Holiday card exchange - Valentine edition January 6, 2018 7:53 PM   Subscribe

needlegrrl's cheerful holiday card exchange was a fantastically effective way of combating the cumulative grar of 2017. Would anyone be interested in doing a Valentine card exchange by mail?

I'm organizing a Valentine exchange and you're all invited. Send whatever cards you like! If you're interested, please memail me (mochapickle) by Friday, January 18, and let me know:

Your name (first initial+last is fine if you prefer)
Your mailing address
Whether you'd like to participate in US+international or US-only

I'll memail addresses back to you by Sunday, January 21. Your information will only be shared with your particular group. needlegrrl's exchange ended up being about 10 people per group and that was perfect, so I'm aiming for similar group sizes, give or take.

Hope you can join!
posted by mochapickle to MetaFilter Gatherings at 7:53 PM (156 comments total) 13 users marked this as a favorite

Yay! Xmas exchange was great and I look forward to another!
posted by Tandem Affinity at 8:07 PM on January 6, 2018 [1 favorite]


Huzzah! Memail on the way shortly.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 1:29 AM on January 7, 2018 [1 favorite]


Yes, I love dorky children's Valentine cards even more than yuletide holiday cards!

I'm so glad needlegrrl's exchange was such a success that mochapickle is expanding it. Y'all have the best ideas and initiative.
posted by the primroses were over at 7:13 AM on January 7, 2018 [2 favorites]


Yay yay yay yay yay!

Thanks for setting this up, mochapickle!
posted by danabanana at 8:50 AM on January 7, 2018 [1 favorite]


Allow me to use this to thank all of those who sent me cards in the christmas card exchange; the original thread closed before I could do so.


Thinking about joining this now too, this was fun!
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 9:32 AM on January 7, 2018 [1 favorite]


I'm going to do this and I'm going to send the most blatantly homosexualist cards I can find
posted by roger ackroyd at 9:50 AM on January 7, 2018 [12 favorites]


I'm on the fence about finding Valentine's cards, but now I want to join just to be in Roger Ackroyd's group.
posted by Margalo Epps at 10:01 AM on January 7, 2018 [7 favorites]


Oh, don't worry about finding cards! I'm thinking of doing elementary school valentines or construction paper hearts with cute dollar store stickers on them. It's just fun to drop stuff in the mail and get stuff back, so.
posted by mochapickle at 10:06 AM on January 7, 2018 [4 favorites]


Oooh, pick me! I need an easy, mindless, but fun project right now, and making VD cards seems like it would be perfect!

Also, it gives me an excuse to go to Big City to search out craft supplies. So yay!
posted by MexicanYenta at 11:13 AM on January 7, 2018 [1 favorite]


Yeah, homemade Valentine cards rock.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 9:09 PM on January 7, 2018 [1 favorite]


I won't be sending homemade cards because I have zero artistic talent, but count me in anyway.
posted by holborne at 7:35 AM on January 8, 2018 [1 favorite]


I also have zero artistic talent and I probably WILL send homemade cards!
posted by JanetLand at 8:02 AM on January 8, 2018 [11 favorites]


Yes, please! I love-love-loved doing the Christmas card exchange, and another card swap sounds like a fabulous idea.
posted by PearlRose at 9:54 AM on January 8, 2018


This will be such fun! I am in! memail being sent.
posted by needlegrrl at 10:13 AM on January 8, 2018 [1 favorite]


Ok. So you want to know where to find free printable valentines cards? Try these Cronenburg Valentines. Maybe there's a way to print out these Scarleteen ecards. Or best of all, here's a GIANT JACKPOT of links in a post by flex- (but some of the links don't work anymore). Definitely check out the comments in that thread too because there's lots of great things like these Dune valentines by Legomancer.

I'm in, and I would be happy to get any sort of printer paper internet joke card. Or handmade cards. Or dorky kid cards. Or a postcard with a heart drawn on it (cheaper postage!).
posted by Secretariat at 10:59 AM on January 8, 2018 [3 favorites]


The holiday exchange was great fun so I'm in! I'm going to be decorating (badly) a shoe box with a slot cut in the top of it to put them in. I'll be taping that box to my desk and putting the cards in right after recess.
posted by Clinging to the Wreckage at 11:35 AM on January 8, 2018 [14 favorites]


It'd be nice if mochapickle's address was on each list because I think organizing this deserves a silly amount of Valentine's Day cards in the mailbox. If you're up for it, can I suggest you add it as a receiving-only, optional address on each list?
posted by Clinging to the Wreckage at 12:20 PM on January 8, 2018 [18 favorites]


Oh my goodness, YES! This is just what I needed to see today. I am IN! Memail on the way.
posted by Nutritionista at 1:58 PM on January 8, 2018


Heck yes.
posted by cortex (staff) at 2:16 PM on January 8, 2018


Use of the ichoochoochooseyou tag is *kisses fingers*.
posted by MrBobinski at 4:33 PM on January 8, 2018 [11 favorites]


yaaaaay I'm in!!!
posted by Hermione Granger at 6:44 PM on January 8, 2018


I'm in. I could really use the giving and receiving right now.
posted by achrise at 8:12 AM on January 9, 2018


The Christmas card exchange was indeed awesome! Thanks so much needlegrrl.

Valentine exchange sounds fun too, email headed your way mochapickle.
posted by fraula at 8:25 AM on January 9, 2018


Signing up. Yay.
posted by bjgeiger at 9:04 AM on January 9, 2018


New Year's resolution - more Metafilter engagement, less lurking. Yay!
posted by ikahime at 10:35 AM on January 9, 2018 [3 favorites]


What a great excuse to disseminate my ridiculously overstuffed postcard collection! Heck yes.
posted by torridly at 11:36 AM on January 9, 2018 [2 favorites]


I'm in! I need to step up my pun game.
posted by phunniemee at 12:30 PM on January 9, 2018 [1 favorite]


Valentine, be the unforgiving tundra to my deranged penguin.

(Hooray, I'm super excited about this!)
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 3:53 PM on January 9, 2018 [4 favorites]


December was too overwhelming for me to do the cookie swap this year, which made me sad. This makes me happy. Signing up!
posted by rebekah at 4:57 PM on January 9, 2018 [1 favorite]


I'm in! I need to step up my pun game.

The best Valentine I ever got in school had a cute little girl in Dutch folk costume, with the caption, "Wooden shoe be my Valentine?"
posted by The Underpants Monster at 9:22 PM on January 9, 2018 [7 favorites]


"Vatnesine" is really close to "valentine", and I like getting mail, and I have lots of stamps for sending valentines ... I'm in!
posted by Vatnesine at 8:14 PM on January 10, 2018 [1 favorite]


I really enjoyed the Christmas card exchange. I'm in too!
posted by googlebombed at 10:26 PM on January 10, 2018


I want to be in but am terrified of my (in)ability to actually get my shit together and mail things on time. Consider this a placeholder as I dither.
posted by sciatrix at 7:22 AM on January 11, 2018


You should sign up, sciatrix. There's literally no penalty for failing to mail on time or not mailing at all! Unless you will feel stressed about it, and as a result not enjoy receiving valentines from other people, in which case, don't feel obligated to participate.
posted by Secretariat at 9:11 AM on January 11, 2018 [3 favorites]


^ Agreed.

I loved, loved, loved doing the holiday card exchange (obviously!) but I got my cards out a little later than I'd hoped. In the process of doing up my cards, I'd gotten myself all anxious because I wanted to do fancy lettering on the envelopes, so naturally I'd have to first make myself learn how to be an instant pinterest-quality expert on fancy lettering before sending anything? And that really wasn't necessary at all. In the end I just sat down on a quiet morning with an enormous mug of tea and addressed the lot of them with the same lettering I use on grocery lists. They got there just fine.

So I think I'm just gonna keep my plan simple this time.
posted by mochapickle at 9:40 AM on January 11, 2018 [2 favorites]


I'd love to be a sender, but don't have a stable address so can't be a recipient.
posted by perrouno at 11:12 AM on January 11, 2018


This idea makes me happy for three reasons:

1) I love sending real letters in the mail.

2) I love receiving real letters in the mail.

3) I have about fifty bajillion stamps dating back to the late eighties that I'm dying to get rid of because nobody that I know in real life loves receiving letters in the mail!

Prepare yourselves, people! Some of them are really, really ugly. (When's the last time you saw an "H"rate make-up stamp?) The Valentine cards will be cute though!
posted by LuckySeven~ at 5:08 PM on January 11, 2018 [5 favorites]


Don't forget that postage is going up a penny this month!
posted by mochapickle at 5:20 PM on January 11, 2018 [1 favorite]


I'm in! Because while I'm almost frantically busy just now IRL, I am feeling a great need for whimsy and solidarity for 2018! This has the potential for lots of zany random goodness.
posted by Nancy_LockIsLit_Palmer at 5:48 PM on January 11, 2018


I'm in!!!! Yay!
posted by arnicae at 9:55 PM on January 11, 2018


perrouno, is using poste restante (aka general delivery) an option for you?
posted by dywypi at 8:18 AM on January 12, 2018


Oh this sounds fun! IN.
posted by capricorn at 12:38 PM on January 12, 2018


Oh, I'm so excited! I usually miss the cut-off dates but not this time!
posted by queensissy at 4:35 PM on January 12, 2018


I'm in! Sounds like fun!
posted by MultiFaceted at 9:54 AM on January 13, 2018


This is a great idea. I'll memail you.
posted by zorseshoes at 7:32 PM on January 13, 2018


dywypi, no, it's not.
posted by perrouno at 2:27 PM on January 16, 2018


Oh, it's a great idea.
posted by Syedtutul at 8:26 PM on January 16, 2018


I'm in! Sharing valentines with friends was always my favorite part of the holiday, but I've been lax these past few years. I'm excited to make or buy some charming cards!
posted by photoelectric at 11:27 PM on January 16, 2018


Two days left to sign up -- that's Friday, January 19! Midnight.

Your emails have been so lovely. I just sit there awwwing when I open my memail.
posted by mochapickle at 9:21 PM on January 17, 2018 [2 favorites]


This will be the first time I've observed Valentine's Day in any way since junior high school. I usually just celebrate Cheap Chocolate for Spinsters Day on the 15th.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 12:08 AM on January 18, 2018 [6 favorites]


Yay! I have an idea for a porg-based valentine that I want to try out. Porgs for everyone!
posted by topophilia at 11:32 AM on January 18, 2018 [2 favorites]


I'm in! And excited :)
posted by WinterSolstice at 9:32 AM on January 19, 2018 [1 favorite]


I was going to try DIY cards but I just spotted something today that is quite possibly the most perfectly eponysterical thing for me to send instead.

I'll just let y'all wonder.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 2:01 PM on January 20, 2018


A butt in the shape of a heart?
posted by holborne at 5:42 PM on January 20, 2018 [1 favorite]


A heart in the shape of a butt?
posted by The Underpants Monster at 5:44 PM on January 20, 2018 [1 favorite]


A butt in the shape of a butt?
posted by mochapickle at 12:08 PM on January 21, 2018 [3 favorites]


OMG the possibilities:

Valentine, Cupid is aiming straight at your butt.
Valentine, you have a special place in my butt.
Valentine, take my butt, it's yours.
Valentine, you have a butt of gold.

They read like Chuck Tingle valentines!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 12:30 PM on January 21, 2018 [3 favorites]


See, now I wish I’d set this whole thing up with a butt theme from the start...
posted by mochapickle at 12:48 PM on January 21, 2018 [2 favorites]


I Can't Give You Anything, Butt Love Baby
posted by The Underpants Monster at 2:01 PM on January 21, 2018 [4 favorites]


^eponybuttsterical
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 2:36 PM on January 21, 2018 [2 favorites]


Hey all, I'm still working on sending out the addresses. I definitely haven't been wasting time all afternoon coming up with butt-themed alternative lyrics for Celine Dion songs. No sirree.

Stay tuned...
posted by mochapickle at 5:46 PM on January 21, 2018 [6 favorites]


Got my list, thanks to mochapickle! Can't wait to send out my dorky Valentines. ♥
posted by invokeuse at 6:52 PM on January 21, 2018 [1 favorite]


I received my list - thanks Mochapickle! I noticed that your mailing info wasn't included, and I understood that as the organizer, you would be included on all lists . . .
posted by kbar1 at 7:03 PM on January 21, 2018 [3 favorites]


Oooh, did anyone know that memail maxes you out after 30 messages in an hour?
posted by mochapickle at 7:17 PM on January 21, 2018 [1 favorite]


And thanks, kbar1 -- you're thoughtful. I didn't want anyone to feel obligated to send cards beyond their group, and putting this together has been really fun in itself! But if you'd like my address, send me an email and we can exchange, ok?
posted by mochapickle at 7:43 PM on January 21, 2018


Hmmm, I keep hitting the limit. Just two groups left! I'm going to give the system some time to reset and I'll send the rest through in the morning.

The remaining folks will all be US to US with a list for 11-12 valentines. Thanks!
posted by mochapickle at 10:14 PM on January 21, 2018


Got my list of victims, er, I mean recipients! Now to get my butts in gear.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 1:01 AM on January 22, 2018


Just got my list - yay! Is there a general due date for these? (I always work better under a deadline...)
posted by capricorn at 5:48 AM on January 22, 2018 [1 favorite]


Got my list, hooray! I found some promising cards the other day, but I was sick and wasn't sure how many I'd need. I'll probably head out to pick them up later this week or early next.
posted by PearlRose at 6:22 AM on January 22, 2018


I'm still trying to find a DIY Valentine's Day card that's easy enough for totally talent-challenged me to make. So far the easiest one I've found involves Pop Rocks. :/
posted by holborne at 8:16 AM on January 22, 2018 [2 favorites]


> Oooh, did anyone know that memail maxes you out after 30 messages in an hour?

Yeah, it's to prevent people from using memail to spam people! It's a rare occasion that there's a legitimate reason to contact so many people that way- usually just these swaps. I guess if a swap is expected to have more than 60 or so people, it's probably easier to collect and use email addresses. Sorry you've had to spend so much time getting things sent out. I got my list and am excited to attempt some crafting!
posted by Secretariat at 9:28 AM on January 22, 2018


All good! Everyone should have their emails by now. :)

hi capricorn, I didn't post any deadlines but I'm going to try to get all of mine sent by February 1 or thereabouts.

Tips:
- Try to have everything arrive by Feb 14th
- If life gets busy, go simple! You can always do 5-foot spangled musical pop-up cards next year
- Address your envelopes first
- Coffee/tea/wine/etc makes the whole process especially pleasant
posted by mochapickle at 10:50 AM on January 22, 2018 [6 favorites]


I have cards and I have addresses!! Here come the cards. Yay!!
posted by googlebombed at 4:37 AM on January 23, 2018


Hello! Would anyone like to send and receive an extra valentine? We have a late US-based addition who's interested in participating and I thought we might set up a mini-exchange. Memail me if you're interested and I'll get you the address.
posted by mochapickle at 7:54 AM on January 23, 2018


They read like Chuck Tingle valentines!

...."Chuck Tingle Valentines" seems like such an obvious thing that I'm a little bit surprised it doesn't already exist.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:00 AM on January 23, 2018 [1 favorite]


-Address your envelopes first

I think it makes more sense to make the valentines first, because who knows how long it takes glitter glue to dry. You all like glitter, right?
posted by Margalo Epps at 12:04 PM on January 24, 2018 [7 favorites]


My first valentine arrived yesterday and it made my day! I haven't sent mine yet although I am looking over them in all their glittery glitterness and hunting for stamps....
posted by mochapickle at 11:12 AM on January 30, 2018 [3 favorites]


I got a Valentine today! What fun - I actually sent mine out pretty early because I had some international addresses.

It didn’t even occur to me till I put my cards in the mail that I would also be receiving some!
posted by hilaryjade at 4:47 PM on February 1, 2018 [4 favorites]


I'm waiting for a package of custom printed cards to arrive so I can get to sending out some Valentines.
Unreasonably excited about this.
posted by sciencegeek at 7:48 AM on February 2, 2018 [3 favorites]


I will be beginning to put mine together this weekend--still not back home, but I can at least spend some time at the house tomorrow where all my glitter glue and things live. In the meantime, I may send out some BONUS POSTCARDS because that's doable--I have hoards of interesting postcards--and also fun, I think.

valentine postcards for all!
posted by sciatrix at 8:43 AM on February 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


I'm probably going home from work a little early today (sleep deprivation and a nagging sinus-related cough), and I swear not to do any Valentines' sending until tomorrow when I recover. As I no doubt shall.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:56 AM on February 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


I've received four so far, and they're delightful! A much-needed boost during my busiest time of year at work. Go Team Cloud Nine!

And that reminds me: mochapickle, are you willing to share the different names of the teams?

♥, ya'll!
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 9:55 AM on February 2, 2018 [1 favorite]


Oh, sure! They're all sayings from conversation hearts candies. This year, we had:

BE MINE
CALL ME
XOXO
MY PET
SWEET LOVE
BE GOOD
3 WISHES
CLOUD NINE
posted by mochapickle at 10:37 AM on February 2, 2018 [7 favorites]


I have already received one, and I have my envelopes addressed (per instructions).
I should be sending mine Monday.
posted by Mister Moofoo at 10:58 AM on February 2, 2018


Team XOXO, I'm making good progress, but... I ran out of glue stick! I swear that thing was only halfway filled with glue to start with. Some will go out today, the rest will go out soon!
posted by Secretariat at 1:44 PM on February 2, 2018


Cards have arrived. Waiting for toddler to go to sleep.
Have received one card and ... so happy making!
posted by sciencegeek at 4:26 PM on February 2, 2018


I got all my cards sent out on Wednesday, so I hope my overseas card gets there on time. I'm looking forward to getting cards! YAY!
posted by googlebombed at 10:17 PM on February 2, 2018


How do you know what team you're on?
posted by The Underpants Monster at 12:56 AM on February 3, 2018


You feel it in your heart! Also you feel it in your mefimail; it says something like "Hooray! You’re in Team Be Mine" near the top of the list of addresses. (I am in team Be Mine.)

Got my internationals sent out yesterday, along with one of the domestics just to figure out what postage would be on those, will get the rest of the domestic out in the next couple days. Have received one in return already, with a poem and a buff dude and a skull and a pterodactyl, so I'd say this whole thing is off to a solid start.
posted by cortex (staff) at 7:29 AM on February 3, 2018 [5 favorites]


Thx, cortex!
posted by The Underpants Monster at 7:43 AM on February 3, 2018


I haven't finished making my cards yet, but stay tuned, Be Gooders!
posted by The Underpants Monster at 7:44 AM on February 3, 2018


I sent my cards out today and I am hoping that they arrive in good shape! One is a little... squooshy, and some have some brittle elements. Fingers crossed. My sincere apologies to Team Call Me if any arrive broken.
posted by queensissy at 6:35 PM on February 3, 2018


We just had so much fun preparing our cards. thanks, mochapickle!
posted by Zed at 8:04 PM on February 3, 2018 [3 favorites]


I hope no one minds Victorian Valentines post cards! Mine are all addressed, and I am staggering sending them out this week (farthest addresses first, international went last week). I need to hit my February letter month quota (something posted every day!) so I am multi-tasking.
posted by needlegrrl at 2:01 PM on February 5, 2018 [2 favorites]


Team 3 Wishes! I am recovered enough to send out the callipygean cards tomorrow. (With one exception - there was someone whose last name I only got as an initial, I memailed you to ask for further confirmation it would get there.)

I have already received a lovely handmade postcard from torridly! Thank you!
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:33 PM on February 5, 2018


Cards made, addressed, sealed, going out tomorrow despite my cat's best attempt to stop me! Warning to recipients of envelopes from me: may contain cat hair. Okay, PROBABLY contain cat hair!
posted by Nancy_LockIsLit_Palmer at 6:44 PM on February 5, 2018 [3 favorites]


I got a lovely homemade card today, with no identifying info at all. Who sent the postcards with the hand-painted hearts? I'm Team Be Good.

Mine are stamped and ready to be dropped in the mail tomorrow! They're all US, so I think they'll arrive on time.
posted by PearlRose at 7:47 PM on February 5, 2018


PearlRose, did you look at the postmark?
posted by The Underpants Monster at 9:55 PM on February 5, 2018


Everyone who is in Team 3 Wishes is in for a real treat! I just received my first Valentine package, not just a card from the lovely and thoughtful tipsyBumblebee! I won't spoil the surprise, but everything in it is delightful and will be put to good use. Thank you so much, tipsyBumble! I've been smiling all day since I opened it! <3
posted by LuckySeven~ at 12:02 PM on February 6, 2018 [4 favorites]


I have received my package from tipsybumblebee too!

And aw, I was only semi-serious when I told Mochapickle that I celebrate not only Valentine's day, but also Mardi Gras and my Birthday this month (it's a big-ol festive party here) - but it must have made it into 3 wishes' emails because everyone's been mentioning it. And Danabanana even sent three little cards in one package, one for each day. Aw! Thanks!

(She also carefully labelled each one with "do not open until Mardi Gras", "Do not open until your birthday", etc. and I'm trying to behave)
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 3:32 PM on February 6, 2018 [1 favorite]


.....And I kinda feel like a cheapskate for just doing a card.

*pause*

Oh, hey right, not only are my cards eponysterical, there is an interactive element. There you go.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 3:34 PM on February 6, 2018 [1 favorite]


PearlRose, did you look at the postmark?

That's pretty blurry and incomprehensible, too. All that's really legible is my name and address. It's very odd!
posted by PearlRose at 4:35 PM on February 6, 2018


Heya, administrative note: this thread had closed after 30 days, but I've switched the post category to MetaFilter Gatherings so it'll be open for six months now instead. Carry on! (And if it ends up making sense to have another followup thread, that's fine too, I just didn't want folks to not have access to this one once I realized it was closed.)
posted by cortex (staff) at 9:57 AM on February 9, 2018 [6 favorites]


Hooray! And thank you!

I had two arrive yesterday and both had glitter inside!
posted by mochapickle at 10:14 AM on February 9, 2018 [1 favorite]


I just got mochapickle's delightful valentine yesterday! I kind of want to share a photo, because it's cool, but I also don't want to spoil the mystery of what's in the envelope for anyone. There were modest amounts of glitter.
posted by Secretariat at 10:27 AM on February 9, 2018 [4 favorites]


I'm Team Be Good and I just got to move home yesterday so we'll see how good mine are--the cards I'm starting with should be on my doorstep now and I'm gonna have fun with them, my goodness. Hopefully they get out soon and are not late!

I know I have received at least three I intend to sit down and read this afternoon. I'm very excited indeed.
posted by sciatrix at 11:56 AM on February 9, 2018


when the mailman's truck is outside, my dog and I are waiting at the window all
posted by mochapickle at 12:07 PM on February 9, 2018 [2 favorites]


I am woefully late, because I am too picky with the cards. I keep seeing new ones and rejecting them for various reasons. I have to get started, yikes!
posted by holborne at 1:16 PM on February 9, 2018 [1 favorite]


I sent the postcards with hearts and just forgot to put return addresses. Didn't mean to start a mystery.
posted by likethenight at 2:25 PM on February 9, 2018 [5 favorites]


It's not just you, holborne--I just settled on some I liked two days ago and got all nervous about it. But I sat down and opened my cards from several members of Team Be Good today--Munching Langolier and mochapickle and waviolet and of course likethenight's wonderful Heart of Mystery. And PearlRose, I got yours, too! My lap is covered in glitter and lovely little things; I'm so impressed by all of you!

I figure if mine get in a little after Valentines it just carries the love a little longer, right? (And if it's a day late I can just claim to be celebrating Lupercalia instead.) Either way--they go out this weekend, for sure!

I love each and every one of my cards, from the simple ones that are handpainted valentine hearts to the--well! How spoileriffic are we being, here? But you don't have to be super perfect and crafty to be well received and loved, holborne--just present, sharing some affection. yeah?

Now I'm gonna go break out all the glitter glue and thoroughly ignore Team Be Good's name in order to see if I can pay all of you guys back in Craft Herpes. :D
posted by sciatrix at 3:33 PM on February 9, 2018 [2 favorites]


Sent mine out on Thursday. The slow step in the reaction was getting stamps.
posted by sciencegeek at 4:34 PM on February 9, 2018 [2 favorites]


and lord, nothing I'm doing is talented in any way, craft-wise. Especially since I'm fighting off enthusiastic and curious cats who are leaping at me from literally every angle as I work.

But hey, at least it's gonna be sparkly, goddammit. Sparkles make up for a lot of ills.
posted by sciatrix at 5:34 PM on February 9, 2018


this just in: glitter glue and cats combine badly

I repeat, glitter glue and cats combine badly

oh god you guys I am pre-emptively sorry
posted by sciatrix at 6:06 PM on February 9, 2018 [4 favorites]


I opened my Valentine's near a trash can in case there was a glitter explosion, and there was not, but I do smell like strawberries, so I think it's a net positive?

THANK YOU ALL so much for the awesome cards (and not judging me too hard for sending store bought cards with leftover Christmas stamps).

Yay, cards!!! So much pink and red.
posted by PearlRose at 8:20 PM on February 9, 2018 [3 favorites]


Mine went out later than I wanted, and were store-bought rather than homemade, because life got in the way. But they went out Wednesday to team XOXO and I've received three so far and they just make my entire day!! Thank you to everyone participating in this, and to mochapickle for organizing!
posted by skycrashesdown at 8:42 AM on February 10, 2018 [3 favorites]


I got a handful so far, and they've all been great! No glitterbombs as yet, but I did get ambushed by little paper hearts!
This has been fun!
posted by Mister Moofoo at 1:23 PM on February 10, 2018 [1 favorite]


PearlRose, I loved your card! There was a nose to be booped, and I booped it! (I think there was a nice mix of handmade and purchased cards in the mix for our group.)

Did anybody get cards from me yet? Return address said NLP. I realized afterward I should have signed the cards, instead of just putting my little initial in the design.
posted by Nancy_LockIsLit_Palmer at 2:22 PM on February 10, 2018


Sciatrix, photos of glitter glued cats could be a creative foundation for valentines. My valentines received are dear card-based kitties, some paper art, some fabulous lettering & handwriting and great inspiration for my own writing. For all of you out there wondering about your cards, my Team XOXO valentines are mostly about the spirit of valentines, fun & art. If you are worried about your own offering, I’ll happily claim the floor so you can send cheer, knowing you are running comfortably with the pack. Store bought? Check. All the same? Nope. Failed attempts at art- repurposed & included for fun in a few. A great variance in poetry. Any iambic pentameter is coincidental. I did strive for legible handwriting.

Signing up for this reminded me of the delight of snail mail & the love of community. I was even inspired to send a few other valentines to others. The posts here have also inspired me to look for eligible cards, or ideas, for next year at the Visionary Arts Museum’s Side Show ;0)
posted by childofTethys at 4:36 PM on February 10, 2018 [3 favorites]


Oh gosh, everyone else's valentines are putting mine to shame! They are a delightful, joyous counterpart to all my junk mail and bills. I hope you enjoy your li'l ferret cards, Team Be Good! They should be coming soon.
posted by ferret branca at 5:26 PM on February 10, 2018 [2 favorites]


Just in case you haven't seen it, The Underpants Monster recently initiated a discussion re: a possible ongoing metafilter snailmail project and fig has kindly volunteered to organize it. You can check it out over here.
posted by mochapickle at 5:30 PM on February 10, 2018 [4 favorites]


LIL FERRET LIL FERRET LIL FERRET

What I have actually been doing as cats inevitably SABOTAGE my GLITTERY GENIUS is marking where the little heart turned into a strange misshapen lump and writing that Peter or Dent (the two worst offenders) signed it here. So that's all right.

I have three more to do tonight but, mail vagaries being what they are, they'll probably go out on Monday. I am all right with this, also. I will make up for this tardiness with

also I have a CLEAN FRIDGE NOW so that's like 90% of why mine are being slow
posted by sciatrix at 7:30 PM on February 10, 2018 [4 favorites]


I've got a little stockpile of received vaneltimes I've been waiting to open in an envelope-ripping frenzy. Except for the lovely handmade postcard that I got first and may have mislaid or it may be in one of my chorus folders.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 8:40 PM on February 10, 2018 [1 favorite]


I am saving all mine in a gift bag to open on Valentine's Day, to best replicate the elementary classroom exchange, but I have a very impressive pile in there. Team Sweet Love clearly knocked it out of the park. :-)
posted by the primroses were over at 1:43 AM on February 11, 2018 [2 favorites]


One card I just got had expanding balloon thingies, and that was a lot of fun for my cat! Or maybe just fun for me to watch her surprise.
posted by Secretariat at 9:55 AM on February 11, 2018 [1 favorite]


I'm paying penance for my tardiness and boring cards by drawing many many hundreds of itty bitty hearts.
posted by phunniemee at 11:23 AM on February 11, 2018 [2 favorites]


Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. I was late sending things out, and I hope y'all receive the cards in time for Valentine's Day. I am loving the cards I have received. You folks are so cute and amusing!
posted by zorseshoes at 1:03 PM on February 12, 2018 [2 favorites]


I would like to remind everyone that this is an all-love, no-guilt mailing event. We'll love you if it takes 'til Bastille Day. Thank you.
posted by mochapickle at 1:14 PM on February 12, 2018 [9 favorites]


Hearts and glitter never go out of style, so they'll always be welcomed, no matter when they arrive.

(Seriously, I just finally took down my cards from the Christmas Exchange to make room for these lovely Valentines! I figure they'll be up for at least a couple of months.)
posted by PearlRose at 1:16 PM on February 12, 2018 [3 favorites]


Indeed, I assume my actual cardiac organ has a nice, healthy coating of silver sparkles.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 2:12 PM on February 12, 2018 [4 favorites]


My Christmas tree is still up, guys; you're all beating me on the holiday timing front.

(I am so excited to see mine go out though!)
posted by sciatrix at 2:49 PM on February 12, 2018 [2 favorites]


I am happy to announce that I have avoided disgracing the Team Be Good name and finished my valentines, which will go out tomorrow...in more than enough time for Valentine's Day 2019. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Not too bad for a champion procrastinator, tho!
posted by holborne at 5:59 PM on February 12, 2018 [5 favorites]


Yeah, mine are going out tomorrow too. They're all slightly different, and one has a making of video.
posted by scruss at 8:11 PM on February 12, 2018 [6 favorites]


Tonight I opened an envelope and pulled out a string of beautifully decorated paper hearts. Tommy the cat grabbed it in his teeth and ran off with it as far as the bathroom before I caught him and took it away. Now I'm going to have to make the cat his own valentine to ruin.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 8:22 PM on February 12, 2018 [8 favorites]


The orchids, the string of hearts, the painted hearts, the scratch n sniff, the kitty and her plate of beans, the red felt heart with its buttons, the photo of flowers ... ALL of the cards are so touching - my heart runneth over. Thank you!
posted by soakimbo at 8:28 PM on February 13, 2018 [2 favorites]


Here's a picture of my Valentinual bounty!

I have mislaid a couple of cards, so if you're on Team Be Good and don't see your work represented, it's because it was so good I had to take it out of the house to be shown off and misplaced.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 9:14 AM on February 14, 2018 [2 favorites]


Or, um, because we only sent it yesterday.

I was away for a few days and came home to a whole bunch of completely awesome cards. I sort of felt mine were a bit drab in comparison. Thank you, Team Be Good!
posted by holborne at 9:55 AM on February 14, 2018 [2 favorites]


Oh, now that I'm not spoilering anything, I need to mention that the watercolor heart cards for Team Be Good were an afterthought to keep kitty-and-beans protected. They are blank so you can pass along the Valentine's love in case you need a last minute card for someone! Feel free to regift as desired!
posted by Nancy_LockIsLit_Palmer at 10:29 AM on February 14, 2018 [4 favorites]


My sincere thanks to my new penpals in Team Cloud Nine. I very much appreciate the handmade valentines, and regret that I don't possess the craftiness to reciprocate with bespoke cards of my own, although I tried to make up for it with stickers.
posted by Halloween Jack at 10:53 AM on February 14, 2018 [2 favorites]


Ahem: All love, no guilt!
posted by mochapickle at 11:18 AM on February 14, 2018 [4 favorites]


I went ahead and bought the finest card/photo display that my Bed, Bath & Beyond coupon would accept. Thanks for all the Valentines, from mefites and others alike!
posted by PearlRose at 8:39 PM on February 14, 2018 [2 favorites]


Just checking in to say that mine went out late (the 13th) due to a family emergency, but they are on the way. And the ones I have received are wonderful and go nicely with the aluminum Christmas tree that is still up in my kitchen!

(Which clashes with my as-yet-uncarved-pumpkin, so that’s in the hallway. My long distance SO was supposed to visit in December but life keeps interfering, so at some point we are going to be celebrating All The Holidays, including Valentine’s Day. Hopefully before July 4th.)
posted by MexicanYenta at 5:58 AM on February 15, 2018 [3 favorites]


Team 3 Wishes, my cards for you didn't go out until Feb. 13th--I'm sorry! But thank you all for the wonderful cards and postcards and goodies! This has been a nice antidote to the February Existential Blahs, for sure.
posted by 2or3things at 6:35 AM on February 15, 2018 [2 favorites]


At home for the second straight day with a sick child and trying to get work done, also not feeling great myself. Kiddo missed her own Valentines exchange at school but we did get discount chocolates today (they were next to...kind of next to...the fever meds)!

Thanks team Sweet Love for the myriad cards/notes, a balm to this blah month so far. Cute stickers, nostalgic poetry, cool stamps, magnet, window cling, arty postcards, and a handmade heart!...I appreciate each one. <3 hugs
posted by methroach at 8:32 AM on February 15, 2018 [2 favorites]


I like getting some after the day. Makes the fun last longer.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 2:01 PM on February 15, 2018 [1 favorite]


February 14th is just Cheap Chocolate Eve anyway. Today's my REAL holiday.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 2:02 PM on February 15, 2018 [5 favorites]


February 14th is just Cheap Chocolate Eve anyway. Today's my REAL holiday.

Haha! For me too, but my local market is not catching that vibe this year and has replaced the Valentine's display overnight with the Easter display, depriving me of cheap chocolate (although there's cheap corn pops in the discount bin) AND forcing me to pick up and examine a small purple pack of Cadbury Mini Eggs only to put it back down, waiting for the sale. That I guess now will never come.

Chocolate problems!
posted by danabanana at 2:13 PM on February 15, 2018 [2 favorites]


Dear Team Be Mine:
I am a terrible Latey McLaterson, but I am blaming it on the Great Kitten Siege of 2018.
posted by drlith at 6:23 PM on February 15, 2018 [5 favorites]


Because Kittens(tm).
posted by The Underpants Monster at 8:31 PM on February 15, 2018 [3 favorites]


Team Be Mine, I love all of your cards so much. Mine are full of horrible puns please forgive me
posted by Hermione Granger at 6:51 PM on February 21, 2018 [3 favorites]


Team Call Me, that was fantastic! Thanks!

I haven't gotten this much non-direct non-junk mail in years!

Lovely.
posted by dreamling at 8:14 AM on February 23, 2018 [3 favorites]


I found a delightful, kitty-glitter-enhanced greeting in my mailbox today! Just exactly what I needed, when I needed it! Thanks, sciatrix and furry pals!
posted by Nancy_LockIsLit_Palmer at 9:25 PM on February 24, 2018 [2 favorites]


All SORTS of fun & delights! Today we had a lovely art card & retro slap bracelets that were stronger than the envelope they were shipped in - sharing the fun with the postal machines, no doubt! This is with sweet handprints, plus punny eighties stars & glitter kitties...so much love! Thanks everyone!
posted by childofTethys at 6:37 PM on February 26, 2018


Thank you all for lovely valentines. I too was delighted with the valentine balloon that self-inflated (I must find out how to obtain these for future occasions). I was deeply amused at the cards that were secret admirer sexy style (as was my spouse and child). It was neat getting early, late, and exactly on-time cards, making the holiday stretch over two or three weeks. I was most touched, though, to get a card delivered by owl post from Hermione, with a message from Ron, no less. Since my daughter got into Harry Potter a few years back, she has gotten increasingly obsessed. She got me back into it and into tons of discussions about nuances of it. Even though I'm not reading the fanfic with her, I'm caught up in the excitement of the world. So Hogwarts stationary showing up in my mailbox out of the blue was pretty much the best thing ever.
posted by Margalo Epps at 10:09 PM on February 26, 2018 [1 favorite]


I sent all of mine (Team 3 Wishes) out two weeks before Valentine's Day - and just today I got one of them back postage due?? It was the one to LuckySeven~. I'm horrified, did none of mine arrive...? Is a Forever stamp not enough postage for a small greeting card? I'm so sorry, LuckySeven~ and anyone else who didn't get one from me - dammit, I really did try so hard. :( Any that make it back to me, I will resend.
posted by tomboko at 1:26 PM on March 5, 2018


Was it square, by any chance (or, more definitively, having a width/height ratio less than 1.3) ?

'cause that gets you a $.21 surcharge.
posted by Zed at 4:38 PM on March 7, 2018


I discovered the same thing when mailing something, yeah! My theory is that the post office has invested in a ton of infrastructure that exploits the oblong rectangle nature of typical envelopes for robotic sorting/orientation purposes and that squarish stuff just messes with that aggressive optimization and requires more human attention, but that's just me spitballin'.
posted by cortex (staff) at 8:11 AM on March 8, 2018


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