We are a family a five now! Hurray! While we get accustomed to our new normal, I’ve invited a few of my talented friends to share a post with you. I am so thankful for their help and excited to share their work. Up today is Andrea from Crafting Connections!
Thanks so much for having me, Amy!
I’m Andrea from Crafting Connections. I’m also a mama to two little ones, so when I learned about Amy’s newest arrival I was over the moon for my friend!
As my own two move farther and farther from babyhood and out into the world, I can no longer smother them with the love and kisses I did when they were infants and with me 24/7. I’ve had to find new ways to send a tangible bit of my love with them as they go to school and try new things. Something they can pull out of their pocket whenever they feel the need. Something like Love Stones.
Love Stones are small, beautiful reminders of love. Small enough to fit in a pocket, smooth enough to rub (like a worry stone), and with a bit of art and words reminding them I’m always there even when physically I’m not.
To make your own Love Stones, you will need: smooth stones, acrylic paints, a varnish (like Mod Podge), paintbrush, and paint pen with a thin tip.
Start by painting a variety of hearts on your stones – big, small, play around and have fun. Hearts are great because anyone can paint one – you don’t need any great painting skills to do this!
Once your hearts have dried, you can add words and extra designs to each stone. Include a special message, an affirmation, a quote. When you are happy with your work and the stones have completely dried, cover them with a layer or two of varnish – this will add a lovely sheen and help prevent chipping or fading. Then slip a Love Stone in your little one’s (or your partner or spouses!) pocket, like a traveling love note.
Love Stones also make for a beautiful token and centerpiece at a bridal or baby shower. After all, these are events where those nearest and dearest to the bride or mama-to-be come together in celebration. It’s fitting that they too should walk away knowing how loved and cherished they are as well! Put a couple in the center of each place setting, or scatter them along with candles and bouquets as a unique and touching centerpiece!
Andrea Folsom is a writer, creative maker, and eternal optimist. You can find her obsessing over living a creative life while raising a creative family over on Crafting Connections. Follow her over on Instagram, Pinterest, and sign up for her weekly email, Inspiration for Creative Families, which includes 11+ exclusive digital mini-magazines for all ages!
Andrea Folsom, LCSW
