Artwork by Rebecca Hendin.
You’ve read my suggestions for alternative and special Valentine’s Day gifts, now it’s time for a round up of interesting things to do as the day approaches.
First up, suggestions for classes where you can make your own gifts: Pop along to The Create Place tonight for a spectacular celebration of the kitschy, tacky and smoochy courtesy of the Second Friday Society. Cross-stitching will be tutored by Violet Iris, alongside biscuit decorating. Expect cocktails, sarcasm and silliness, all for just £14. You will be encouraged to approach Valentine’s Day with a pinch of salt. Last year contributor Jessica Furseth took on Valentine’s at The Create Place, read all about it here.
At the London Jewellery School real romantics can make their loved one a beautiful Valentine’s charm – read my full listing for their bespoke Valentines gift class here on my website.
One of my favourite suggestions comes from Run Riot – food charity FareShare are collaborating with Forgotten Feast and their eco-chef Tom Hunt to produce a unique banqueting experience – Valentines for Everyone. These clever people will be creating a tasty three course meal from foodstuffs that would otherwise end up in landfill, and everyone will be sat together in proper feast style, so all are welcome, whether with loved ones or alone. Donations from ticket sales will go towards feeding the most vulnerable, and tickets are available for dinner tonight and on Saturday 11th, late lunch on Sunday 12th February, and for dinner on Valentine’s Day itself. The ticket price includes 3 courses, a drink and canapés.
Following on from her Taking Liberties Christmas pop up store at the Treatment Rooms Collective HQ, artist Carrie Reichardt will be holding a new female heavy show that includes examples of outsider art at her own studios in Acton, with the added chance to check out her ceramic covered House of Resistance. Expect strong visuals, such as the Goddess Kali created from found objects. The show opens today and continues all weekend, with donations going towards the activist video network Reel News.
For those of you who prefer to stay away from anything too saccharine and dinner based, how about a night out with some folk music? New alt/folk/Americana folk residency Folklore starts on 14th February at 93 Feet East on Brick Lane.
Mike Marlin – Left Behind
Many of the featured artists are still be under the radar so this is your chance to check them out first: Emma Gatrill, Mike Marlin, Sarah Johns Music Party and Lucy Kitt. Tickets can be bought online here and Facebook event here.
Finally, if you are after a high end jewellery purchase why not pop along to Amanda Li Hope‘s trunk show (these are the latest thang, folks, following hot on the heels of pop-ups) on Saturday 11th February between 12-5pm at Wolf & Badger in Notting Hill. Peruse her signature ?XX? collection, whilst sipping complimentary champagne and nibbling on yummy chocolates.
Whatever you choose to do this Valentine’s Day, I wish you lots of love in your life.
Categories ,93 Feet East, ,?XX?, ,Amanda Li Hope, ,Carrie Reichardt, ,Cross-Stitch, ,Emma Gatrill, ,FareShare, ,Folklore, ,Forgotten Feast, ,London Jewellery School, ,Lucy Kitt, ,Mike Marlin, ,Rebecca Hendin, ,Reel News, ,Run Riot, ,Sarah Johns Music Party, ,The Create Place, ,Tom Hunt, ,Treatment Rooms Collective HQ, ,Valentine’s Day, ,Valentines for Everyone, ,Wolf & Badger
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