Valentine's Day Crafternoon Party

Back in 2003, when Maura Madden invited friends to her New York apartment to make valentines one afternoon, she never thought the gluing and painting would still be going strong after midnight. "We just had an amazing time -- it was more fun than I could have imagined," says Madden, who embraced her childhood love of crafting that day. After that, she started getting people together for knitting, sewing, and jewelry-making, and began inviting more friends and friends of friends. The events outgrew her apartment and moved to cozy bars and restaurants. Fast-forward eight years, and Madden has written a book, "Crafternoon," on crafting parties and cohosts Handmade Crafternoon, a monthly salon at the main branch of the New York Public Library.

No matter the project or the venue, the objective is always the same: to bring together a group of people to create, share, try something new, and have fun. "It's about making friends while taking pleasure in the process, even if what you make is imperfect," says Madden, who by day develops TV shows for Comedy Central. For this gathering, she and her cohost, rare-books librarian (and accomplished seamstress) Jessica Pigza, assembled a group of like-minded DIY-ers in a soaring, oak-paneled room of the library to make valentines once again.

Clockwise from left: Anna Beckman, a professional illustrator who specializes in lettering and calligraphy; Rebecca Kutys, a stationery designer; Jessi Klein, a comedian and "part-time animal doodler"; graphic designer Cassidy Iwersen; Maura Madden; Jill Lauck, a college counselor who dedicates her spare time to making cards under the name Cherry Blossom Paper; Danielle Maveal, jewelry designer and Etsy educational coordinator; and Jennifer Nicholson, a State Department calligrapher.

In search of design inspiration, Pigza combed through the library's extensive vintage valentine collection, which includes handmade and printed ephemera ranging from early-19th-century watercolor images and elaborate Victorian pop-ups to Snoopy cards from the 1970s. One of her favorites -- a hand-drawn image of a fox running through the snow -- became the basis for a card the group would make together.

As the women find seats at a heavy wooden library table and spread out their supplies, the room erupts into oohs and aahs. "When someone brings materials you wouldn't have thought of, you end up with something completely unexpected," letterpress stationer Rebecca Kutys says. Soon, all hands are busy stitching paper, sprinkling glitter, and punching heart-shaped holes. After taking breaks for arugula-stuffed pizza sandwiches and peanut-butter-and-jam cookies, they're back at the table, laughing while they give Madden advice as she tries to make a paper doll pop out of a big red heart. This community aspect is what she loves: "Everyone has something to add." Comedian Jessi Klein, her friend, agrees with the sentiment. "I'm never going to come up with the coolest thing, but people can't get too bummed out about what they're making when there's a comedian next to them trying to use scissors and glue."

The library's collection of vintage valentines inspired these newly created cards -- like this heartstrings card -- which you can make using our artwork.

The crafters customized our heart template with glitter and paper to make this card.

This folded heart card was based on a card from the library's vintage collection.

Jennifer Nicholson's gorgeous calligraphy surrounds a card of concentric hearts.

Jessica Pigza discusses her design with Jill Lauck while Madden cuts out a valentine.

Some of the beautiful and unique creations of the day.

Pizza sandwiches keep the crafters going; to make them, fold dough over fillings (cheese, roasted tomatoes, and soppressata, or olives and mushrooms) and bake.

Serve the pizza sandwiches with lightly dressed arugula and basil to tuck inside, as Madden and Kutys are doing.

The sandwiches, nestled in napkins, are easy to eat -- no plate or silverware required.

They may look like a labor of love, but these peanut butter cookies are a snap to make: Push your finger into the dough twice to make the hearts, and fill with raspberry jam. There were enough to enjoy at the party and for each guest to take home as a gift.

The peanut-butter-and-jam cookies get wrapped up with handmade tags, a fitting take-home treat.

Invite friends over, spread out inspiring supplies like these, and throw your own party. Here are a few of our favorite supplies:

Glitter

Doily Heart punch and Large Filigree Heart punch by Martha Stewart Crafts, available at Michaels stores

Heart Lock and Key Double Punch by Martha Stewart Crafts

Valentine Dresdens 

Origami paper

Handmade patterned papers

Silk embroidery ribbon