed some double sided designer paper, my trusty and much loved Envelope Punch Board, some dies, images and copics and dove right in.

 It was a LOT of coloring! 5 Edwin Wants a Hug and 13 Tilda With Spring Heart. I'm not sure if Edwin is still available, but you can always check with Diana to see if she can get him for you.  Tilda is still available.

 I really didn't realize just how involved this project would be. But I got it done, well in advance of the day, and I'm excited about the kids getting their Valentines.

 Unfortunately, my hubby is having a minor surgery on his eye today, out of town, of COURSE, and I have to drive him. I won't be able to hand their Valentines to them personally, but my heart will truly be there. 

So please take a look at what I came up with - and Happy Valentines to you! 

Here are most of the Tilda's ready to be attached to the gift boxes.

Here is a close up of my coloring.  I forgot to take a close up of the Edwins (sheesh)

Here are all my gift boxes and you can see the Edwin boxes along the sides.

Here is another view of the boxes.

Here is a final look at one of the gift boxes all filled with candy and ready to go!

I really had a great deal of fun creating each box and I hope the children will be blessed to receive them.  If you're interested in learning how to create these delightful little boxes, please look for my tutorial which will be posted soon.

Thanks for stopping by today and leaving your comments.

Enjoying the journey,

Many blessings,

Barb