DIY: Old Valentine — Inspiration Bright Star

Inspired by the movie Bright Star

& lovers Fanny Brawne and John Keats

Looking at Jane Campion's dreamy pictures at Anthropologist I was fascinated by the very origami like old Valentine. The one from poet John Keats to Fanny Brawne where he debates giving her kisses or whippings.

After a few attempts, using the unfolded letter image as a guide, it formed the little box that opens in a petal like fashion. Things of course would have been a lot easier had I known these little treats are actually called puzzle purses and were popular during the envelope-less 18th century (the Keats / Fanny love affair was 1818 to his death in 1821). Now that I do, this will help me show you how to create one (or many) of your own. See the folding directions here and here and be sure to use light weight paper in the shape of a square. Everything else it totally up to you!

Video Showing How The Puzzle Purse is Folded:


A copy of an actual John Keats love letter to Fanny & the old valentine I created

"I love you the more in that I believe you had liked me for my own sake and for nothing else." —John Keats

Wouldn't these be perfect as invitations and unique place cards as well?

Image: MAM for GaveThat | Copy of John Keats letter from An Anthology of Passion | Movie Still © Apparition

DIY: Love Letter Cupcakes

Valentine's Day without cupcakes? non, non, non! Here red velvet hides under a snowy top of coconut frosting and the kisser... a chocolate wax seal

Red velvet cake and VDay seem so cozy together and these are some of my personal favorite cupcakes to create. A fab recipe can be found here and to create the chocolate wax seal toppers, do the following:

Materials Needed
- Wax Paper
- Red Chocolate Candy Melts
- Metal Wax Seal

Melt chocolate candy per directions on bag and spoon a small pool onto wax paper. Wait a few seconds and then press with an oiled wax seal. Without lifting off place for a minute in your freezer. Once firmed up remove from the chocolate by lifting straight up and peel your candy wax seal off of the wax paper. Voilà!

Image: MAM for GaveThat

Aromatherapy Interventions

At the moment snow drifts are high and any thoughts of spring or even Valentines day seems worlds away. You have become old hat frostbite and bitterly cold winds! So, in an attempt to transport myself (and others) someplace else, on an olfactory level at least, candles have become a simple solace. That's how I slightly broke my nose... 30, 40, 50 (I've lost count) candles later and I give you some of my absolute favorites for spring:

When Aromatherapy Interventions candles contacted me about their line, I immediately remembered their delicious sense of style and tongue in cheek, chuckle inducing descriptions. The co-dependent candle for instance has two wicks and is infused with citrus essential oils to, "counteract passivity and self blame". These can get someone in so much trouble and, I adore that.

Still the main point is the scent. Thankfully these are good—very, very good. Earnest due to real essential oils being used and surprisingly pungent for soy wax my personal favorite is lighten up. A blend of fresh winter mint, grapefruit, orange and woodland pine to, "counteract obsessing on the unimportant", the result is a candle that actually smells rather sunny. Now to find a way to burn this 24/7. $21.95.

Image: MAM for GaveThat

Reading Old Love Letters

D., a New Yorker, kept this little missive for some 50 years after receiving it. Ever so often I reread it too.

Dec. 1954

Dearest D.,
I want to thank you for my very very lovely Christmas gift. When I wear it I will think of you and your sweetness. You shouldn't have bought me such an expensive gift. I know you love me and I love you too.

I hope you had a happy Christmas and that Santa was very good to you.

You must come to see me some time soon - tell me all about your sweet self - your job and all that you are doing.

I hope you have a very happy New Year, D. dear, for you certainly deserve it.

My many thanks, again, and my best love to you. —K.

Image: MAM for Gave That

Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Pancakes

These are so good... chocolate chips and raspberry syrup mingle with walnuts—if love turned to pancakes?

Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe:
Following directions on instant buttermilk pancake mix, doctor by adding:
1/2 Cup powder baking cocoa
1/2 Cup chocolate chips
A few teaspoons natural red food coloring
1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:
1/2 Cup walnuts
Raspberry syrup
Powder sugar (optional)

Following the directions on the pancake mix add in the extra ingredients and create your hot cakes. Use a heart shaped form if you're feeling extra artistic, sprinkle on nuts and swirl some raspberry syrup on top. This also works to create red velvet Belgium waffles a'la Mode!

Image: MAM for Gave That

Also See:
- DIY: Love Letter Red Velvet Cupcakes