Hi Everyone. Yep, I’m back. Before I show you how to make your own cool Valentines for the ones you love, let me give you a little update on me.
I am completely free of cancer. Holy heck, Batman. I’m not gonna die of this. I had surgery late last year that completely removed the cancer AND I found out around Christmas that I was one lucky duck. The cancer had grown mostly width-wise and not as much deeper into the endometrial layer. The doctors were both thrilled and shocked. Since it didn’t grow through the endometrial layer, I have no need for further chemo or any other treatment. I’m free.
I will be monitored every six months for five years but the chance of a reoccurrence is very slim. I’m so lucky. I did get ill after the surgery from the medications to prevent blood clots etc. Also, the boomerang effect from “I’m gonna die of this” to “holy cow, I’m gonna get to plan a new life” has been quite overwhelming, but I’m starting to feel normal again after all these years (8) of stress. Thank you to everyone who has sent their caring, prayers and love. You guys are so great and I’m so glad to be back!
Now, onto the future.
I will be blogging at least once a week. I will be trying to teach you to make art and enjoy it. I will continue to talk about great products that I personally use and love. I will be putting my nose to the grindstone and pumping out art, so I’d sure love to have you continue to join me on my journey of exploration. I love being able to say I AM AN ARTIST. I want you to find that voice inside you and join me in the joy of creation.
I have also started a new medium. I got a set of Sennelier oil pastels for Christmas. Did you know starting a new medium is daunting? Oh, you DID? HUH. Well, even if you don’t want to try oil pastels with me, I’m thinking you’ll relate to the struggles to learn all the basics of a major new medium Let’s have fun!
Making Valentines
“Do you want me to tell you something really subversive? Love is everything it’s cracked up to be. That’s why people are so cynical about it. It really is worth fighting for, being brave for and risking everything for.” (E. Jong)
❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
I love making Valentines. I’ve done it for several years now. In fact, I make little masterpieces for my friends and loved ones on every major holiday.
Here’s what used to happen. A holiday would be coming up eminently. I’d see all the cards in the shops but feel guilty because, hey, I should be making them myself, ya? Do you feel that same way? I mean, you have talent, you can draw better than other people you know, you’re creative.
What changed a few years ago was Hahnemühle’s watercolor postcards and You Tangle tiles. The paper is already cut and awaiting your artwork. No prep necessary. YAY! I use the tins to keep my unsent treasures afterwords.
Last year I did a bunch of lettering Valentines. This year I thought I’d mix it up, show you how to make many kinds of Valentines. Now, no matter where you skill level, you can make gorgeous Valentines for the one you love. Feel free to use my ideas.
You don’t have to have pretty handwriting. I get it, I”m a lefty. I have to WORK to get any kind of pretty out of my handwriting. That’s actually why I took up lettering. But you can just skip any hand lettering or writing and just use your printer! Do a little art on one side, cut & paste your sentiment on the other. I did a simple Love Coupon this way. (Back & Front View)
How about getting a little scribbly with me? Get out your technical pens, ink or paint. Plop down some symbols, love words and color. Add scribbly lines. Ta-DA! Gorgeous artwork. I added a little fill in the blank action on the back.
Make up your own font! Or, peruse a font site and copy ideas from there. I made up this alphabet childlike font as I went, added a little tangling and lettered the back to make it extra special.
You can also just get out your paints. I taped the You Tangle tiles down and did a light wash over each of them. Remember, Hahnemühle’s You Tangle tiles are not made for watercolor so be gentle.
Then, of course, I had to get a little more creative. Hey, it’s fun. Think outside the box. And speaking of boxes, they got some love this year.
And some more ideas…
Ok, go out and have some fun! Remember, they don’t have to be perfect, they just have to contain all the love you can pour into them. It feels so good to be able to give a loved one something special. Happy Valentine’s Day to you.
Extra LOVE COUPONS You Can Use:
Coupon-holder defines “wonderful” and coupon-issuer fulfills that description. Date to be chosen by coupon-holder.
___________________.
(fill in the blank with a day of the week)
❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Redeemable for a relaxing afternoon in a quiet place of the holder‘s choosing. Picnic and romantic companionship included.
(Hugs & Kisses, free of charge)
❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Good for one afternoon of shopping with the coupon-issuer. Transportation and lunch included.
(Wishing and dreaming are encouraged.)
❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Good for one romantic dinner in bed.
Utensils optional.
(Redeemable anytime!)
❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Learning: Oil pastels
Anticipating: Hahnemühle’s new Zig Zag book
Planning: I’ll be selling mini Altoid tins filled with artist quality watercolors. I’m hoping to both thin my heard of tubes and help new artists try some GOOD paint at a great price.
Loving: Everyone.
Marit
Oh Jennifer, I am so HAPPY for you!! First thing in the morning I read was your newsletter (and blogpost) and YAY, that is some good news to start the day with! Doing a happy dance for you overhere and sending you a big hug from Hollan!
Hennie Teunissen
Good morning Jennifer, Oh yes I have missed you and am happy to see you here again and in a good shape. Well done girl! Like Marit wrote above………….Doing a happy dance for your either………….and a big hug from me also from Holland…….. LOL Everyone in the Netherlands is dancing for you LOL.
Nancy
This is such wonderful news Jenn! Glad you are back, the world is a better place with your voice out in it!
Little Wandering Wren
Welcome back. This had me beaming from start to finish. There is nothing to LOVE more than to hear of your good news. Your Valentine’s ideas are fabulous!
Happy Year of the Pig and Happy Valentine’s Day from Bangkok!
Wren x
Mal Jenner
Congratulations whoop whoop .. so happy for you o
Laura H.
Yay! Wonderful news! I was just thinking about you this weekend and wondering how you were doing, so glad to hear all is well. Lovely Valentine ideas too!
Beverly Wong-Kleinjan
Thrilled to see you back 😊
Nancy Kvorka
Wonderful news Jenn! I have been thinking about you too. So great to see your email this morning! I look forward to your news and updates on your oil pastels. I got some last year and need to get back to trying to use them.
Randi
So glad to hear your wonderful news! Welcome back and I love your blog.
Nancy
Great news! So happy for you!
Jean Marmo
Welcome back! What wonderful news to see that you are cancer free! I am sure you heart is bursting with joy! Love your valentines!
sandra strait
So happy you’re posting again! You were missed.
Amy
So happy to wake up and see your update! What wonderful news, we celebrate with you Jenn!
caroclboss
Welcome back! It’s so wonderful to see your work again and have you with us. Welcome Home!
Dawn
Such wonderful news!!! Welcome back! I look forward to seeing your weekly posts!
Susan
Oh! What Fabulous news!! I’m so happy for you!
It’s good to see you posting again and just bubbling over with positivity. Yes! Looking forward to more happy, arty posts. Hugs
Elizabeth Ingraham
Oh my! So happy you are healthy! And back with us!
Jakki
My daughter just had her 5th year free anniversary from NHLymphoma, it has been a time of joy and turmoil. I am very happy for you and look forward to learning more from you!
Karen Howard
Thrilled to hear this for you, Jennifer, congratulations on a long, happy life. You are a gift to all.
Karen Howard
North Carolina
Shelley
Welcome back. Congratulations on the clean bill of health I am very happy for you. Thanks you for these lovely valentines ideas and I look forward to hearing more of your creative ideas in the days ahead.
Lynette
Welcome back. Congratulations on the wonderful news. Love your blog… and of course you.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Phoebe
So glad you are back! And with such wonderful news. Much love.
Marva
Hi Jenn, welcome back! What awesome news! So glad the cancer is gone!!! Love your blog, trying to get inspired to do more watercolor sketching! I keep getting side tracked by mixed media and other things. 🙂
Jane
Congratulations. I love it when the survivor ranks swell!
alice
awesome post, Jennifer, so glad you are back. and so happy about your awesome good news tote cancer free. I can not imagine the relief you feel. love you, dear friend!
Linda Kunsman
oh what absolutely awesome news dear Jennifer!!! I am over the moon happy for you and so happy to “see” you back! Your valentine projects are just the sweetest, and those tulips- gorgeous. Thanks so much for sharing it all; looking forward to your continued blog and Instagram posts. Hugs!!
denthe
Such fantastic news Jenn! It’s so great to hear this, and I’m so very happy for you! It’s so good to her about all of your plans for your blog. Way to go girl!
Jenny
Hi Jenn! Welcome back and hip hip hOOray! such wonderful news my friend! love your ideas for valentines, and those tulips are scrumptious! the little altoid watercolor tins sound adorable. as others have said, you truly are a gift, thanks for the best news update and always inspiring 💟 hugs!! xoxo
Jennifer Rose
That is great news!! 😀
and lovely valentines 🙂
Aneta
Yippie!!! Congratulations!! I’m so eager to see more of your beautiful art here!
Nancy Sapp
Yes, Yes – You WERE MISSED – All your great posts & your beautiful paintings!!! I am SO happy for you that you are Cancer Free. Continued prayers for you. Believe me – we DO understand your fear & the stress you’ve been under.
Carolyn Santiso
Hi Jennifer. I’m new to your site and have only seen a few of you videos. I’m glad you are back and recovered from what must have been a real downer. Looking forward to doing oil pastels and of course learning watercolor techniques. All the best to you and continued good health.
Carolyn Santiso
Hi Jennifer. Resubscribing as I hit a wrong button when I was subscribing the first time. Hope this works 😀