Project Runway, Americas Next Top Model, True Beauty. None of these television shows can hold a candle to the fashions presented at a past Greeting Card Association annual Louie Awards gala. Members of the greeting card industry gathered for the event with the theme being, Greeting Cards…Always in Fashion. And in fashion they were!
Look closely and you’ll see that these fashions were made entirely of greeting cards! 
Cards were hot glued, hand sewn and duct taped into place. From Valentine Cards to Thanksgiving Cards and every greeting card category in-between, these fun fashions fall right into the drive to recycle. 
See more examples of greeting card couture for inspiration and pull all of your unused cards together to make a new outfit everyone will be talking about. And don’t forget to accessorize with some delightful postage stamp earrings!
Hope your Valentine’s Day will be, is or was the best ever! I’m sure you’ll want to keep forever many of the Valentine’s Day Cards you receive as special keepsakes.
For those cards you’ve accumulated over the years or have left over this year, consider recycling them as you look for ways to improve our environment. Living Green has some great suggestions for celebrating an eco-friendly Valentine’s Day and for earth friendly activities throughout the year.
Did you know you can recycle used crayons by melting them into the shape of a heart for reuse. Why not plant a rose bush instead of buying cut flowers. Or, celebrate the holiday by star gazing with a loved one at your local planetarium. Any of these activities can be enjoyed well after February 14th.
I’d love to hear how you celebrated the holiday with your loved ones.
February 14th can be fun with a feeling of love all around but instead of Valentine’s Day, some have labeled this particular holiday Singles Appreciation Day or Singles Recognition Day. This is the day you watch others being romanced with flowers, candy and cards while you may be between significant others or even married to someone that just isn’t into the whole celebration. Not to worry though, there are many ways to celebrate this day that everyone can look forward to!
This year the holiday falls on a Saturday which opens up even more opportunities. Rather than rushing off to work, consider a “loving” breakfast celebration. Heart shaped pancakes and chocolate dipped strawberries will be fun for others or just for you on a lazy Saturday morning. If the weather is nice, take a long walk and “love” the outdoors. Use this day to treat yourself to something special, like a bubble bath, shopping spree or long afternoon nap. Say, “I love you” to someone who wouldn’t normally expect it. Plan a get-together with others for some group fun and laughter. Send Thinking of You cards to surprise someone. Plant a rose bush.
Love doesn’t have to be romantic; it can be a simple show of appreciation for someone who has been helpful or just plain nice. On this one day of the year, use this opportunity to spread some love of your own knowing that what goes around will eventually come back around. This same time next year may change from Singles Recognition Day to the Valentine’s Day of your dreams! Enjoy the possibilities and let me know how you plan to celebrate.
Want to have a bit of fun or just unleash some aggression as Valentine’s Day approaches? Try playing Cupid. Cupid is the son of Venus, the goddess of love. When he shoots the hearts of potential lovers, he causes them to fall in love. Here is a fun game that tests your shooting ability to play Cupid. 
In the business world it is considered inappropriate to send heart shaped chocolates and roses to businesses on Valentine’s Day, but let’s face it, we still LOVE our customers! So, to avoid an ugly misperception and still express your appreciation on this official day of love, why not send Thank You cards to your special clients and customers this Valentine’s Day.
A business appreciation Thank You sends the same message as Valentine’s Day cards but in a more professional format than pink floating hearts and teddy bears might express. Everyone will welcome a bit of professional affection. It is important to remember that the integrity of your business and way you relate to your customers as individuals is key to your businesses success now more than ever. Let them know that they matter and build and strengthen your relationships by offering a genuine and unexpected expression of appreciation.
“Thank You for your Business” can be the same as saying, “I Love You” this February the 14th.
