You know in the past Valentine's Day has always been one of my favorite holidays because, I am one of those reticent people who are NOT great at expressing feelings. I am not a hugger. I am not outwardly emotional or mushy. Nor am I very generous with the phrase "I love you", even with my family. Being a decent human being I would normally feel bad for this, except, EXCEPT... I often show my love by sewing or crafting for people. So on Valentine's Days of the past I would really go all out making these specially made greeting cards and trinkets and disperse them to family and deeply appreciated friends. It was my way of saying "I love you."

Fast forward to today and I still like the idea behind Valentine's day, but I think there is a general feeling among the public that the holiday has become over commercialized. The rituals of candy, cards, roses, dates, dinner, and rings has become a little trite. Well..., ladies still love the rings, but the rest just seems overdone and insincere.

The one thing that hasn't become trite and old, is making something special. There is no better way to say "I love you" than with a physical token of your time, your thought, and your care.

 Made gifts don't have to be elaborate, they just need to be thoughtful. Consider this bag and this girl.

This could be the perfect gift for her. She looks so sweet and rustic, just like this bag. I bet she'd love it. LOL! You get the point

In fact, there is a lot you can do with 1 yard of fabric, a sewing machine, and 2 hours of time.  Here are a few of our suggestions:

Right about now, you might be saying to yourself "But Kandyce, I don't actually know how to make any of those things."

Well this is your invitation to come in and learn. I am always working on updating my class menu but if you can't find a specific project you want to learn, you can suggest one. Many of the projects featured above and on the class photos page are a result of student initiated projects.

and I realize it might be too late to make something for Valentine's Day 2024, but there is always next year. There are also still plenty of special occasion days for "handmade" gift giving yet to come in 2024. Start planning now for Mother's day, Father's Day, Birthdays, and so on.

I am excited to be a part of the Black Owned Business Expo being held at Hamilton Place Mall, in Chattanooga TN, on February 24, 2024 from 10 am to 6pm.

It's a big deal because, being a very small business, I get very few chances to showcase my services in such a marketable, high traffic location. So this will be a great chance to talk with new and prospective students about my studio, and the classes I offer.

I will also be selling a few of my specialty made creations, including aprons, bags, bowties, blankets, and accessories.

While it is great to make new friends, I'd like nothing more than to greet my existing students and patrons as well. It might be fun to see each other outside of the studio. If you are in the area, and have the time and inclination, drop in and find me. I'd love the moral support and I am thinking about offering a special event promotion.

Stay tuned for more details

Happy Valentine's Day.

I hope you spend it with someone you love. Or, if you are single, I hope you spend it doing something you love.

As always, thank you for your patronage and encouragement. I am truly lucky to share the thing that gives me peace and joy with all my students and supporters.

If you have any questions about the studio or classes don't hesitate to contact me at inkandycence@gmail.com

and if you need a promo code don't forget about "Sweetheart Deals" or February offers at the link below.

Best Wishes & Straight Stitches

Kandyce